Why Are Some Ladders Unsuitable for Professional Use?

The current EN131 ladder regulations sort ladders into two classifications: Professional and Non-Professional.

• Ladders rated Professional are designed for demanding workplace environments where tasks typically require extra durability and safety precautions.
  
  
• Ladders rated Non-Professional  are suitable for domestic and at-home DIY jobs, but should not be used for trade or industrial applications.

What Makes a Ladder Unsuitable for Professional Use?

Although both classifications of ladder undergo similar tests and must have a weight capacity of at least 150kg, professional ladders are subjected to more rigorous durability testing. Professional ladders are required to undergo 50,000 repetitions, whereas Non-Professional ladders only have to withstand 10,000 repetitions.

Therefore, if a ladder has not undergone the correct number of durability repetitions and testing, it is considered unsuitable for professional use.

Examples of Professional Use

You will need a Professional ladder if…

• The ladder is being used in a place of business (e.g. a shop, office or construction site).
  
  
• The ladder is being used to access items stored at height in a warehouse.
  
  
• The ladder is being used for a physically demanding task (e.g. a task where the worker needs to climb up and down frequently).
  
  
• The ladder is regularly in use for long periods of time.
  
  
• The ladder is being used to perform maintenance tasks in commercial premises.

Examples of Non-Professional Use

It’s OK to use a Non-Professional ladder if…

• The ladder is being used at home.
  
  
• The ladder is being used for light, infrequent tasks (e.g. changing lightbulbs, hanging decorations or reaching shelves).

At Ladders UK Direct, we stock a range of both Professional and Non-Professional ladders, so you’re sure to find exactly what you need on our website!

Professional Ladders Non-Professional Ladders

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about ladder classifications.

FURTHER READING: What Counts as ‘Professional Use’ for Ladders?