Top Tips for Choosing Ship Ladders for Your Specific Needs

Ladders are an essential tool in workplaces, particularly those in the construction, commercial, and industrial fields. These offer safe and cost-effective access solutions to workers and employees in diverse work settings, provided they are utilized for the specific uses they were designed for. For instance, ship ladders are generally designed for spaces with limited access room or those that are too tight or small for a standard size ladder.

Apart from size, load or weight capacities are also factored-in when choosing a ladder for your project. As you can see, there is a ladder that corresponds to specific needs and requirements, which is why you should choose according to your space and requirements.

Alaco Ladder Company manufactures and assembles Fall Arrest Systems. Ask them about these today.

Choosing ship ladders for your specific needs

As mentioned above, a ship ladder is designed for small spaces or those with limited access room. Originally designed to provide ships with a safe and sturdy ladder for accessing ship decks and mezzanines, these ship ladders are now used in various applications and settings. If you’ve never used or installed a ship ladder before, there are certain things you must do first and factors you must consider, so you can find the right ship ladder for your unique space. Here are some of them…

1. Take exact measurements of your space

Before heading to the manufacturer’s showroom, measure first the space where the ladder will be installed. If you have a unique space, it’s best to take a photo so you can show it to the manufacturer’s team.

2. Purpose of the ladder

Why do you need to install a ship ladder? Will it simply be used to access an elevated space like a roof hatch or mezzanine, or will your workers bring tools and equipment up from time to time? You need to decide on the general purpose of the ladder as well as the people who will be using it as this will determine the ladder’s load or weight capacity. If your needs exceed weight standards for ship ladders, you may need to have one customized.

3. Material

Will the ladder be installed inside a structure or outdoors? If the ladder will be installed outside, your best option is an aluminum ladder as this material is less prone to rust and corrosion and holds up well in various weather conditions. Additionally, aluminum requires minimal maintenance.

If you’re having difficulty determining the right type of ship ladder for your space, Alaco’s technical team can help you. Let them know what you need, and they’ll help you find the right access solution for your unique space.

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

Are you a building or roofing contractor, warehouse or factory manager, spec writer or safety engineer in need of OSHA-compliant ladders? 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.