Dirty ladders: Risks and solutions
Dirty ladders pose a significant safety risk on construction sites. Dust, mud, oil or other contaminants can make the surface of ladders slippery, which significantly increases the risk of falling. If workers slip on a dirty ladder, they can easily lose their balance and fall from a great height, which can lead to serious injuries or even fatal accidents. To minimise this risk, regular cleaning and inspection of ladders is essential.
The KRAUSE product development team always strives 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 now been extended to include versions with R13 steps. With the highest slip resistance class, users of these ladders are offered maximum slip resistance. 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 impurities fall through the holes. This provides a self-cleaning function when climbing the ladders. 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 aluminum, 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.
Incorrect use of ladders
One of the most common causes of accidents on construction sites is the improper use of ladders. Incorrect erection, e.g. on uneven or slippery ground, can significantly impair stability and increase the risk of tipping. Leaning ladders against unsuitable surfaces or setting them up at an angle that is too flat or too steep is also dangerous, as it jeopardises the balance of the ladder and therefore the safety of the user. Another common mistake is exceeding the maximum usable rung or step height. If an employee stands on the top steps or rungs of a ladder, they lack the necessary support and the ladder can easily become unstable, which can lead to a fall. Using ladders for purposes other than their intended purpose, for example using a step ladder as a single leaning ladder, is also prohibited and increases the risk of injury enormously.
By observing these principles, many accidents can be avoided and safety on the construction site can be significantly improved. Choosing the right ladder makes a decisive contribution to minimising the risk of accidents. With an exceptionally wide range of access technology, KRAUSE offers specific solutions for almost every work situation. Many models can also be set up in different ways, which increases flexibility on the construction site.
The latest product development from Hesse are single and double-sided step ladders with infinitely telescopic rails that can be used on stairs or landings. These step ladders provide a safe and stable base for working at height. Thanks to the individually adjustable rails, they can also be used on many spiral staircases. Thanks to decades of new and further development of existing products, KRAUSE ladders have special safety features that support proper use and create a safe working environment. In addition, KRAUSE offers a comprehensive range of safety accessories.
TRBS 2121-2-compliant construction site?
When the “Technical Rules for Operational Safety 2121 Part 2” came into force in December 2018, there were some changes for commercial users of ladders. The occupational safety regulations stipulate that rung ladders are no longer permitted under certain conditions, which in the worst case can lead to the closure of an entire construction site if they are not observed. Since then, the TRBS has differentiated between using the ladder as a traffic route or as a workplace. If the ladder is left after reaching a higher level, it is being used as a traffic route. Both step ladders and rung ladders up to a height of five meters can be used for this purpose. If the user remains on the ladder while working, it is used as a workplace. In this case, rung ladders are no longer permitted.
The innovative KRAUSE STABILO +S ladders with steps and rungs combine workplace and traffic route in one ladder. The removable ladder sections of extension and multipurpose ladders can also be removed in the TRBS-compliant version and used independently of the rest of the ladder. No additional ladder needs to be purchased for changing types of use, which has a positive effect on investment costs. With a KRAUSE TRBS ladder, the user is always on the safe side for all work assignments, regardless of whether it is a traffic route or workplace. KRAUSE STABILO +S ladders do not require any additional tread plates or steps that can be retrofitted, which was particularly important to the developers of the market leader in access technology.
By choosing the right ladder for the job, companies can not only increase safety on site, but also increase productivity by providing the best tool for the job. KRAUSE ladders offer an optimal solution for the challenges of everyday construction site work thanks to their well thought-out design and high-quality materials.