Selecting the Right Ladder for Your Job

In order to make a safe ladder choice, duty rating, ladder length and the material from which the ladder is constructed are the most important elements.

Most ladders are designed to support one person plus the materials and tools for the job. In order to assist you in making a safe choice, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has defined tests that determine the duty rating, type, and maximum working load (which includes tools, planks, materials as well as the user) for each ladder. Each ladder has a label that provides the appropriate rating information for you. The labels are color coded based on the duty ratings (see below). The following chart will be useful when making your choice:

DUTY RATING	TYPE	WORKING LOAD
SPECIAL DUTY	1AA	375 LBS
HEAVY DUTY, INDUSTRIAL	1	250 LBS
MEDIUM DUTY, COMMERCIAL	II	225 LBS
LIGHT DUTY, HOUSEHOLD	III	200 LBS

When considering what length of ladder is best for you, please keep in mind that the ladder length and the maximum working length (extension ladders) or highest standing level (stepladders) are not the same. The following chart will be helpful in assisting you to make a safe choice:

Portable ladders are constructed primarily from three materials: wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Matching the job and working environment with the proper ladder material is the third component in making the safest ladder choice. For example, if you will be working with or around electricity, it is important to select a non-conductive material such as wood or fiberglass. Some important factors when considering ladder material properties are:

WOOD:

Not conductive when clean and dry
Heavier weight provides extra stability
Least expensive

ALUMINUM:

Weather resistant
Durable and lightweight
Material is conductive

FIBERGLASS:

Weather resistant
Not conductive when clean and dry