Working at height in any environment can pose a significant health and safety risk, but when you're working on a scaffold tower, there are some additional risks that you need to be aware of.

Pictured: Super DIY Heavy Duty Tower with Height Adjustable Wheels

Of course, falling from a scaffold tower can result in life-changing injuries, but falling isn't the only risk you need to consider when working on a scaffold tower. Dropped objects, faulty scaffolding, and even the weather can potentially create all sorts of workplace hazards.

Today, we're going to share some invaluable scaffold tower safety tips so that you can work from height in the safest way possible!

Disclaimer: We can't account for every problem you might encounter while working on a scaffold tower. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when erecting your scaffold tower, and seek the help of a professional if you have any questions.

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When you're working on a ladder, there are so many different hazards you need to be aware of. In a split second, everything can go from running smoothly to a complete disaster - and it happens all the time. When people don't use ladders properly or don't take the necessary precautions, it leaves them in a vulnerable situation where an accident is likely to occur.

Before you undertake any work on a ladder, it's paramount that you understand the potential dangers and know how to use a ladder safely. Today we're going to look at the biggest causes of ladder accidents, to show you some of the most common ladder accidents that occur. Let's get into it!

You picked the wrong ladder for the job

One of the biggest causes of ladder accidents is incorrect ladder use. This occurs when people purchase one ladder (a step ladder for example), and expect it to be safe to complete every imaginable job that they need to do. Most ladders on the market are designed for a specific use. You will see when you browse our website that we offer ladders for domestic use, professional use, for use around electrical hazards, and even for use on roofs.

We always try to make it clear what a ladder should be used for in our product descriptions so that you can make an educated purchase, however, if you're ever unsure about anything you can always contact us for advice.

If you are looking for a ladder that can support you in a wide range of jobs, our combination ladders are a great option because they can be configured in numerous different ways. We've put together an in-depth ladder-buying guide that you can review if you're unsure what type of ladder you need for a particular job. 

Read More: Ladder Buying Guide - What Kind of Ladder Do I Need?

Many ladder accidents occur because people use the wrong ladder for the task at hand. They think that their crusty old extension ladder that's been living in the shed for 10 years will be suitable to complete all manner of jobs, but the reality is, using the wrong type of ladder to complete a job can have serious consequences. 

You're working in an unsafe environment

The area in which you are working also plays a key role in your safety. It's vital that you work on even ground and secure your ladder properly before attempting to climb it. People end up injured when they don't properly assess the hazards of an area they're going to work in.

For example, if you're going to be working in an environment where there's an electrical hazard - you should really make allowances for this by purchasing a fibre glass ladder. Similarly, if you're going to be working somewhere that's higher than 6 feet off the ground, you should invest in appropriate PPE such as a helmet & safety harness. 

Understanding the work environment and the risks it poses can help you prepare for all eventualities. If you climb your ladder with absolutely no regard for your surroundings, you're asking for an accident to happen. Never climb a ladder unless you're absolutely certain that you can get up, do the job, and get back down safely.

We recently published a blog with some specific advice about working in windy conditions. This is especially useful if you're a tradesperson who often works on-site in all weather. If you'd like to learn more about preparing to work in challenging environments, be sure to give it a read!

Read More: Ladder Safety Tips - Working in Windy Conditions

You didn't use your ladder properly

It's a sad fact that a large number of ladder accidents occur due to human error. Even if you take all the precautions in the world, accidents do happen - and while it's not possible to prevent ALL ladder accidents, you can do yourself a huge favour and learn how to use your ladder properly to reduce the risk. 

Just by reading this blog, you are setting yourself up for a safer experience with your ladder. However, certain ladders require a higher degree of training. Roof ladders, for example, should not be used by people with no ladder experience. They need to be deployed and secured carefully, and you need to have the correct fall protection equipment in place to protect you in the event of a fall. Climbing up onto the roof of your home without any prior training is a recipe for disaster. 

If you're keen to brush up on your ladder safety skills, you could enroll on a ladder safety course. This will teach you all the necessary skills you need to use ladders safely, including - conducting a risk assessment, understanding the legislation around ladder use, and learning how to carry out proper inspection and maintenance checks. 

Learn More: What Does A Ladder Safety Course Involve and Should I Do One?

With all of this in mind, it's fair to say that the main cause of ladder accidents is human error. If you pick the wrong ladder, don't assess your environment, and use it in a way that the manufacturer didn't intend, then you're asking for trouble. If you're looking to buy a high-quality ladder, we have a huge range on offer. Shop all of our ladders below.

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(Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder pictured)

When it comes to having a loft ladder installed in your home, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is - are all loft hatches the same size? There are so many different loft ladder designs on the market, that it can be difficult to know which one will be the best fit for your home. Can you just pick any loft ladder that takes your fancy, or should you measure your loft hatch first?

If you don't want to make any structural changes to your home, then yes, it probably is wise to measure your loft ladder hatch and use this as a guide when you're shopping. However, if you're happy to do a bit of DIY to create a loft ladder that's bigger than the existing one, then that opens you up to a much wider range of products.

What is the standard loft hatch size?

Here in the UK, there are certain building regulations that builders have to follow when they're building a house, so there are a few loft hatch sizes that we time and time again. The standard loft hatch size is 562mm x 726mm.

What are other common loft hatch sizes?

Here are some more of the UK's common loft hatch measurements:

• 450mm x 600mm
• 600mm x 700mm
• 700mm x 900mm

Don't see your loft hatch measurements here? Don't panic. There isn't really a standard size when it comes to loft hatches, and it's common for loft hatches to be much bigger than the dimensions we've listed here. Smaller loft hatches are great if you're only interested in installing a streamlined loft ladder - typically made of aluminium. However, if you're keen to have a larger loft hatch opening so you can install a wooden loft ladder, or so you can lift large items of furniture up into your loft space, then you might need to make your existing loft hatch a bit bigger!

What to do if your loft hatch is too small?

If you've had a look at some of the loft ladders we have available here at Ladders UK Direct, and you've realised that your existing loft hatch is too small for the loft ladder you wish to install, then there are ways you can make it bigger!

First, you need to measure out the size of the loft hatch opening you need and allow a few inches (we recommend 4 or 5 inches) on either side. Next, you'll need to make sure the area in the roof that you're cutting into doesn't contain any wires or pipes. You don't want to end up with a ton of other repair jobs to do in the process. You can use a wire/pipe detector to check for signs of metal, but if you are in doubt, always seek the help of a professional. 

If you need to cut through any ceiling joists to alter the size of your loft hatch opening, you will need to enlist the help of a structural engineer. They will carry out tests to ensure that the roof you're cutting into (and the walls below it) will remain stable and upright after the work is done. Once you've made the loft hatch opening big enough, all you need to do is place your order and we'll make sure you get all the installation instructions you need to install your loft ladder and start using your attic space right away.

Best-selling loft ladders

So, now you know that all loft hatches aren't the same size, let's take a look at some of our best-selling loft ladders to see what size loft hatches they require. As always, if you're unsure about which loft ladder would best suit your home, our team of specialists is on hand to help you out. You can send us an email with your requirements at sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk, and we'll be more than happy to offer you some guidance. 

Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) 

The Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder (pictured at the beginning of this blog), is one of our best-selling loft ladders, and for good reason! It features a stunning, wooden design, is comfortable to climb and is very easy to install in most homes. The minimum loft hatch opening width for this loft ladder is 700mm, and the minimum opening length is 1200mm. This allows plenty of room for you to move things up and down from the attic as and when you need to!

Shop Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) >

3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder

If you're looking for a loft ladder that requires a significantly smaller hatch size, this 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder is perfect for you. It offers a max load of 150kg, which is perfect for carrying most household items, and it also features a built-in handrail for additional security while you climb. The loft hatch requirements for this loft ladder are only 380mm x 460mm - meaning it will fit in even the smallest loft hatches.

Buy 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder >

Not seen a loft ladder that appeals to you here? We have a huge selection of loft ladders for you to choose from. Browse the full selection below.

Loft Ladders >

While it's true that loft ladders are a very useful asset in a home, not every home has one! In fact, there are hundreds of homes up and down the country with huge attic space and no way of accessing it. If you've been considering adding a loft ladder to your home, there are a few factors you should take into consideration. Today we're going to walk you through the things you should look for in a loft ladder in the hope that we can help you choose the perfect loft ladder for your home. So, what should you look for in a loft ladder?

Durability

When you make improvements to your home, you want to make sure you're investing in items that will stand the test of time. No one wants to purchase a loft ladder now and find that it needs replacing in as little as 2 - 5 years! All of the loft ladders we offer here at Ladders UK Direct are built to last, but some are designed to be used more frequently and to last longer than others.

The type of material that your loft ladder is made of will play a big part in its durability. There are a few different loft ladder materials to choose from, but the most common are aluminium and wood. But which is most durable?

Wooden loft ladders are great if you're planning to use your loft frequently. They're incredibly durable and can hold heavy loads. They also boast a natural aesthetic that's really appealing in modern homes. 

Aluminium loft ladders are also a durable option, but they're not as heavy-duty as their wooden counterparts. They're better for less-frequent use and they're incredibly lightweight.

See all the differences between wood and aluminium loft ladders here!

Ease-of-use

Choosing a loft ladder that works for you is easy if you have a good idea of what (and how often) you'll be using it. Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of sliding, concertina and fixed loft ladders - all of which are very easy to use!

Our fixed loft ladders and loft staircases are ideal if you're planning a loft conversion. They provide a permenant access solution that will make it easy for you to get up and down into your new-found space as often as you'd like to. They're also incredibly stylish, meaning they'll be a talking point when you have guests over - or when you put your house on the market. 

Shop Loft Stairs >     Shop Spiral Stairs >

Our sliding loft ladders are ideal if you only want to access your loft a few times a year. Many of our extending loft ladders are spring assisted, meaning they can be extended and put away with ease whenever you need them! You will find a wide range of wooden and aluminium loft ladders in our sliding range/

Shop Extendable Loft Ladders >

Max-load

Finally, one of the key things you should look for in a loft ladder is the max-load. People tend to overlook this very important detail when choosing a loft ladder, but the max load will determine how much weight you can carry when you're going up into the attic - so it's important you pick one that suits your requirements. 

If you're planning on carrying large pieces of furniture, christmas decorations or other personal items into the loft, then it's important you factor this extra weight in when you're browsing loft ladders. Some of our lightweight aluminium loft ladders can carry up to 100kg, while our sturdier, wooden loft ladders can carry up to 150kg and more! 

Other things to look for in a loft ladder include:

• The size, shape and length of the loft ladder
• Whether or not it comes complete with a hatch kit or not
• The comfort of the rungs
• The accessories (including handrails) 
• The style and colour

Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a huge range of loft ladders to suit your home! You can browse our full range of loft ladders below.

Browse All Loft Ladders >

 Read More:

- How to Choose a Loft Ladder

- What is the Best Loft Ladder?

Adding an extension ladder to your DIY or professional kit is an excellent idea, but choosing the best one for you can be tricky. There are so many different options on the market, and it can be overwhelming, but lucky for you - we've got some ladder experts on hand who can help you out! We're going to talk you through some of the best extension ladders out there so that you can choose the perfect one for you.

How to choose the best extension ladder for you

Here are a few questions we would recommend answering if you're trying to decide which extension ladder is best for you. An extension ladder that might be perfect for you and your requirements might not be the best extension ladder for someone else, so it really is important that you fully explore the size, use, material, etc. that's right for you. 

1. Are you a professional tradesperson or a DIY-er? 

We have a great selection of professional and home extension ladders for you to choose from. Extension ladders have to be certified to different standards depending on where they'll be used, so this is one of the most important questions when it comes to finding the best extension ladder for you.

2. Will you be working around electrical hazards such as power lines? 

Working around electrical hazards can be really dangerous - even life-threatening in some instances. To reduce the risk of electric shock, you should look at purchasing one of our fibre glass extension ladders. These non-conductive ladders are perfect for protecting you against electric shocks!

3. How high will you need to climb? 

If you're a homeowner who's only ever going to need to reach up to the guttering (at most), then a double extension ladder should suffice. However, if you're going to need to reach higher than this on occasion, we'd recommend one of our triple extension ladders for extra height. 

What are the best extension ladders on the market?

Let's take a closer look at some of the best extension ladders on the market, we're sure that one of these will suit your requirements. As always, if you can't find what you're looking for here and would like the help of the Ladders UK Direct team, we'd be more than happy to help you find the best extension ladder for you. Get in touch now.

Best professional extension ladder

Super-Trade Plus Triple Extension Ladder

This Super-Trade Plus Triple Extension Ladder is perfect for all professional users. It comes in a variety of lengths from 4 - 10 metres, providing you with plenty of reach for all kinds of jobs. It's made of lightweight, rust-proof aluminium meaning it'll be easy to transport & will last a lifetime!

Order Super-Trade Plus Triple Extension Ladder Now >

Best DIY extension ladder

Domestic Double Extension Ladder

This domestic extension ladder is ideal for most DIY users. It's the perfect length for reaching second storey buildings and gutters & boasts a lightweight aluminium design that means it's very easy to manoeuvre. Better yet, it can be stored in most standard sheds and garages, meaning you can keep it safe & ready to use at a moment's notice. 

Order Domestic Double Extension Ladder >

Best fibre glass extension ladder

Glass Fibre V3 Combination Ladder

For the ultimate flexibility & protection against electric shocks, this fibre glass combination is an excellent option. As well as being one of the best fibre glass extension ladders on the market, this fibre glass ladder can also be used as a step ladder and a fibre glass platform ladder. This really is a versatile tool to add to your arsenal.

Order Glass Fibre V3 Combination Ladder >

So there you have it, a little round-up of the best extension ladders on the market. We hope that this guide will help you find the right extension ladder to suit your needs. You can browse our full range of extension ladders below.

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