Purchasing Safety Ladders

When it comes to a ladder, safety is of the utmost importance. Browsing for your selected ladder is a task that should be undergone with care, so read on to find out where to buy safety ladders!

Where can I get the best safety ladder?

Short answer: there are many different types of ladders; including platform, straight, extension and step ladders. See more below!

Ladder safety is a crucial part of proper operation. You should evaluate a few core factors prior to purchasing your ladder.
Firstly, you should gauge the job at hand in order to determine the best option.
Next check for load, height, material, durability and stability.

What Are The Safest Ladders to Use?

The answer to this question is dependent on numerous factors; see basics below.

A few basic notes:

A safe ladder should meet Australian ladder standards/requirements
Safework NSW recommends that ladders are carefully inspected prior to use to rule out defects.

It would be pretty unpleasant to find out your ladder is faulty before you’ve even gotten started!

A basic ladder rundown

In order to establish the safest choice, let’s go into the various types of ladders.

Each of these ladders serves a different purpose, some suiting multiple.

9 of the most common and renowned types of ladders:

Step ladder (arguably the most common form of ladder):

Generally good for jobs that don’t require very high reach (like roofs).

More suited for painting, general work tasks and anything else that can be completed on a flat surface.

It is standalone and doesn’t lean.

Frame ladder

Also called an A-frame ladder, this ladder gets its name due to it forming an A shape with each side when opened.

Good for reaching difficult spaces; quite versatile and stable due to support from both sides.

Attic ladder

As per their name, these ladders are suitable for specifically reaching the attic through the access door.

Platform ladder

Includes a non-slip platform specifically designed to prevent slipping as you stand.

A wide, lockable platform is ideal.

Telescopic ladder

Easy to transport, portable option.

Compact, as the rails expand out from a small beginning like a telescope.

Good for indoor use or situations that require a portable ladder.

Straight ladder

Generally tall and requires a stable lean against a surface, as it does not support itself.

Best for outdoor use or high areas.

Good for indoor use or situations that require a portable ladder.

Extension ladder

Slides open in 2 seperate parts - making the ladder much longer than originally.

Leans against surfaces. Good for high jobs.

Multipurpose ladder

Can take numerous forms and be folded out for different purposes.

A multiple in one option, good for versatile multi-purpose usage or situations that require more than one job.

Trestle ladder (also known as double front ladder)

Self supporting, but non adjustable.

They are composed of 2 individual sections that are hinged at the top.

Materials:

Ladders are constructed from a variety of materials; including wood, metal and fibreglass to name the most common.

Safety considerations:

The safest ladder to use will be the appropriate length, stability/durability and material for the job.

Therefore, there is no definitive answer to the “safest ladder” in general terms.

However, there are some things to avoid.

These include:

Ladders that are poorly constructed (non compliant with Australian standards)
are too short for the job
and are the improper material for the job (which may lead to degradation and lower durability or hazard/injury).

For example: you will be unable to reach a roof with a step ladder.

Fibreglass ladders may be more durable than other ladders when it comes to repeated use, and metal can pose a risk when it comes to electrical conduction (working around electricity).

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Safety Ladder

The job at hand: (first and foremost)

The starting point of selecting a ladder is knowing the purpose it will be used for.

Only then can you determine if the features align with the designated job.

Consider:

Where/what you will be using your ladder for
If you need something long term durable (is this a repeated or ongoing function/job?)
The height required
Safety hazards the job presents. Example: are you at risk of harsh weather conditions? Electrical faults? Slips/slippery floor hazards?

We can then select a ladder that fits and aligns with these requirements.

Note: if you are seeking a ladder for numerous purposes, you may find it best to go with a multipurpose/multi-way ladder.

Material: does it line up with the use?

As mentioned, an example of this is aluminium being electrically conductive.

When using a ladder in harsh weather conditions; or even repeatedly in wet, hot or snowy conditions, your wooden ladder runs the risk of decay.

Therefore, this is an important durability/long-lasting safety consideration.

Hence, before selecting your ladder consider the application it will be used in and the most suitable material in this context.

Length: does it allow you to properly access the needed point without difficulty?

A ladder that is too short will pose a safety hazard.

You should not need to stretch to reach the required point.

Load: consider your weight and check the ladder load.

Check the load rating and make sure to factor in any additional items you may be holding while on the ladder.

Is it industrial or domestic load?

Is it being used for industrial or personal purposes?

Industrial load ratings are higher.

When it comes to load, better safe than sorry.

Stability: is your ladder sturdy and well supported?

Is the ladder stable?

Will it hold firmly in place?

You can test this by stepping on and moving a little to see if the ladder stays firmly planted.

The more rigid, the better.

Durability: how well is your ladder going to hold up?

Different materials vary when it comes to durability.

Some metal ladders may corrode, and wood has the potential to be prone to decay in harsh weather.

If you are planning to use the ladder in wet or temperature extreme conditioners, fibreglass may be most durable for this purpose.

Safety/additional features like non-slip pads

Are there any additional features you require?

Try to go for a ladder that has built-in non-slip pads on the steps/bottoms.

The Best Brands of Safety Ladders

The best brand is always up for debate, but we’ve compiled some quality brands that have yielded both a great reputation and reviews over the years.

Good brands include:

Bailey Ladders

Bailey Ladders are an Australian classic and have been operating for a long time.

One of the country's leading brands, you can find them at many reputable stores/retailers - making them easily accessible.

Gorilla Ladders

With a name like this, you’d hope for a quality product!

LADaMAX Ladders

A classic, these guys have been in the works since 1998 and built a great reputation in the ladder industry.

Werner Ladders

Werner stock ladders appropriate for both industrial/commercial use and standard home usage.

With a great range and a decades long-standing reputation, they’re another favourite you can’t go past.

Little Giant Ladders

This is another popular brand offering good value and strong, sturdy products.

They are also widely available!

Remember, your results will still depend on an application suited ladder.

Where Can I Get a Good Quality Ladder?

Now on to where to buy safety ladders.

Your options both online and in store are pretty endless!

Bunnings, Mitre 10 (and major construction/building retailers):

Firstly, we should mention your classics like Bunnings and Mitre 10 - who stock nearly all of the brands above.

They’re a great in store option, especially if you want to test one out (recommended).

Seton Australia

Seton are a popular, reputable safety equipment supplier with a generous ladder range.

Also featuring many excellent brands, they’re a great online option.

The Ladder Shop

The name says it all! You can find a great range with easily divided categories here.

Ladder Central

For a large range, Ladder Central specialise in retailing Australian ladders and can also offer support when it comes to your selection.

Directly from the source (brand websites)

Baileys, Gorilla, LADaMAX, Werner and Little Giant all have respective websites that can be visited directly to see your nearest stockist.

This is the best way to gauge local options! Also check most safety equipment stores for great ladder selections.

Conclusion

Proper ladder safety is crucial, and today we gave a comprehensive rundown on how you can best ensure a secure experience.

Stay safe out there - and happy climbing!

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