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28 Mar 2023

scaffold tower licences

When it comes to using scaffold towers on a highway, there's certain legislation that you need to adhere to. This is not only for your own safety but for the safety of the general public and passers-by. If anyone could whip up a scaffold tower and start using it, there'd be a whole lot of health and safety risks at play. The Highways Act 1980 states that regardless of whether a scaffold tower will be used long or short-term, a licence for the placement of it must be obtained from the Highway Authority. More...

16 Mar 2023

DIY jobs for spring

After what feels like a very long and cold winter - spring is finally coming! This is such an exciting time of the year when you can start planning family BBQs and making the most of the lighter, warmer nights. That being said, you might have let your house go a little over the winter months - don't worry, we all do it! If your home is in need of a bit of TLC ahead of the spring/summer months, don't worry, we're going to walk you through some of the DIY jobs you can do around your home to give it a new lease of life.

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08 Mar 2023

Working at height in any environment can pose a significant health and safety risk, but when you're working on a scaffold tower, there are some additional risks that you need to be aware of.

Scaffold tower safety

Pictured: Super DIY Heavy Duty Tower with Height Adjustable Wheels

Of course, falling from a scaffold tower can result in life-changing injuries, but falling isn't the only risk you need to consider when working on a scaffold tower. Dropped objects, faulty scaffolding, and even the weather can potentially create all sorts of workplace hazards.

Today, we're going to share some invaluable scaffold tower safety tips so that you can work from height in the safest way possible!

Disclaimer: We can't account for every problem you might encounter while working on a scaffold tower. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when erecting your scaffold tower, and seek the help of a professional if you have any questions.

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10 Feb 2023

what is the biggest cause of ladder accidents

When you're working on a ladder, there are so many different hazards you need to be aware of. In a split second, everything can go from running smoothly to a complete disaster - and it happens all the time. When people don't use ladders properly or don't take the necessary precautions, it leaves them in a vulnerable situation where an accident is likely to occur.

Before you undertake any work on a ladder, it's paramount that you understand the potential dangers and know how to use a ladder safely. Today we're going to look at the biggest causes of ladder accidents, to show you some of the most common ladder accidents that occur. Let's get into it!

 

You picked the wrong ladder for the job

One of the biggest causes of ladder accidents is incorrect ladder use. This occurs when people purchase one ladder (a step ladder for example), and expect it to be safe to complete every imaginable job that they need to do. Most ladders on the market are designed for a specific use. You will see when you browse our website that we offer ladders for domestic use, professional use, for use around electrical hazards, and even for use on roofs.

We always try to make it clear what a ladder should be used for in our product descriptions so that you can make an educated purchase, however, if you're ever unsure about anything you can always contact us for advice.

If you are looking for a ladder that can support you in a wide range of jobs, our combination ladders are a great option because they can be configured in numerous different ways. We've put together an in-depth ladder-buying guide that you can review if you're unsure what type of ladder you need for a particular job. 

Read More: Ladder Buying Guide - What Kind of Ladder Do I Need?

Many ladder accidents occur because people use the wrong ladder for the task at hand. They think that their crusty old extension ladder that's been living in the shed for 10 years will be suitable to complete all manner of jobs, but the reality is, using the wrong type of ladder to complete a job can have serious consequences. 

 

You're working in an unsafe environment

The area in which you are working also plays a key role in your safety. It's vital that you work on even ground and secure your ladder properly before attempting to climb it. People end up injured when they don't properly assess the hazards of an area they're going to work in.

For example, if you're going to be working in an environment where there's an electrical hazard - you should really make allowances for this by purchasing a fibre glass ladder. Similarly, if you're going to be working somewhere that's higher than 6 feet off the ground, you should invest in appropriate PPE such as a helmet & safety harness. 

Understanding the work environment and the risks it poses can help you prepare for all eventualities. If you climb your ladder with absolutely no regard for your surroundings, you're asking for an accident to happen. Never climb a ladder unless you're absolutely certain that you can get up, do the job, and get back down safely.

We recently published a blog with some specific advice about working in windy conditions. This is especially useful if you're a tradesperson who often works on-site in all weather. If you'd like to learn more about preparing to work in challenging environments, be sure to give it a read!

Read More: Ladder Safety Tips - Working in Windy Conditions

 

You didn't use your ladder properly

It's a sad fact that a large number of ladder accidents occur due to human error. Even if you take all the precautions in the world, accidents do happen - and while it's not possible to prevent ALL ladder accidents, you can do yourself a huge favour and learn how to use your ladder properly to reduce the risk. 

Just by reading this blog, you are setting yourself up for a safer experience with your ladder. However, certain ladders require a higher degree of training. Roof ladders, for example, should not be used by people with no ladder experience. They need to be deployed and secured carefully, and you need to have the correct fall protection equipment in place to protect you in the event of a fall. Climbing up onto the roof of your home without any prior training is a recipe for disaster. 

If you're keen to brush up on your ladder safety skills, you could enroll on a ladder safety course. This will teach you all the necessary skills you need to use ladders safely, including - conducting a risk assessment, understanding the legislation around ladder use, and learning how to carry out proper inspection and maintenance checks. 

Learn More: What Does A Ladder Safety Course Involve and Should I Do One?

 

With all of this in mind, it's fair to say that the main cause of ladder accidents is human error. If you pick the wrong ladder, don't assess your environment, and use it in a way that the manufacturer didn't intend, then you're asking for trouble. If you're looking to buy a high-quality ladder, we have a huge range on offer. Shop all of our ladders below.

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20 Jan 2023

dolle hobby loft ladder

(Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder pictured)

When it comes to having a loft ladder installed in your home, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is - are all loft hatches the same size? There are so many different loft ladder designs on the market, that it can be difficult to know which one will be the best fit for your home. Can you just pick any loft ladder that takes your fancy, or should you measure your loft hatch first?

If you don't want to make any structural changes to your home, then yes, it probably is wise to measure your loft ladder hatch and use this as a guide when you're shopping. However, if you're happy to do a bit of DIY to create a loft ladder that's bigger than the existing one, then that opens you up to a much wider range of products. 

What are the common loft hatch sizes?

Here in the UK, there are certain building regulations that builders have to follow when they're building a house, so there are a few loft hatch sizes that we time and time again. Here are some of the UK's common loft hatch measurements:

  • 562mm x 726mm
  • 450mm x 600mm
  • 600mm x 700mm
  • 700mm x 900mm

Don't see your loft hatch measurements here? Don't panic. There isn't really a standard size when it comes to loft hatches, and it's common for loft hatches to be much bigger than the dimensions we've listed here. Smaller loft hatches are great if you're only interested in installing a streamlined loft ladder - typically made of aluminium. However, if you're keen to have a larger loft hatch opening so you can install a wooden loft ladder, or so you can lift large items of furniture up into your loft space, then you might need to make your existing loft hatch a bit bigger!

What to do if your loft hatch is too small?

If you've had a look at some of the loft ladders we have available here at Ladders UK Direct, and you've realised that your existing loft hatch is too small for the loft ladder you wish to install, then there are ways you can make it bigger!

First, you need to measure out the size of the loft hatch opening you need and allow a few inches (we recommend 4 or 5 inches) on either side. Next, you'll need to make sure the area in the roof that you're cutting into doesn't contain any wires or pipes. You don't want to end up with a ton of other repair jobs to do in the process. You can use a wire/pipe detector to check for signs of metal, but if you are in doubt, always seek the help of a professional. 

If you need to cut through any ceiling joists to alter the size of your loft hatch opening, you will need to enlist the help of a structural engineer. They will carry out tests to ensure that the roof you're cutting into (and the walls below it) will remain stable and upright after the work is done. Once you've made the loft hatch opening big enough, all you need to do is place your order and we'll make sure you get all the installation instructions you need to install your loft ladder and start using your attic space right away.

Best-selling loft ladders

So, now you know that all loft hatches aren't the same size, let's take a look at some of our best-selling loft ladders to see what size loft hatches they require. As always, if you're unsure about which loft ladder would best suit your home, our team of specialists is on hand to help you out. You can send us an email with your requirements at sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk, and we'll be more than happy to offer you some guidance. 

dolle hobby loft ladder

Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) 

The Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder (pictured at the beginning of this blog), is one of our best-selling loft ladders, and for good reason! It features a stunning, wooden design, is comfortable to climb and is very easy to install in most homes. The minimum loft hatch opening width for this loft ladder is 700mm, and the minimum opening length is 1200mm. This allows plenty of room for you to move things up and down from the attic as and when you need to!

Shop Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) >

 

3-section aluminium loft ladder

3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder

If you're looking for a loft ladder that requires a significantly smaller hatch size, this 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder is perfect for you. It offers a max load of 150kg, which is perfect for carrying most household items, and it also features a built-in handrail for additional security while you climb. The loft hatch requirements for this loft ladder are only 380mm x 460mm - meaning it will fit in even the smallest loft hatches.

 

Buy 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder >

Not seen a loft ladder that appeals to you here? We have a huge selection of loft ladders for you to choose from. Browse the full selection below.

Loft Ladders >