Industrial ladders in the US are classified into three types based on weight capacity. They must comply with dimensional requirements and safety guidelines, including tread reinforcement and non-conductive rails. Other types of industrial stairs include escalators, alternating step ladders, dock ladders, scaffolding, and stools.
In most countries, industrial ladders must comply with specific safety guidelines; in the United States, these are established by the American National Standards Institute, which classifies them into three types based on their service rating and the weight they can bear. Type 1 industrial ladders are for heavy use and must support 250 lbs (113 kg), Type 1A must support 300 lbs (136 kg), and Type 1AA industrial ladders are for extra heavy use and must support 375 lbs (170kg). Stepladders, extendable and mobile ladders intended for industrial use in a warehouse, dock, orchard or any other working environment must also comply with dimensional requirements to ensure worker safety.
Industrial ladders can be up to 20 feet (6 m) long and the steps must be at least 11.5 inches (29 cm) wide. While they may be longer than commercial or home stepladders, the tread width requirement is the same for all types. Industrial ladders, especially those rated 1AA, often have extra tread reinforcement, reinforced spreaders, and non-conductive rails. The length of the legs can sometimes be adjusted for use on stairs and other uneven surfaces.
Single-section extension ladders, or straight ladders, can be up to 30 feet (9 m) high, those with two sections can reach up to 48 feet (14.5 m), and those with three 60 feet (18 m). . Rungs must be at least 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide and those on 2- or 3-section ladders must have overlap stops. Stepladders that fold out to become extension ladders are called stepladders and can usually be adjusted to function as stepladders. Industrial ladders do not differ from commercial or domestic ladders in these requirements, but must be rated to support more weight.
Other types of industrial stairs include escalators, such as warehouse escalators with lockable wheels. Some varieties of these can be folded for easy storage and some have spring-loaded castors so that the ladder automatically comes to a stop when it supports a weight. Alternating step ladders simulate a ladder and have handrails on either side so that the user can go up or down while looking away from the ladder, while dock ladders have brackets that can be bolted or welded to a vertical surface. Industrial scaffolding provides a comfortable, level surface for working at great heights, while stools, sawhorses and ladders/trolleys provide just enough height for tasks that are just out of reach. All are manufactured to meet the weight requirements of industrial ladders.
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