Portable Ladders
Straight or Single Ladders
The most common type of portable ladder is a straight or single ladder.
It is a non-self-supporting portable ladder that is non-adjustable in length, consisting of one section. Unlike a stepladder that requires level support for all four of its side rails, the Single Ladder requires only two level ground support points in addition to a top support. Ladder levelers may be used to achieve equal rail support on uneven surfaces. (American Ladder Institute)
- It is intended for use by one person.
- The length cannot exceed 30 feet.
- It is available in wood, metal and reinforced fiberglass.
- It supports only one worker.
- The top support allows tie off the top of the ladder to increase stability.
Extension Ladders
We use ladders to do all sorts of tasks, so it's not surprising that many types of ladders are available. Let's look at the most common types. Characteristics of extension ladders include:
- They offer the most length in a general-purpose ladder.
- They have two or more adjustable sections.
- The sliding upper section must be on top of the lower section.
- They are made of wood, metal, or fiberglass.
- The maximum length of extension depends on material
- They support only one worker.
It's important to choose the right ladder for the right job. Using a ladder for a task that it was not designed for may increase the risk of falling.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-2. How many workers will a standard straight ladder support?
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