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21 Sep 2022

5 interesting ladder facts

Interesting Facts About Ladders

 

  1. Ladders have been around for about 10,000 years!

Rock paintings in Spain’s Cuevas de la Arana (known to English speakers as the Spider Caves) suggest that humans were using ladders to reach high places even in prehistoric times.

 

  1. The world’s longest ladder is more than 40 metres long.

The Handwerks Museum in Austria created the world’s longest ladder, as certified by Guinness World Records. The ladder is made of wood, has 120 rungs, and measures just over 41 metres.

 

  1. The first step ladder was invented by John H. Balsley in 1892.

He designed a model with hinges that enabled users to fold the ladder up for easy transportation and storage.

 

  1. Ladders are mentioned in the Bible.

Jacob’s ladder, which features in chapter 28 of Genesis, is considered by Christians to be a symbol of the divine connection between God and the Earth.

 

  1. The Devil’s Tower Ladder is the only ladder on the National Historical Register.

On July 4 1893, Rogers and Ripley were watched by over 1000 spectators as they climbed the 350ft summit.

 

No matter your project, we have a ladder that suits your needs and your safety.

For expert advice or any questions you may have, do not hesitate to contact us at 01446 789 538.

24 Aug 2022

ladder maintenance ten top tips infographic

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19 Aug 2022

top ladder brands uk

At Ladders UK Direct, we're proud to work with some of the industry's biggest and most reputable ladder brands. You can easily shop by brand on our website - simply select a manufacturer to view their products.

Below are some of our best offers on ladders from the top brands (all prices correct at time of writing).Remember to enter the discount code SUMMER for an extra 10% off your purchase!

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28 Jul 2022

Discounts for trade customers

Our Ladders UK Direct trade account gives great discounts for our trade customers - more than 500 members have already benefited from our unique discounts and benefits, and you could join them!

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22 Mar 2021

ladder left on runway

A recent news report from the BBC shows how a step ladder was accidentally left on a Birmingham Airport runway for half an hour! As far as airport safety goes, having any kind of item obstructing the runway is an accident waiting to happen. 

During the thirty minutes that the ladder was stranded on the tarmac, three different passenger planes landed on the runway - narrowly missing the unexpected obstruction. 

How did the ladder end up there? Well, the report suggests that two airport technicians had been working on the lights along the runway. They packed up their kit and headed back to the main building, but somehow the ladder broke free from the back of their van and was left stranded.

An investigation into why this happened, suggested that the bungee cord used to fasten the ladder to the van was not suitable. More suitable securing equipment was available for the technicians, but they suggested it was not easy to access. Instead, they opted for the bungee cord which was deemed 'unsuitable because it was stretched almost to its limit'.

Thankfully, no planes came into contact with the rogue step ladder, and the ladder was removed safely before a serious incident could occur. 

This incident did, however, lead to some positive changes that will improve the way equipment is transported around airport grounds. Employees will be trained and assessed on a regular basis, and will also be expected to follow a number of specific control measures to keep colleagues and passengers safe. 

Transporting ladders safely

Ladders can be quite difficult to transport, especially if you're moving from one place to another in a standard-sized car. How many times have you driven past someone with a ladder hanging out of their boot? Too many, in our opinion.

The technicians at Birmingham airport had access to a van, which is generally more suitable for ladder transportation, but as we've seen, accidents can still occur.

To transport a ladder safely, you really need to make sure your ladder is fixed to your vehicle securely. That means:

  • Use the right fastenings
  • Check them at least once before setting off
  • Allow for the overhang of the ladder

Improper ladder transportation can lead to all kinds of accidents. Just think how dangerous it would be for a step ladder to fall off a van on a motorway, or on a winding country road! Take a bit of extra time to secure your ladder before you attempt to travel anywhere.

Read More: How to transport a ladder 

It's easy to see how a simple maintenance job can turn into a serious incident in a matter of seconds. That's why it's always important to remain vigilant and work safely when using a ladder. 

Ladder Safety >