OSHA-Compliant Ship Ladders | Alaco Ladder Company

June 26, 2024

OSHA-compliant Ship Ladders: Trainings, Inspections, and Other Safety Measures

In any work environment, ladders are essential tools, and employers are responsible for ensuring the ladders they provide have passed quality checks and OSHA inspections. An OSHA-compliant ladder, such as OSHA-compliant ship ladders for restricted spaces or an OSHA-compliant roof access ladder for roofing and HVAC maintenance, minimizes the risk of ladder-related fall accidents, thus protecting both workers and their employers from liability. Ship ladders can be as high as 24 feet and as wide as 36 inches for standard models, but custom ship ladders can be wider than 36 inches. Alaco switches to structural steel for ladders wider than 36” for added durability.

OSHA recommendations on ladder safety

The OSHA has provided specific standards regarding ladder safety. These cover such safety measures as handrails and guardrails on every ladder unit, the installation of cages and platforms for ladders that exceed the standard 20 feet elevation, and ship ladder steps that slope no more than 50° to 70° horizontally.

Apart from following these OSHA standards for the design and manufacturing of specific ladders, the OSHA also recommends the following to ensure workers’ safety:

OSHA-compliant ship ladders must be inspected prior to initial use, and regularly thereafter

There are two things you should do after you’re purchased your OSHA-compliant ship ladder. First, have the unit inspected by your quality control personnel and/or your safety engineer. They will determine whether the ladder manufactured did indeed follow the OSHA’s safety standards. Next, you and your safety personnel should inspect the unit before initial use. This ensures that the ladder is truly ready for use, on the first day of its actual use.

Employees must be trained in the proper use of OSHA-compliant ship ladders

It’s not enough that employers are providing OSHA-compliant ladder units; their employees and workers must also be trained on the proper usage of these particular ladders. Using a ladder is not as simple as stepping on each step or rung to ascend or descend. They must know the safest way of using these ladders particularly if they will be carrying tools or equipment with them.

Regular inspections must be conducted to ensure the ladder’s integrity has not been compromised because of frequent use

The OSHA also recommends that these ladders used for work environments be inspected regularly, once before every use, possible. Likewise, ladders must be inspected immediately after a fall accident to see if any components of the ladder caused the fall or if it was a human error or miscalculation.

The bottom line is, ladder safety does not only rely on the manufacturer’s strict adherence to OSHA safety standards. Employers and workers must do their part as well in ensuring their personal safety every time they use the unit.

Are you looking for OSHA-compliant ship ladders? Please fill out the Contact Form to leave a message. You may likewise reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

Loft Ladders for Recreational Spaces | Alaco Ladder Company

June 19, 2024

Loft Design Ideas: Loft Ladders for Recreational Spaces

Lofts are built to provide an extra space or room for homes, offices, and commercial and industrial spaces with limited space. Depending on where they’re built, they can be used for storage, warehouse office, relaxation space for offices, or recreational rooms in homes. Regardless of purpose, loft ladders are the ideal access solution to these spaces, shares premier ladder manufacturer in the U.S. Alaco Ladder Company.

Lofts for single-family homes

Lofts for single-family homes are typically used as a bedroom, either for one of the kids or as a guest room. Sometimes, lofts are also included in the design to give the kids a separate space exclusively for studying or doing school work. To give the home a fun atmosphere for the kids, lofts can also be converted into an indoor tree house. And for the family, lofts can be designed too for indoor recreation and entertainment.

Loft access solutions

Interior designers, architects, homeowners, and general users prefer loft ladders over stairs because they’re more compact compared to stairs and they’re easy to install. The various designs that loft ladders come in also give professional designers as well as homeowners and users the option to choose a style based on their preference and taste, as well as functionality and interior design.

Bear in mind, however, that your choice of ladder manufacturer plays a huge role in the effectiveness of your chosen loft access solution. Choose a ladder manufacturer that strictly follows safety standards, uses high-quality materials, creates each unit with exact precision, and performs quality and safety checks diligently before making the ladders available for professional use.

Alaco Ladder Company Access Solutions

Alaco Ladder Company is the premier manufacturer of aluminum and natural hardwood loft ladders in the U.S. Designs come in a natural milled finish or powder-coated for the aluminum ladders, and unfinished, clear gloss or satin finish for natural hardwood ladders. Hardwood ladders are also available in a Minwax stain finish.

For functionality, you can choose from the following options: Pivotal, Rolling Track, and Fixed. Briefly, a Pivotal Loft Ladder is a fixed ladder that folds against the wall when not in use. This is ideal for rooms with limited access space.

A Rolling Track Loft Ladder, on the other hand, are ideal for users who wish to access different sections of the loft. This can be installed on a single wall or connect multiple walls through corner tracks.

Lastly, the Fixed Loft Ladder is ideal for lofts with a single access point. This ladder is permanently fixed against the wall, secured by sturdy brackets.

Are you an interior designer or architect looking for stylish, functional, and cost-efficient loft ladders? Please fill out the Contact Form to leave a message. You may likewise reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

Ship Ladders | Style and Versatility | Alaco Ladder Company

June 12, 2024

The Style and Versatility of Ship Ladders

Ship ladders are smaller in dimension compared to standard size ladders because they were specifically designed for a ship’s deck and small spaces. Ship ladders can be as high as 24 feet and as wide as 36 inches for standard ladders, but custom ship ladders can be wider than 36 inches. Alaco switches to structural steel for these custom designs that are wider than 36”. While these ladders were originally built for ships, they are now used in commercial and residential applications precisely because of their compact size and design.p>

What are ship ladders?

As mentioned above, ship ladders are primarily designed to fit into a ship’s restricted spaces. They are a fixed type of ladder that is usually made from industrial-grade aluminum and fitted with handrails and guides for the safety of users. Depending on the manufacturer, they may come in a natural milled finish or powder coat finish.

Since these are designed for commercial use, they must be OSHA-compliant. This means they must come with handrails, open risers, treads, and steps that slop between 50° and 70° angles horizontally, among other things.

Where can you use a ship ladder?

Apart from a ship’s restricted spaces, a ship ladder is an ideal choice for commercial, residential, and even industrial applications. Building contractors, roofing contractors, safety engineers, specifications writers, and architects choose a ship ladder over a standard ladder for spaces with limited moving room.

Roofing contractors use them for accessing roof hatches and building administrators, safety engineers and architects use them for accessing mezzanines and other elevated spaces with limited room.

Ship ladder aesthetics

Since ship ladders come in different finishes, it’s easy to choose one that will enhance or complement the design of the space. This feature is particularly appreciated by architects and interior decorators as they can easily choose a style that won’t clash with the theme of the space or they can also choose a finish they can work around on, building the interior style with the ship ladder as the centerpiece.

As you can see, ship ladders are highly versatile. They aren’t only the perfect ladder for industrial and commercial applications, but they work well for residential spaces, too.

Contact Alaco Ladder Company today for your OSHA-compliant ship ladder

Alaco Ladder manufactures OSHA-compliant aluminum ladders for various applications. Using aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, you can rest assured that every ladder unit you purchase from Alaco, including the versatile ship ladder, has undergone stringent testing to ensure users’ safety.

Got more questions? Please fill out the Contact Form to leave a message. You may likewise reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040. to discuss your ladder requirements and specifications. We’d be glad to hear from you.

OSHA-compliant Ship Ladders: Trainings, Inspections, and Other Safety Measures

Loft Design Ideas: Loft Ladders for Recreational Spaces

The Style and Versatility of Ship Ladders

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