Posted on 2nd October 2017

Ladder and stepladder standards are changing, with the current British Standard BS 2037 Class 1 (ladders for heavy duty and industrial use) being withdrawn. A revised BS EN131 containing a Professional rating will replace Class 1, with a Non-Professional rating introduced for DIY applications. The main difference between the ratings will be durability, as both will have the same safe working load of 150kg.

The Ladder Association has asked its members to fully implement the new version, at the latest by the end of 2018. The most noticeable change will be to extension ladders over 3m, which will include a stabiliser bar to reduce, slip along with the chance of the ladder flipping or toppling.

All of the current EN131 stepladder products available from TB Davies already comply with the new standards requirement, with several new and improved ladder and step models becoming available during the first part of next year, as we replace the Class 1 products.

As standards are not applicable, retrospectively you will not need to stop using ladders built to the previous criteria. The revision simply sets a new minimum, to ensure even the most basic DIY products are designed to be safer and more durable.

If you would like a site visit report where we can update on standards and legislation, inspect existing equipment and evaluate current practices. We can currently offer the visits to Troy members free of charge for a limited period instead of the normal £300 fee.  

Posted in Market news, Uncategorised