If you're getting ready to invest in a ladder for your home or business, you want to make sure you're making a good investment that will meet all your needs. But how do you determine which ladder is the right one for your needs? One popular option is a platform ladder, which provides you with a sturdy platform to stand on while you work. Here's a quick look at the duty classes, materials and other features available in Werner's 4' and 6' platform ladders to help you get started.
Duty Class
The duty class of a ladder tells you what kind of weight and use it's designed to meet. The maximum weight needs to be equal or higher to the total weight of yourself, your equipment, your clothing, your tools, your supplies and the items that are stored on the ladder itself. Here's a quick overview of the different classes:
I: For the basics, a Type I ladder is a heavy-duty ladder with a maximum weight-bearing capacity of 250 pounds.
IA: Need something stronger? Type IA ladders are an extra-heavy-duty ladder that is capable of bearing up to 300 pounds.
IAA: When you need serious weight-bearing capability, a Type IAA ladder is an extra-heavy-duty ladder that can bear up to 375 pounds.
Materials
The ladder material you choose is also important and will be different depending on the situation you'll be using it in. You'll need a strong material to bear up over the years, which both options available from Werner's platform ladder include, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered.
Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter in weight than its fiberglass counterparts, making it a good choice if you need to move your ladder around frequently. However, if you're going to be working around heat, it's important to remember that there's a good reason why aluminum is commonly used in cookware, due to its high heat transference. In this situation, you'll want to look at the fiberglass counterpart.
Fiberglass: A quality fiberglass ladder doesn't have the issues with cracking that lesser-quality fiberglass can have. It's heavier than aluminum, but it makes up for its weight by providing better resistance to heat and heat transference. It's also an electrical insulator, making it the safest choice to use around electricity. Where aluminum can create an unintended ground, fiberglass provides better protection.
Other Features
But what other features should you look for in a platform ladder? Aluminum rail shields can provide protection against damage from abrasions to fiberglass rails. Reflective or high visibility stripes can make ladders easier to see. Wider steps with special traction patterns can help reduce slip and fall accidents. Most of Werner's platform ladders include a safety rail to prevent falls from the platform while in use. Because aluminum ladders can become slippery, it's important to have slip-resistant treads to prevent accidents in bad conditions.
By knowing what to look for in a platform ladder, you'll be able to select the right one the first time with no buyer's remorse. At Star Sales, we offer a full line of Werner products to meet your needs. If you need help finding the perfect ladder for your situation, we're happy to help. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions, for more details or to place an order.
