Ship Ladders | Safety Features | Alaco Ladder Company
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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