Ensure the Safety of Your Team with These Ship Ladders Features

Commercial and industrial ladders come in assorted designs, sizes, and materials to give buyers, whether a building or roofing contractor, spec writer, architect, or engineer, a sizable number of options. Unconventional ladders like ship ladders are thrown into the mix as well if the buyer is looking for a sturdy, reliable, and functional ladder for their unique space.

Why are ship ladders considered unconventional? They are unconventional in a way because they’re built differently; that is, they are not your typical standard ladders. They were originally designed for a ship’s small space, which is why they are the perfect access solution to spaces with small access rooms. Their steep and inclined design (from 60º to 80º angle) sets them apart from the standard ladder.

Ship Ladder Safety

Being steeper, more inclined, and smaller compared to conventional ladders, the risk of slip and fall accidents is increased. This is why it’s important for this type of ladder to be designed and manufactured following strict safety protocols as regulated by the OSHA and ANSI.

The following are some of the safety features that every ship ladder must be equipped or installed with:

Handrails and guides

Since a ship ladder is more inclined or steeper compared to standard ladders, users could have a more challenging time ascending and descending. The presence of a handrail, guide, or guardrail is critical to the user’s safety as these provide them with a sturdy support they can hold onto as they climb up and go down the ladder.

Non-slip treads

Ship ladders must have treads that have a non-slip feature to ensure the user’s safety. Again, since the size of the ladder is small, and the treads are spaced at a maximum of nine and ½ inches between treads, accidental slips through the spaces between rungs could occur, particularly if the user is carrying a load. Each tread must therefore have a non-slip feature.

Heavy-duty aluminum material

Ship ladders are usually made from aluminum, wood, or steel materials, but in general, contractors, building professionals, plant managers, and other professionals opt for the heavy-duty aluminum option as this offers better longevity compared to other two materials because aluminum is a naturally corrosion-resistant material, which means it holds well against weather changes. And keeping the ladder in good condition is important for the user’s safety.

Incidentally, Alaco’s ship ladders can safely be up to 23 feet tall without the need for a Fall Arrest System.

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

Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquires on Alaco’s ship ladders. You may also reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

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Loft Ladders: Compact Access Solutions for All Types of Lofts

Residential, commercial, and even industrial spaces with limited rooms, a loft makes for a great addition to the space. Lofts are typically those spaces you find directly under the roof, which is why they are sometimes also referred to as attics. But whether loft or attic, loft ladders are the best access solutions for these indoor elevated spaces.

Lofts in various environments

Typically, people associate lofts with living spaces; that is, the general assumption is that these are only found in residential spaces and often used as a main or spare bedroom, a play area, storage space, study area or library, or a home office. But lofts aren’t “just” for home use; these are also ideal for various work environments, from industrial to commercial settings.

Basically, you will find lofts in any indoor work environment that needs additional space. That gap or space between the roof and the main floor is usually converted into a loft, and used for a variety of purposes. In industrial settings, lofts are often used as an office or a storage space. In commercial establishments, these are generally used for storage.

Heavy-duty aluminum loft ladders

Heavy Duty Aluminum loft ladders are as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, and maintain, and more sustainable than steel.

Lofts ladder units are usually made from wood or aluminum. Depending on your needs and/or preference, you can choose either one of these, but you have to make sure that the materials used are high-quality and the design and manufacturing of the ladder follows certain safety standards and protocols, especially if these ladders will be used in industrial plants or commercial establishments and offices.

For plant managers and owners, business owners and employers, engineers, architects, spec writers, and professionals in the construction industry, a heavy-duty aluminum loft ladder is the best choice since these are environments where the ladder will be heavily used.

On the other hand, for interior designers and decorators, residential building managers, and homeowners, a wood loft ladder is the preferred choice as it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the room.

Alaco Ladder Company Wood and Aluminum Loft Ladders

Alaco Ladder offers sturdy, stable and durable wood and aluminum loft ladder units. Hardwood options for wood loft ladders include Maple, White Oak, Red Oak, Birch, Cherry, Walnut, and Mahogany.

For aluminum loft ladder units, these are made from high-quality, aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy that exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards.

Alaco Ladder also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety.

Contact Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040 today. You may also fill out the Contact Form here.

Heavy-duty Aluminum Ladders for Construction and Industrial Applications

In work environments where workers and employees are exposed to challenging conditions; that is, it’s not your typical office or commercial space setup, the appropriate tools, equipment, and protective gear are critical to their safety and completion of daily tasks. Heavy-duty aluminum ladders, heavy-duty scaffolds, and other heavy-duty tools and equipment, for instance, are what you would typically find in a construction site. These heavy-duty tools enable workers to safely do their respective construction jobs.

Aluminum Ladders for Construction Applications

In construction sites, aluminum ladders are a common fixture. They’re typically used to paint walls, columns, and other standing/erected surfaces. They’re also used to access roofs, upper floors, and other elevated spaces you’d typically find in construction sites.

Aluminum ladder units are the preferred ladder type by building contractors, roofing contractors, engineers, building inspectors, architects, and specifications writers because they’re lightweight and are rust and corrosion resistant. Since construction projects take months, even years to complete, ladders will be exposed to various weather and temperature conditions. Aluminum’s rust and corrosion-resistant characteristic make it the ideal ladder material for job sites where constant exposure to the elements is inevitable.

Aluminum Ladders for Industrial Applications

Aluminum ladder units in industrial settings typically involve installing the ladder in areas where there are exposed pipes and wires on the ground, or where hazardous materials are present. The ladder serves as a safe passage over these workplace risks commonly found in factories, warehouses, and industrial plants.

Again, aluminum’s natural resistance to rust and corrosion, and its lightweight characteristics make it the ideal choice for plant managers, owners, and employers.

Don’t be fooled, however; aluminum may be lightweight, but it doesn’t mean it’s not sturdy or durable. Its capacity to withstand the harsh effects of the elements is what contributes to its longevity. Aluminum ladders sometimes outlast their owners, making it a worthwhile investment for business.

Heavy Duty Aluminum is as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, and maintain, and more sustainable than steel.

Alaco Ladder Company Aluminum Ladders

Alaco Ladder’s selection of heavy-duty aluminum ladder units is made from high-strength, aircraft grade aluminum alloy. They are designed and manufactured following strict OSHA and ANSI standards to ensure the safety of all users and minimize the risk of ladder-related workplace accidents.

According to Alaco, “Our ladders perform the same on day one as day 2,000, giving our clients reliable tools to get their jobs done safely and effectively.”

Alaco Ladder also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety. Talk to them about it today.

Are you looking for heavy-duty aluminum ladder units for your construction project or industrial plant? Contact Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040 for all your aluminum ladder needs. You may also fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries on our heavy-duty aluminum ladder systems.

Ship Ladders vs Portable Ladders for Unique Spaces

Ladders are used to access various spaces, from storage rooms to roofs, mezzanines, basements, and more. For each space, there is specific ladder design that manufacturers recommend. For instance, ship ladders are ideal for unique spaces where access room is limited. Originally designed for a ship’s tight spaces, these ladders are now used in various applications and settings as well, proving their functionality and versatility.

Ship Ladders vs Portable Ladders

Portable ladders, like fixed access ladders, come in assorted styles and sizes to provide users with options that will best fit their space, needs, and purpose. They are functional and versatile as well, but they come with certain limitations. When choosing a ladder, and your choice boils down to choosing between ship ladders and portable ladders, below are some of the factors that professionals in the construction field as well as safety engineers, architects, spec writers, roofing contractors, and building maintenance personnel focus on:

Safety

With any ladder type, safety is a top priority for buyers and users. Users need to be able to scale heights and descend safely. For this reason, a fixed access ship ladder is the better choice since portable ladders are only propped against the wall to keep them stable and in place. A miscalculated step on a portable ladder could easily turn into a falling accident.

Alaco Ladder also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety.

Functionality

Both ship ladders and portable ladders are used to access elevated and below ground spaces, but a portable ladder’s function is limited to this alone. A ship ladder, on the other hand, can be safely used to carry supplies and equipment as well. Carrying loads on a portable ladder isn’t recommended since this isn’t stable enough to support both the user and their load. Again, any misstep on the ladder could lead to a ladder-related fall injury.

Longevity

Ship ladders and portable are typically made from aluminum alloy, making both types of ladders less prone to rust and corrosion. However, since a portable ladder is moved from one location to the next, it is more prone to accidents, i.e., dropping the ladder, the ladder hitting corners, and such. After use, these are also typically placed in one corner of the room, gathering dirt and dust. In other words, use and storage play a role in its longevity.

A ship ladder, on the other hand, remains installed in place, which means there’s no chance of it being dropped or hitting corners and whatnot and getting damaged in the process.

Heavy Duty Aluminum ship ladders are as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, and maintain, and more sustainable than steel.

Do you have a unique space that needs a reliable, stable, and durable ladder? Please fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries on Alaco’s ship ladders. You may also reach Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040.

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Wood vs Aluminum Loft Ladders: Which One Suits Your Space?

Lofts serve different purposes depending on where they’re built. In residential spaces, for instance, lofts are typically used as a bedroom, study space, or playroom. In warehouses and offices, they’re usually utilized as storage space. But whether for commercial, industrial or residential use, you will need sturdy loft ladders to access these spaces.

There are, however, some designers, business owners, and homeowners who choose to build a staircase for their loft access instead of installing a ladder, but in general, loft ladders are the preferred choice because they’re more economical and aesthetically, they are more appealing compared to a staircase.

Wood vs aluminum loft ladders

Loft ladders come in a range of styles and materials, but the two most common types you will find in residential spaces, offices, warehouses, and factories are wood and aluminum ladders. Interior designers choose either a wood ladder or an aluminum ladder in a powder coat finish for the residential or commercial space they are designing as these blend well with the style of the room.

The question now is whether to go with timber or aluminum ladder for the loft space you are designing.

Choosing between wood and aluminum ladder for the loft

Aesthetics is the first feature that designers and buyers consider when looking at loft ladders. The ladder must complement the style of the room where the loft is located as well as the décor of the loft space itself. If the room is mostly wood, or the style of the entire space is more traditional than contemporary, then a wooden loft ladder may be the best option for you.

Additionally, if users will be carrying heavy loads to and from the loft from time to time, a wood loft ladder may be ideal as wood in general can support heavier loads compared to aluminum.

On the other hand, if the design of the room is more contemporary or industrial than traditional, then an aluminum loft ladder might fit right in. More lightweight than wood, aluminum loft ladders are easier to transport and install. They also come in different powder coat finishes, making it easy to find a ladder that will complement the aesthetics of the room.

And since aluminum is a naturally rust and corrosion-resistant material, the ladder will last for many years, a lifetime even, with proper care, usage, and maintenance. But whether you choose wood or aluminum, your choice of manufacturer plays a huge role in the sturdiness, reliability, stability, integrity, and longevity of the ladder. Make sure to do research on the ladders and their manufacturer before buying units for your loft projects.

Heavy Duty Aluminum is as strong as steel ladders but lighter, easier to handle, install, and maintain, and more sustainable than steel.

Alaco Ladder also manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems, the newest things in ladder safety.

Find the right loft ladder for your space. Contact Alaco Ladder Company at (888) 310-7040 for questions or inquiries. You may also fill out the Contact Form here for questions or inquiries.