Custom Hatch Ladders: Safe Space-saving Access Solutions

In single-family, detached homes, you won’t normally find a roof hatch; but in multi-family residential buildings as well as commercial and industrial buildings, roof hatches are fairly common as they provide easy access to the roof from the inside of the building. And special, non-standard ladders like custom hatch ladders and ships ladders are the most common means of access preferred by general contractors, building maintenance supervisors, roofing specialists, spec writers, architects, and safety engineers because they’re safer and sturdier than shaky portable ladders.

Roof hatch safety

As with anything that has to do with the safety of workers, the OSHA has likewise set specific requirements to ensure their safety where the roof hatch is concerned. Apart from specific measurements and safety features on custom hatch ladders, roof hatch safety also involves the design and placement of the hatch itself.

The OSHA requires roof hatches to have guardrails at all exposed sides [1910.28(b)(3)(iv)] as well as offset railings and a self-closing gate to reduce the risk of the user falling into the hatch [1910.29(b)(13)(ii)].

Custom hatch ladders for unique and compact spaces

Roof hatches are typically installed in hallways, attics, bedrooms, or closets, and often, these offer little space for movement. This is where compact and customized ladders become an indispensable tool. And with Alaco’s custom roof hatch ladder units, you’re getting exactly what you require down to the last specific detail.

For roof hatches with small access spaces below, Alaco’s space-saving ladders are the best match. From aluminum ships ladders to folding wall ladders, fixed wall ladders, and retractable fixed wall ladders, you will find quality, premium roof hatch access ladders at competitive prices only at Alaco.

Alaco likewise provides ladder extension safety posts that can be permanently mounted to the top two rungs of their 560 and 775 fixed ladder series. These extensions posts allow users to enter and exit the openings, in this case the roof hatch, in an upright position.

Alaco Ladder’s Heavy Duty Aluminum Ladders are as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, maintain, and more sustainable than steel. Alaco also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety.</em.

Alaco Ladder’s high-quality premium custom hatch ladders

What size and style of roof hatch ladder do you need? Please fill out the Contact Form here to let Alaco Ladder know your exact specifications and requirements. You may also reach them at (888) 310-7040. They’d be glad to hear from you.

Buying Ships Ladders: Don’t Skip the OSHA-compliance Part

Access solutions come in different shapes and sizes. From staircases to standard ladders, portable ladders, retractable ladders, and step stools, the options are wide and varied. The choice boils down to your specific needs. For instance, ships ladders are ideal for small or compact rooms with limited access space. These are typically used for roof hatch, mezzanine, and loft access.

Ship ladders

Ship ladders are a unique type of ladder in that they’re not built and designed like standard ladders that fit into any type of space. Ship ladders are designed for a ship’s small spaces, which means they’re ideal for rooms or spaces with limited access room. In other words, they’re designed for unique spaces with smaller, non-standard measurements. The OSHA recommends aluminum ships ladders for spaces where standard ladders won’t fit.

Alaco Ladder’s Heavy Duty Aluminum Ladders are as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, maintain, and more sustainable than steel. Alaco also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety.

OSHA compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Regulation or OSHA has specific standards that ladder manufacturers are obligated to follow particularly if their ladders are designed for construction, commercial, or industrial use. OSHA regulations for ladder design, manufacturing and use are meant to keep all users safe. In other words, the goal is to reduce the risk of ladder-related fall accidents, which number a total of approximately 60,000 hospitalizations per year and 500,000 injuries annually.

For ships ladders, some of the OSHA standards that manufacturers must follow cover such pertinent details as slopes of the steps (50° to 70° horizontally), installation of handrails and guides [OSHA standard 1910.25 (b)(1))], and load capacities [1910.25(b)(6)], among others.

Why OSHA compliance matters

OSHA compliance is important not only to the workers in construction sites and various other work environments, but to the employers and owners of these businesses as well. OSHA compliance safeguards the lives of the workers and at the same time, protects employers and business owners from liability should a ladder-related accident occur.

Alaco Ladder’s OSHA-compliant Ships Ladders

Alaco prioritizes users’ safety in the design and manufacturing of every ladder unit they create. They are invested in the workers’ safety as much as building contractors, roofing specialists, architects, engineers, spec writers, and other relevant professionals do. This is why the make sure to stay up to date with the latest OSHA standards regarding ladder design and manufacturing to ensure the safety of anyone who uses their ladder units.

When you’re ready to discuss your requirements for your ships ladders, please feel free to contact Alaco Ladder at (888) 310-7040. You may also fill out the Contact Form here.