The Evolution of Ladders From Static to Portable Mobile Safety Steps

The most appropriate means of access to temporary workplaces at a height are ladders. The type of ladder selected varies depending upon the frequency of passage, the height to be negotiated and the duration of use. Proper safety measures are very much essential while using ladders at industrial workplaces. In the use of a conventional ladder, whether it is a step ladder or is adapted to be placed at an angle against a surface, the user typically ascends and descends the ladder by grasping upper rungs or sides of the ladder with the hands while moving the feet from step-to-step on lower rungs or steps of the ladder. If such a ladder is placed against a surface at too steep an angle, it is not uncommon for the center of gravity to be such that the ladder is quite unstable, and capable of tipping over backwards under the weight of the person using the ladder. In addition, the rungs or steps of the ladder do not provide a convenient handrail or handgrip; and, at least for some people, the lack of any surrounding side supports leads to a sense of insecurity.

The risk of falling from ladders can be minimized at workplaces by the usage of proper safety ladders. There should be provision for a retractable safety handle along with the ladder. Ladders must be so positioned as to ensure their stability during use. They must be used in such a way that a secure handhold and secure support are available to workers at all times. In particular, if a load has to be carried by hand on a ladder, it must not preclude the maintenance of a safe handhold. It is desirable to provide a safety ladder which provides an improved center of gravity over the ladder constructions of the prior art, and which utilizes handrails as the weight-bearing portion of the ladder. Only safe ladders, secured against slipping and tipping, in good condition and suitable for usage in the current objective should be allowed at industrial workplaces.

The risks and difficulties in storage related to conventional ladders have led to the invention of the new age foldable ladders and mobile safety steps. In a foldable step ladder the step section is interconnected or hinged near the top, with a fold-out extension to form a substantially triangular support; so that the ladder can be used as a free-standing ladder. Mobile safety steps or sometimes called the mobile ladder is an example of improved ladder construction technology. These are manufactured with the primary objective of safety and an added objective of minimizing storage problems. Mobile safety steps are lightweight, durable, space-saving and compliant with industry regulations.

Mobile safety steps are available from 2 feet to 10 feet tall, in spring action, lever break, push and foot lock variants. Mobile warehouse safety steps are an essential piece of equipment when picking goods from levels over 2m. So, gone are the days of using those step and rung ladders, mobile ladders are much more safe and portable in all terms. The only thing to be kept in mind is that these portable ladders must rest on a stable, strong, suitably-sized, immobile footing so that the rungs remain horizontal. Suspended ladders must be attached in a secure manner and, with the exception of rope ladders, so that they cannot be displaced and so that swinging is prevented. Mobile safety steps have become an integral part of the category of safety equipments that can prevent potential hazards at workplaces.