Published: 25 November 2024
In this quarterly ‘Simplifying Standards’ column, written by Don Aers, Technical Manager at the Ladder Association, we take a look at the latest developments in ladder standards…
New draft standard for EN131-8 – Ladders with a separate platform
The new draft standard for ‘EN131-8 Ladders with a Separate Platform’ has been circulated by CEN (the European Committee for Standardisation) for its second formal vote. Having failed the first ballot, TC 93 WG13, the working group responsible for the project, carried out a revision to the draft considering the comments that accompanied the national votes. The national committees will now vote again either in favour or against the revised draft. If the vote is in favour, then the standard will be published. But if its “against” then the standard will be abandoned, and the work will stop.
New international standard for fibreglass telescopic ladders
A new international ISO standard for telescopic ladders made of fibreglass, ISO 11671, was approved at formal vote by a very narrow margin. This was despite significant opposition from many European countries including the UK who were opposed to the standard due to the inclusion of a 100kg load class. The UK will now need to decide if it will adopt the new international standard.
Working Group updates
CEN TC 93 Working Group 3 – User Information – held its first meeting on 20 November 2024. The group has been reformed to consider a revision of EN131 Part 3 Marking and User Instructions.
CEN TC 93 Working Group 1 (Step Stools), Working Group 7 (Ladder Accessories) and Working Group 9 (Loft Ladders), continue to meet to revise and draft the content for the three standards.
The newly formed Ladder Association ‘Ladders in Utilities’ Working Group held their inaugural meeting to discuss a potential standard for Personal Fall Protection (PFP) in conjunction with ladders, and the opportunity for a new Ladder Association Code of Practice specifically for the use of ladders in the Utilities sector. The Working Group is comprised of representatives from various utilities organisations, the Ladder Association’s Technical Committee, together with other stakeholders including the Health and Safety Executive.
Revision of BS 8634 for Roof Ladders
The Ladder Association is currently supporting testing at the Test & Research Centre in Soham to support a BSI business case for a revision of the BS 8634 Portable Roof Ladders standard.
