In order to make a safe ladder choice, duty rating, ladder length and the material from which the ladder is constructed are the most important elements.

Ladders are designed to support one person plus the materials and tools for the job. In order to assist you in making a safe choice, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has defined tests that determine the duty rating, type, and maximum working load (which includes tools, planks, materials as well as the user) for each ladder. Each ladder has a label that provides the appropriate rating information for you. The labels are color coded based on the duty ratings (see below). The following chart will be useful when making your choice:

DUTY RATING	TYPE	WORKING LOAD
Extra Heavy Duty, Industrial	1A	300 Lbs.
Heavy Duty, Industrial	1	250 Lbs.
Medium Duty, Commercial	ll	225 Lbs.
Light Duty, Household	lll	200 Lbs.

When considering what length of ladder is best for you, please keep in mind that the ladder length and the maximum working length (extension ladders) or highest standing level (stepladders) are not the same. The following chart will be helpful in assisting you to make a safe choice:

HIGHEST STANDING LEVEL	MAXIMUM WORKING LENGTH
3� stepladder - 1�	16� ladder - 13�
4� stepladder - 1�11"	20� ladder - 17�
5� stepladder - 2�11"	24� ladder - 21�
6� stepladder - 3�10"	28� ladder - 25�
7� stepladder - 4�9"	32� ladder - 29�
8� stepladder - 5�9"	36� ladder - 32�
10� stepladder - 7�7"	40� ladder - 35�
12� stepladder - 9�5"

Portable ladders are constructed primarily from three materials: wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. Matching the job and working environment with the proper ladder material is the third component in making the safest ladder choice. For example, if you will be working with or around electricity, it is important to select a non-conductive material such as wood or fiberglass. Some important factors when considering ladder material properties are:

WOOD:

• Least expensive
• Not conductive when clean and dry
• Heavier weight provides extra stability

 

ALUMINUM:

• Weather resistant
• Durable and lightweight
• Material is conductive

 

FIBERGLASS:

• Weather resistant
• Not conductive when clean and dry