WernerCo looks at why tradespeople should make a fibreglass ladder part of their toolkit.
Each year around 1,000 accidents at work involving electric shocks or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Whilst it might seem an obvious consideration, there are still a worrying number of tradesmen who don’t use non-conductive ladders here in the UK. This is a stark contrast to the United States, where over 50 per cent of all ladders sold across all trades and construction industries are fibreglass.
When not supplied with suitable equipment, those working around electricity are left at a higher risk of experiencing shocks that are conducted by traditional aluminium ladders.
What are the benefits of a fibreglass ladder?
One of the main benefits of fibreglass ladders is the fact that they are designed with non-conductive stiles, which reduces the risk of shock when working near electricity. This makes fibreglass ladders essential for any tradesman working on electrical contracting jobs or carrying out general electrical tasks.
I don’t primarily work around electricity, should I still invest in a fibreglass ladder?
The great thing about fibreglass ladders is that they’re not only a good solution for those working around electricity, they’re also highly durable, making them a great option for most tradesmen. Fibreglass is extremely resistant to weathering and does not absorb moisture, making it ideal when working in wet or damp environments to minimise the risk of long-term damage. By investing in fibreglass you’ll not only be equipping yourself with a reliable set of ladders, you’ll also be making sure you do have a safe solution should you ever happen to be working around electricity.
What should I look for when buying a fibreglass ladder?
When purchasing a fibreglass ladder, contractors and electrical engineers should ensure they are choosing a reputable manufacturer in order to guarantee the quality of the product, as cheaper imports may not be as safe or thoroughly tested. For example, some of the leading models on the market feature rails made using a proprietary pultrusion process, which creates a seven-layer construction, resulting in a strong and uniform product. Additionally, any fibreglass ladder should be approved to the latest EN131 standard to certify its use for professional work.
WernerCo manufactures a comprehensive range of fibreglass ladders. Under the reputable Werner and Youngman brand categories is a choice of trade and industrial-standard platform and swingback stepladders, and a comprehensive selection of utility extension ladders.
