Why Industrial Extension Ladders Are The Less Expensive Alternative To Other Systems

By Marci Glover


No matter what industry you are involved in, a ladder is something that is simply necessary. It could be used to decorate or it may be used to decorate your clients office. The need for an A frame, in many applications, is appropriate, however, they are many more occasions when industrial extension ladders are needed for height and safety concerns.

In some cases, an A frame may be the better choice. This means that it can be used in the center of a space where there is nothing to lean against. The downside of this is that there is a safety limit on the height you can reach. The extension type will be able to accomplish tasks, at the perimeter of that space, where most of the ladder work occurs.

Safety regulations, enforced in most commercial and industrial situations, forbid personnel from stepping on the top of the A frame ladder. This also applies to the first and second step below that. This reduces the effective range of movement so that a 10 foot unit does not actually give the worker 10 foot of added height. This requires additional height and costs to gain a moderate rate of elevation.

The extension type of ladder does not have the same limitations. It can go from a 10 foot one to a 30 foot length or 12 feet model to as high as 36 feet. It does this by having one to three additional sections of length in back of the unit. These ride on rails to allow the movement of them up and down.

Many extension ladders are set so that you will push the additional section up by hand. The correct height having been achieved, an arm will latch onto a rung and it will hold fast to it. Some of these ladders will have pulleys, attached to the top of the unit, with a rope for pulling the section up, latching it in the same way.

Aluminum is a popular material for this valuable tool. Considerations must be made as to height, weight and costs for each ladder when thinking about which type of material. Wooden ones have been used in years past and are still not good for outside work. The best choice for many professional tradesmen is fiberglass. There are specific reasons for this.

The largest reason for choosing fiberglass for this equipment is that it does not conduct electricity. When electricians chose ladders, this is the material they get. This material will also not rust, corrode or discolor. This is a criteria that must be considered when your climbing tasks take you into clients home or business locations.

Getting all of the best equipment to allow you to perform the tasks you need to on a day to day basis means at least one of these ladders. No manufacturing or commercial enterprise, certainly no construction company, can operate without having this ability. The ability to control your own climbing without the need for an expensive scissor lift or boom truck is a good feeling.




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