Ladders are designed and constructed to safely hold up to a specific amount of weight. Werner ladders come in five different Duty Ratings, identified by their Grade and Type. The Duty Rating is defined as the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person's fully clothed weight plus the weight of any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder must not exceed the Duty Rating.
Ladders are also built to handle the demands of various applications. For example, a ladder used frequently on a construction site by husky workers should typically be stronger and have a corresponding higher Duty Rating than a ladder used by a lighter person for light chores around the home.
The weight of the user, including clothing, tools, and materials must not exceed the duty rating.
Workers should consider both the weight which will be on the ladder and the work application, and select a Grade of ladder that is designed to handle anticipated usage.
The terminology of ladder Grades, Duty Ratings, and Types may initially be confusing. Remember that the Duty Rating is the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. Hence, Duty Ratings are described in terms of pounds, such as a 300 lbs. Duty-Rated Type IA ladder which is designed for heavy industrial use where the total weight on the ladder must not exceed 300 pounds.
LADDER GRADES
• Economical design for lightweight use - Type III
• Basic design for simple projects - Type II
• Designed to handle most projects and jobs - Type I
• Rugged performance designed with the pro in mind - Type IA
• Maximum performance and durability for the toughest jobs - Type IAA
Size
Choosing the right size or length ladder is just as important as selecting the right style. One of the most common and potentially dangerous ladder selection mistakes is using a ladder which is either too short or too long.
Stepladders The highest permitted standing level on a stepladder is two steps down from the top. A person standing higher may lose their balance and fall. A person’s maximum safe reaching height is approximately 4' higher than the height of the ladder. For example, a typical person can safely reach an 8' ceiling on a 4' ladder.
Extension ladders They should be 7 to 10 feet longer than the highest support or contact point, which may be the wall or roof line. This will allow enough length for proper setup, overlap of ladder sections, height restrictions of the highest standing level, and where appropriate, the extension of the ladder above the roof line. The highest standing level is four rungs down from the top. Never stand on the ladder above the support points or roof line.
SIZE SELECTION CHARTS The selection charts below show what size extension and stepladders to consider based upon height required:
