Misconceptions related to Industrial ladders

In life, we have cases where we don't have the full picture of the situation. It happens with friendships, relationships, news, products, you name it - we've done it all. Unfortunately, misconceptions are a part of life, but what do we do with a better knowledge of the misconceptions that define Indalex ladders.

Ladder materials

There is a lot of confusion about ladders materials and what is considered safe or unsafe, so let's take a look.Although there are many heavy-duty ladders that are safe to use, the weight of a product does not determine its stability or durability. Grandpa's old ladder may weigh 70 pounds yet work like a charm, but that doesn't mean all ladders feel that way. With construction improvements over the past 20+ years, ladder manufacturers have created ladders that weigh a fraction of what they use while having a greater carrying capacity than older ladders.

Spreader bars do not define safety

Most A-frame ladders have spreader bars between the rails. We've all used them (and maybe even pinched our fingers on them) and are familiar with their purpose. While many stepladders are engineered to require spreader bars for stability, not all ladders require them. In the case of some of ladders, such as our multi-position ladders and some combination ladders, a spreader is not necessary because they are engineered with the flexibility to accommodate different positions.

A rough track is not a safe track

Thick tracks do not indicate safe tracks. Now, this doesn't mean that wide or thick stair rails aren't safe. This is just to say that shorter rails can be just as strong, sometimes with a greater weight capacity than stairs with thicker, wider rails. The small Indalex platform ladders don’t mean it's not trade-grade.

Duty rating matters

There are many people who see a ladder safety label of "375 lb. rated" and roll their eyes, wondering if there is a need for a ladder that can lift that much weight. He believes he does not need a Type IA or Type IAA ladder because he personally does not weigh more than 300 pounds. That's where we got the idea, but even if you don't weigh 300-375 pounds, it might be a good idea to get a ladder with a higher duty rating. Consider that when you're working out, it's not just your body weight on the stairs—it's your stuff, too. How much weight do your tools and materials add to the ladder load? It may be wise to choose a Type IAA rating so you know your ladders is up to the task.Now, for the ladder mistakes that are especially important to your safety – the ladder behaviour mistakes. Obviously, we're not talking about ladder behaviour. Your behaviour and attitude towards climbing stairs can affect your safety.

Going down is as dangerous as going up

Leaving the stability of the ground is a challenge for some people, which is why the process of climbing stairs can be the most nerve-wracking part for some. So, when you're descending, getting closer to that safety of the ground, it's easy to believe that you're in your safest position. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When you're down, a false sense of security can lead to complacency, where you don't pay as much attention to your actions or your surroundings. In fact, one of the most common stair-related injuries is caused by getting lost while descending the stairs. Twenty percent of people get hurt by that small act. We're not trying to scare you; All we ask is that you consider your effort as you walk up and down the steps of the stairs.