The old system Prior to 2018, there were three different ladder ratings that helped consumers to select the right ladder for their needs:
Class 1 (BS203) - Suitable for heavy industrial use
Class 2 (BSEN131) - Suitable for light trade use
Class 3 (BS2037) - Suitable for home / DIY use only
Of course, it's not always clear where 'trade' use ends and 'industrial' use begins. Furthermore, the old rules didn't have many specific requirements for slip resistance and other key considerations.
This may have been part of the reason why the three-tier system was replaced with a simpler two-class system in January 2018.
Current EN131 regulations
The EN131 ladder regulations were updated in early 2018. Since then, EN131-certified ladders have been sorted into just two classifications:
Professional - Ladders rated 'Professional' are suitable for professional use.
Non-Professional - Ladders rated 'Non-Professional' should not be used for trade or industrial applications, but they are suitable for home DIY jobs.
Under the revised regulations, all EN131-certified ladders (professional and non-professional) are required to have a maximum load rating of at least 150kg.
Colour codes for Fiberglass Stepladders and Extension Ladders
RED, 200 lbs, ANSI Code Type III
GREEN, 225 lbs, ANSI Code Type II
BLUE, 250 lbs, ANSI Code Type I
ORANGE, 300 lbs, ANSI Code Type IA
YELLOW, 375 lbs, ANSI Code Type IAA
Colour codes for Aluminum Stepladders and Extension Ladders
RED, 200 lbs, ANSI Code Type III
GREEN, 225 lbs, ANSI Code Type II
BLUE, 250 lbs, ANSI Code Type I
BLACK or ORANGE, 300 lbs, ANSI Code Type IA
(Most aluminum 300 lbs capacity ladders normally have black caps, but some newer ones have orange caps)
YELLOW, 375 lbs, ANSI Code Type IAA
Class 1 Ladders are the highest rated ladders in terms of strength and quality. These ladders are suitable for use in heavy duty industrial applications and environments. The European Standard EN131 is a Europe wide classification and it replaced the old British Class II Ladder Standard.
Each ladder type is designed with a specific purpose/task in mind and thus has a unique set of safety features to keep you safe while climbing or standing on the ladder. Using the incorrect type of ladder or failing to understand its limitations can result in serious injury.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Ladder:
What will you be using it for?
How tall does it need to be?
What material should it be made of?
How long will you be up the ladder at any particular time?
How big is the space you have to store and transport it?
Each ladder type is designed with a specific purpose/task in mind and thus has a unique set of safety features to keep you safe while climbing or standing on the ladder. Using the incorrect type of ladder or failing to understand its limitations can result in serious injury.
For instance, you could have a step ladder with adjustable feet for use on uneven terrain or handrails for safer climbing.
An A-frame or extension ladder may be appropriate for some tasks, but a platform ladder is safer. Inspect the ladder for damage before each use. Only use a ladder if you are physically-capable of doing so. Always set up the ladder on a flat, stable surface.
When working with electricity or an electrical circuit or equipment, ladder safety should be observed. There are many different types of ladders, and they are made of different materials. Metal ladders should never be used when dealing with electricity. Always choose a non-conductive ladder made of wood or fiberglass.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recognizes five ladder grade categories:
Type III (Light Duty):This grade holds up to 200 pounds. Type III is a common ladder for home use on projects with painting, reaching tall items, climbing to a roof and more.
Type II (Medium Duty): This grade holds up to 225 pounds. This type includes ladders used in construction and other commercial contract work.
Type I (Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 250 pounds. Type I is often used for industrial applications that require heavy equipment or gear.
Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 300 pounds. This type supports industrial applications with extra heavy equipment or gear.
Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 375 pounds. It supports special jobs with extremely heavy equipment or gear.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recognizes five ladder grade categories:
Type III (Light Duty):This grade holds up to 200 pounds. Type III is a common ladder for home use on projects with painting, reaching tall items, climbing to a roof and more.
Type II (Medium Duty): This grade holds up to 225 pounds. This type includes ladders used in construction and other commercial contract work.
Type I (Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 250 pounds. Type I is often used for industrial applications that require heavy equipment or gear.
Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 300 pounds. This type supports industrial applications with extra heavy equipment or gear.
Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty): This grade holds up to 375 pounds. It supports special jobs with extremely heavy equipment or gear.
Based on the original Type 1A Little Giant, the Type 1AA uses thicker gauge aluminum and extra bracing to achieve the increased workload capacity. This is an incredibly tough ladder! It meets the OSHA Type 1A 300lb, Extra Heavy Duty Rating for ladders.