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Ladders are indispensable in many areas, whether in the home, in industry, in administration, in facility management, on construction sites or in agriculture. They enable access to higher areas that would be inaccessible without aids. However, the use of ladders also harbours risks. Especially when they are used in damp, oily or even muddy environments. KRAUSE has expanded its product portfolio to include step ladders, platform ladders, assembly steps, tanker ladders and window cleaner ladders with R13 anti-slip class steps precisely for these areas of application.

Slip resistance classes R9 to R13

Slip resistance is a decisive factor in the selection of products, especially in environments where the risk of falling on slippery surfaces is high. The classification of slip resistance is usually based on internationally recognised standards that measure the friction and adhesion of the surface.

The slip resistance classes classify the surfaces of products according to their slip-resistant properties. The most common classification is based on DIN 51130, which takes into account different inclinations of the test surfaces to assess slip resistance:

R9: Suitable for low hazard areas where a slightly slip-resistant surface is sufficient, e.g. in living areas.

R10: Suitable for workplaces or light industrial areas where moisture or light soiling is to be expected.

R11: Suitable for areas with medium traffic, such as kitchens or bathrooms, where moisture is common.

R12: Suitable for areas with increased risk, e.g. storage rooms or workshops where oily or greasy conditions are to be expected.

R13: For very high risk areas, such as slaughterhouses or breweries, where oily or greasy conditions may be constantly present.

How are the slip resistance classes determined?

The slip resistance classes R9 to R13 are determined in accordance with the DIN 51130 standard, which describes a test for assessing the slip resistance of floor coverings under defined conditions.

Test set-up: An inclined plane is used, which is covered with the floor covering to be tested. The angle of inclination of the plane is adjustable.

Test conditions: A tester wears standardised work shoes and a safety belt. A standardised oil/water mixture (engine oil) is applied to the floor covering to ensure uniform lubrication.

Test procedure: The tester walks on the inclined floor covering in a downward motion. The angle of inclination of the table is gradually increased. The test procedure is continued until the tester feels that they are starting to slip on the surface.

Determining the slip resistance class: The critical angle of inclination at which slipping begins is measured. This angle of inclination is then used to determine the slip resistance class. The classes are defined as follows:

R9: Angle of inclination ≥ 6° to < 10°
R10: Angle of inclination ≥ 10° to < 19°
R11: Inclination angle ≥ 19° to < 27°
R12: Inclination angle ≥ 27° to < 35°
R13: Angle of inclination ≥ 35°

Documentation: The results of the test are documented, including the exact angle of inclination and the associated slip resistance class. These classes provide a standardised method for evaluating and comparing the slip resistance of floor coverings, which is particularly important for safety in public and commercial areas.

Maximum slip resistance for maximum safety

The KRAUSE product development team always endeavours to offer users the greatest possible benefit with maximum work safety. In addition to the already available assembly steps and tanker ladders with grating steps, the STABILO series step ladders, window cleaner ladders and platform ladders have been extended to include versions with R13 steps. Users of these ladders are offered maximum slip resistance with the highest slip resistance class. The self-cleaning steps with an open hole pattern offer maximum safety even under the most adverse conditions and are easy to clean. The profiling of the steps prevents dirt, mud, snow or ice from sticking, as the dirt falls through the holes. The ladders are therefore self-cleaning when climbed. In contrast to many other R13 steps on the market with additional rubber or plastic inserts, the KRAUSE R13 step, which is made entirely of aluminium, is not subject to further wear. In addition to the steps, the platform of the single-sided step ladder is also equipped with these anti-slip properties.

KRAUSE special solutions - accesses and work platforms specially adapted to customer requirements - can also be fitted with floor coverings in the various slip-resistance classes as required. The KRAUSE team will be happy to advise interested parties on the selection of the appropriate class. The choice of the right slip resistance class for a product depends heavily on the specific environment in which it will be used, including the type of soiling and the expected frequency of use. The KRAUSE modular system also makes it easy to replace the product at a later date if required.

Further safety features and maintenance

In addition to slip resistance, other safety features play a decisive role in the selection and use of ladders. Sturdy constructions, additional handholds and non-slip ladder feet are important factors that can further increase safety. Regular maintenance and inspection of ladders is also crucial to ensure that they are in perfect condition. Damage or wear should be repaired immediately or the affected parts replaced to minimise the risk of accidents.

KRAUSE also offers seminars on the correct use, maintenance and inspection of ladders. These help users to develop a better understanding of the safety requirements and the correct handling of ladders, steps and mobile scaffolding, which increases work safety in the long term. The aim of the KRAUSE-ACADEMY seminars is to impart comprehensive specialist knowledge so that participants can carry out regular inspections and safe provision of this work equipment independently.

In addition to the seminars, which take place nationwide in attractive hotels or directly at the KRAUSE factory, the access technology professionals also offer on-site seminars customised for individual companies. The access technology products used in the company are integrated into the seminar to ensure maximum practical relevance - from the practical execution of a ladder test to the assembly of the existing rolling tower. In addition to training your employees to become ‘qualified persons’, the individual seminars can also be used as instruction or user training for users of access technology and as product training for dealers.

Those who do not wish to attend the seminars themselves can also have the regular inspections of access technology carried out by the KRAUSE specialists. The experts carry out the inspections in accordance with legal requirements and ensure that all work equipment is safe and ready for use. In addition to ladders, steps and mobile scaffolding, KRAUSE also offers this service for many other types of work equipment such as special solutions, shelving systems, power-operated gates and fixed electrical systems and machines.

Innovations and further developments

The constant further development of materials and technologies plays an important role in access technology. KRAUSE continuously invests in research and development in order to offer new, innovative solutions that further increase safety and efficiency. KRAUSE's vision is to further raise the standards in access technology with these innovations and to offer users products that not only fulfil their current needs, but are also equipped for future requirements.