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Ladder Selection Guide

Choosing the right ladder style and size for the job is very important so you can do your job safely.

Step 1: Choose ladder style

The first step in choosing a ladder is to select the right ladder style for your job. The Occupational Health & Safety recommends the use of platform ladder if you have a job which will take more than 20 minutes.

Ozladders.com.au offer a wide range of ladder styles including platform ladders.

Step 2: Choose ladder height

The next step is choosing the correct height of the ladder that you need for your job. The table below shows the maximum reach for several ladder heights assuming a 1.7m person with a vertical reach of another 0.3m.

Step Ladders

When using an extension ladder for access to or from a roof the ladder should protrude at least 1.0m above the highest support point such as the roof line.

Extension Ladders

Step 3: Choose application

If you are going to use the ladders for commercial purposes, you must use Industrial rated ladders with a load rating of at least 120 kg.

However, if you are going to use the ladders at a private dwelling for non-commercial purposes, you can use Domestic ladders. Domestic ladders usually have a load rating of 100 kg but if the total combined weight of the person and the tool/equipment and materials they are carrying is more than 100 kg, you must use Industrial rated ladders with a load rating of at least 120 kg.

The next thing to consider is whether an electrical hazard might exist. If it does, you must use fibreglass ladders. The examples of jobs that may pose an electrical hazard are changing light bulbs, stock taking where there is a live cable near the shelves. 


Please check out the VIDEO to better understand the use and care for your ladder.