The first step
in ladder selection is choosing the right style of
ladder for the job. Different styles of ladders are
designed to keep you safe and productive when climbing
or standing. Using the wrong style of ladder or simply
ignoring the limitations of climbing equipment, can
result in a fall or serious injury.
Many users only
know of basic step and extension ladders and are
delighted to learn about platform, twin step,
telescoping multi-ladder, multi-purpose, tripods and
other models. Werner offers a variety of ladder styles.
To ensure
you choose the ladder best suited to your needs, follow
the Werner height safety chart as shown below.
Extension
ladders should be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest
support or contact point, which may be the wall or roof
line. This will allow enough length for proper setup,
overlap of ladder sections, height restrictions of the
highest standing level, and where appropriate, the
extension of the ladder above the roof line. The highest
standing level is four rungs down from the top.
The highest
permitted standing level on a stepladder is two steps
down from the top. A person standing higher may lose
their balance and fall. A person’s maximum safe reaching
height is approximately 4' higher than the height of the
ladder. For example, a typical person can safely reach
an 8' ceiling on a 4' ladder.
 |
 Extension
Ladder |
| Ladder Height † |
Maximum Reach* |
Height to Gutter
or Top Support Point ++ |
| 16' |
15' |
9' max.
|
| 20' |
19' |
9' to 13'
|
| 24' |
23' |
13' to 17'
|
| 28' |
27' |
17' to 21'
|
| 32' |
31' |
21' to 25'
|
| 36' |
34' |
25' to 28'
|
| 40' |
37' |
28' to 31'
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
|
Approximate
Material Weights |
| Bundle of shingles
|
70 lbs. |
Ceiling fan
|
30 lbs. |
| 5 gallon roof
coating |
70 lbs. |
3 x 4 window |
80 lbs. |
| 5 gallons of paint |
60 lbs. |
Garage door opener |
40 lbs. |
| Tool box with
tools |
35 lbs. |
Basketball hoop |
60 lbs. |
| Portable sprayer |
20 lbs. |
Sheet of plywood |
80 lbs. |
| |
|
(3) 4 x 4's |
80 lbs. |
|
|
Ladders are
designed and constructed to safely hold up to a specific
amount of weight. Werner ladders come in five different
Duty Ratings identified by their grade and type. The
Duty Rating is defined as the maximum safe load capacity
of the ladder. A person's fully clothed weight plus the
weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto
the ladder must be less than the duty rating.
Ladders are
also built to handle the demands of various
applications. For example, a ladder used frequently on a
construction site by rugged workers should typically be
stronger and have a corresponding higher Duty Rating
than a ladder used by a lighter person for light chores
around the home.
Workers should
be advised to consider both the weight which will be on
the ladder and the work application and to select the
proper grade of ladder which is designed to handle
anticipated usage.
The terminology
of Ladder Grades, Duty Ratings, and Types may initially
be confusing to some customers. Remember that the Duty
Rating is the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder.
Hence, Duty Ratings are described in terms of pounds,
such as a 300 lb. Duty-Rated Type IA ladder which is
designed for extra heavy duty professional use where the
total weight on the ladder does not exceed 300 pounds.
 |
Light Duty
Household use
Type III |
 |
Medium Duty
Painter & Handyman
Type II |
 |
Heavy Duty
Industrial
Type I |
 |
Extra Heavy Duty
Industrial
Type IA |
 |
Special Duty
Rugged Professional
Type IAA |
| |
 |
Strength: 7-layer construction
Safety: For use around electricity
Durability: Corrosion resistant
Pro-Preferred |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Lightweight
Not for use around electricity
Corrosion resistant |
The final step
in selecting the right ladder is the choice of the
proper material. Werner offers ladders made from
fiberglass and aluminum. Each material has
characteristics which make it best for certain
applications, or one material may simply fit the
personal preferences of the user. For example, potential
contact with electrical wires, or a hostile environment
such as exposure to certain chemicals or outdoor
storage, should have a major impact upon the material
selection.
* Assumes a 5'6" person with a
vertical 12" reach.
++ Support points for extension ladders reflect section
overlap, ladder angle, or 3' extension above roof line.
| 
