Whether you're a professional contractor, maintenance worker, or business owner, choosing the right access equipment is crucial for safety and productivity. This comprehensive FAQ answers the most common questions about ladders, work platforms, mobile towers, and access equipment to help you make the very best informed decisions when buying these products.
What is access equipment and why is it important?
Access equipment refers to any tools, structures, or devices designed to provide safe access to elevated work areas. This includes ladders, work platforms, mobile access towers, scaffolding, and specialist equipment like podiums and staging boards. Access equipment is essential for maintaining safety while working at height, which is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents.
Provide safe, stable platforms for working at height
Reduce the risk of falls and injuries
Improve work efficiency and productivity
Comply with health and safety regulations
Enable access to areas that would otherwise be unreachable
What are the main types of access equipment available?
Extension ladders (aluminium and fibreglass)
Step ladders with handrails
Combination ladders (multi-purpose)
Roof ladders
Trade ladders
Aluminium work platforms
Mobile work platforms
Adjustable height platforms
Folding work platforms
Mobile Safety Steps
Aluminium mobile towers
AGR (Advance Guardrail) towers
Narrow width towers
Centrefold towers
Specialist Equipment:
Podium steps and low-level platforms
Staging boards
Bespoke safety steps
Platform accessories and components
How do I choose the right access equipment for my job?
Selecting appropriate access equipment depends on several key factors:
Height Requirements:
Determine the working height needed
Consider safe reach distances
Account for the equipment's maximum safe working height
Environment:
Indoor vs outdoor use
Available space and access routes
Ground conditions and stability
Weather considerations
Load Requirements:
Weight of workers and materials
Equipment load capacity ratings
Distribution of weight on platform
Duration and Frequency:
Short-term vs long-term projects
How often the equipment will be moved
Storage requirements when not in use
Safety Standards:
Compliance with relevant regulations (EN standards, BS standards)
Required safety features (guardrails, stabilisers)
Training requirements for operators
What safety standards should access equipment meet?
Access equipment must comply with specific safety standards depending on the type and application:
EN131 Standard:
Applies to portable ladders
Covers design, construction, and testing requirements
Ladders over 3m require stabiliser bars under the latest EN131 standard
EN1004 Standard:
Covers mobile access towers
Applies to towers up to 12m height indoors and 8m outdoors
Ensures structural integrity and stability
BS1139 Part 6:
Covers metal scaffolding and mobile access towers outside EN1004 scope, including high-level towers greater than 12m indoors and 8m outdoors
Work at Height Regulations 2005:
Legal requirement for safe working practices
Mandates risk assessments and safety measures
Requires proper inspection and maintenance
What's the difference between professional and non-professional ladders?
Professional Ladders:
Designed for commercial and trade use
Higher load capacity (typically 150kg)
More robust construction and materials
Longer warranty periods (typically 10 years)
Meet stricter safety standards
Suitable for frequent, heavy-duty use
Non-Professional Ladders:
Designed for domestic and light commercial use
Lower load capacity (typically 100kg)
Lighter construction for easier handling
Shorter warranty periods (typically 5 years)
Suitable for occasional use
When should I use fibreglass ladders instead of aluminium?
Fibreglass ladders should be used when working with or around electricity, as they provide electrical insulation that aluminium ladders cannot offer. Choose fibreglass ladders for:
Electrical work and maintenance
Working near power lines
Industrial environments with electrical hazards
Outdoor work during storms or adverse weather
Chemical environments where aluminium may corrode
Aluminium ladders are better for:
General construction and maintenance
Indoor applications
Weight-sensitive applications (aluminium is lighter)
Budget-conscious projects
Frequent transportation requirements
How do I determine the correct ladder height for my job?
The safe reach for ladder heights assumes a 1.7m tall person with a vertical reach of 0.5m, with the safe working height typically 1.75m as the average reach height when standing on the maximum advised safe climb height.
General Guidelines:
Choose a ladder slightly higher than needed to avoid overreach
Never stand on the top two rungs of a step ladder
Maintain the 4:1 rule for extension ladders (1m out for every 4m up)
Consider the task requirements and material handling needs
Example Heights:
2m ladder: Safe reach up to approximately 3.7m
3m ladder: Safe reach up to approximately 4.7m
4m ladder: Safe reach up to approximately 5.7m
What is a combination ladder and when should I use one?
A combination ladder is a versatile piece of equipment that can be configured in multiple ways:
A-frame step ladder
Straight extension ladder
Stairway ladder with different leg lengths
Work platform or table
Multi-purpose configurations for various applications
Combination ladders are ideal when:
You need multiple ladder configurations for one project
Storage space is limited
You want maximum versatility from one piece of equipment
Working on uneven surfaces or stairs
Cost-effectiveness is important
What are the advantages of work platforms over ladders?
Work platforms offer several significant advantages:
Enhanced Safety:
Larger, more stable working surface
Built-in guardrails and safety features
Reduced risk of falls and overreaching
Better balance and stability for workers
Increased Productivity:
Room for tools and materials on platform
Ability to work with both hands free
Less time spent climbing up and down
Multiple workers can use larger platforms
Versatility:
Adjustable height options available
Linking capabilities for extended work areas
Mobile options for moving between work areas
Various platform sizes for different applications
What is an adjustable work platform and when do I need one?
Adjustable work platforms offer variable height settings to accommodate different working requirements. They're particularly useful for:
Projects with varying height requirements
Uneven work surfaces or sloped areas
Applications requiring precise positioning
Multi-stage work processes
Facilities maintenance with different ceiling heights
Key benefits include:
Quick height adjustments without disassembly
Improved efficiency on varied projects
Better ergonomics for workers
Reduced need for multiple pieces of equipment
How do folding work platforms benefit users?
Compact folding work platforms provide several advantages:
Space Efficiency:
Fold down for compact storage
Easy transportation in vehicles
Suitable for confined work areas
Minimal storage footprint
Practical Benefits:
Quick setup and deployment
Lightweight yet robust construction
Reduced storage costs
Ideal for mobile service operations
What is a mobile access tower and when should I use one?
A mobile access tower is a straightforward but versatile piece of access equipment that can be assembled and dismantled quickly and easily, with built-in means of access and collective fall prevention throughout.
Key characteristics include:
Freestanding, single bay structure with four legs and wheels
Only one working platform at a time
Can reach working heights of 12m indoors and 8m outdoors
Generally made of aluminium or GRP (fibreglass)
Use mobile access towers for:
Extended work periods at height
Tasks requiring larger working platforms
Projects needing mobility between locations
Work requiring multiple personnel access
Professional construction and maintenance work
What is the difference between AGR and 3T tower systems?
3T stands for Through the Trap and is one of two processes used for fall protection on mobile towers recommended by PASMA and HSE. The other process is Advance Guardrail (AGR) systems.
3T (Through the Trap) System:
Traditional method using trap doors
Requires climbing through platform openings
More manual handling during assembly
Lower initial cost
Suitable for experienced users
AGR (Advance Guardrail) System:
Modern safety system with pre-installed guardrails
Enhanced fall protection during assembly
Faster, safer setup process
Higher initial investment
Preferred for frequent use and safety-critical applications
What are the height limitations for mobile access towers?
Mobile access towers certified as conforming to EN1004 can reach working heights of 12m indoors and 8m outdoors in freestanding condition. Beyond these limits:
Higher Towers:
Towers outside EN1004-1 height limits can be freestanding up to 16m indoors or tied up to 20m (indoors or outdoors)
Must be built on baseplates instead of wheels
May require tying to supporting structures
Subject to BS1139-6 standards instead of EN1004
Safety Considerations:
General guidance suggests towers should be stable in freestanding condition in wind speeds up to 27mph (Beaufort 6)
Higher towers require additional safety measures
Professional assembly may be required
Site-specific risk assessments essential
Can mobile access towers be used on sloping ground?
Various factors determine if it's safe to assemble a tower on a slope, and only your risk assessment can determine if it's safe.
Key considerations include:
Safety Measures:
It's safer to assemble a tower on a slope using base plates instead of castors
May need tying to supporting structures or ground anchors
Steep slopes may require digging out locally to accommodate base plates on flat areas
Ground Assessment:
Check if ground surface is suitable
Loose, soft or unstable sloping ground surfaces can be particularly dangerous
Consider using different end frames for levelling
Professional assessment recommended for significant slopes
Leg Adjustments:
Never use adjustable legs to gain extra height - they're only for levelling on uneven surfaces
At least one adjustable leg should always be on minimum extension
What are podium steps and when should I use them?
Podium steps are often called podiums, pulpits, room scaffolds or podium steps. They provide a stable platform for one person carrying out tasks at heights under 2.5 metres. Benefits include:
Design Features:
Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre
Fold away for easy storage or transportation
Have collective fall prevention built in
Ideal Applications:
Ceiling work and installations
Painting and decorating at low levels
Maintenance tasks in confined spaces
Retail and warehouse applications
Office and commercial building maintenance
What are the benefits of aluminium access equipment?
Aluminium access equipment offers numerous advantages:
Weight and Handling:
Significantly lighter than steel alternatives
Easier to transport and manoeuvre
Reduced physical strain on workers
Lower transportation costs
Durability and Maintenance:
Excellent corrosion resistance
Long service life with minimal maintenance
Retains structural integrity over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Performance:
High strength-to-weight ratio
Suitable for most working environments
Professional load capacities available
Compatible with various accessories
When do I need bespoke safety steps?
Bespoke safety steps are available as POA (Price on Application), indicating custom design and manufacturing. Consider bespoke solutions when:
Standard Equipment Won't Fit:
Unusual height requirements
Specific space constraints
Unique access requirements
Integration with existing structures
Specialist Applications:
Industrial process access
Vehicle maintenance platforms
Machinery access requirements
Safety-critical environments
Custom Features Needed:
Specific load requirements
Environmental resistance needs
Integration with other systems
Compliance with specialist standards
Do I need training to use access equipment?
Training requirements vary by equipment type and application:
PASMA Training:
Required for mobile access tower assembly and use
Provides 5-year qualification of competency
Covers safety procedures and best practices
Recommended by Health & Safety standards
General Training Needs:
Basic ladder safety for all users
Equipment-specific training for complex systems
Risk assessment and method statements
Emergency procedures and rescue protocols
Professional Requirements:
Some equipment requires certified operators
Insurance may mandate training records
Client requirements may specify qualifications
Legal compliance in commercial settings
How often should access equipment be inspected?
Towers must be inspected as often as necessary to ensure safety. PASMA recommends inspections after assembly or significant alteration, before use, and following any event likely to have affected stability or structural integrity.
Regular Inspection Schedule:
Visual inspection before each use
Detailed inspection after assembly
Periodic professional inspections
Post-incident inspections as required
Inspection Documentation:
PASMA Tower Inspection Record provides visual indicator of inspection status and satisfies Work at Height Regulations requirements
Maintain inspection records
Document any defects or repairs
Track equipment service history
What should I look for during access equipment inspection?
Comprehensive inspection should cover all critical components:
Structural Elements:
Check that stiles (uprights) are not bent, bowed, twisted, dented, cracked, corroded or rotten
Verify fixings (rivets, screws, bolts) are not missing, loose or corroded
Inspect rungs and corner braces for wear, corrosion or damage
Safety Features:
Check all hinge locking catches and platform locking catches function correctly
Verify platforms are securely attached with no missing parts or fixings
Test adjustable legs and levelling mechanisms
Cleanliness and Contamination:
Ensure equipment is free from contaminants like dirt, mud, paint, oil or grease
Clean equipment before and after use
Store in clean, dry conditions