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Friday, May 30, 2014

Why Industrial Extension Ladders Are The Less Expensive Alternative To Other Systems

By Marci Glover


In a manufacturing or construction setting, a ladder is indispensable. There are those who appreciate the ability to get a little higher to work on some piece of equipment or for installing something above their reach. Many will rely on A frame ladders for this, however, the industrial extension ladders have a far higher and more secure reach in most applications.

Depending on what needs to be done, an A frame may be the better choice. These are preferable for working on something that is not close enough to a structure to lean the extension ladder on. There is a major drawback, however, most work can be accomplished with this type of step assistance because most work is conducted at the perimeter of a space.

Safety regulations, enforced in most commercial and industrial situations, forbid personnel from stepping on the top of the A frame ladder. This also applies to the first and second step below that. This reduces the effective range of movement so that a 10 foot unit does not actually give the worker 10 foot of added height. This requires additional height and costs to gain a moderate rate of elevation.

The extension type of ladder does not have the same limitations. It can go from a 10 foot one to a 30 foot length or 12 feet model to as high as 36 feet. It does this by having one to three additional sections of length in back of the unit. These ride on rails to allow the movement of them up and down.

The simple ladders will have a hand operated system of extension. This means you will push the section up and latch the arms onto a rung to hold it tight. This is similar to the personal ladders available. The other system is a better way to handle this ladder. Through a pulley at the top of the ladder, you can pull the rope and lift those additional sections up and cause them to latch onto the rung.

The type of material that these units are constructed of will also be an important factor to consider. Most of these are metal, such as aluminum and can be painted to signify their association with a certain area of the plant or site. There are wooden ones, although this has been discouraged in recent years especially for outdoor work. The most popular material for these is fiberglass for very specific reasons.

The material does not corrode or rust even a bit. It has the same strength, without the weight, of metal units and the most important feature is how it protects the climber from one thing. The fiberglass ladder does not conduct electricity so workers, moving in and around these connections, will not be subjected to electrocution dangers as much.

Having a task that requires you or your employees to get up high and with no budget for a scissor lift or boom truck, is all the reason you need to have a few of these ladders on hand. They are easy to move, set up and extend when needed. With the pulley system and special feet that can be attached for uneven ground, this is the way to safely handle all of your above ground level work.




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