Using Industrial Extension Ladders Gives You A Better View

By Marci Glover


In a manufacturing or construction setting, a ladder is indispensable. There are those who appreciate the ability to get a little higher to work on some piece of equipment or for installing something above their reach. Many will rely on A frame ladders for this, however, the industrial extension ladders have a far higher and more secure reach in most applications.

The A frame ladders do allow you to get up high in the middle of the room. For that there is a limit on how high you can get. Most work that is needed in industrial or commercial applications is on or around the perimeter of the space. This is the best place for these ladders as they need to rest against something.

One of the many reasons the A frame ladder has a limited useful range is because of the safety factors involved. By law a person can not step on the top platform and not even on the first step down. Other locations restrict a body from using the top two steps.

An extension unit has, as its basic features and benefits, the ability to extend from the current 10 or 12 foot length to as high as 30 or 36 feet. This is accomplished by moving the section up and latching it on the rungs to achieve that extra height. Some ladders will have as many as two or three extra sections that can be extended with two main systems.

The basic ladders have a hand actuated system which has the operator pushing the additional section up by hand. When it is at the correct height, an arm or hook will rest on one of the original rungs, holding it in place. A more advanced system and the more expensive units will use a pulley or set of pulleys, located at the top. The rope will be pulled to move these sections, one at a time, up or allowing them a controlled fall back into place.

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.

Fiberglass will not conduct electricity. This is the only material electricians will use and many trades have followed suit with this as they all deal with electrical connections in many ways. The fiberglass ones are also very light and as strong as the aluminum ones. They do not corrode or rust and fair very well in outdoor activities, although storing them outside is still frowned upon.

When you need the ability to get higher up than you or your personnel can get standing on the floor, you need this type of ladder. They have the ability to be moved easily and can be extended by only one person. There are even attachable feet that can be deployed to assist on an uneven floor. This is the way to get up there and stay safe while you are doing it.




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