However, many of these pros and cons are governed by factors that have nothing to do with fire apparatus. For example, bigger and taller aerial apparatus may not fit inside existing fire stations. Heavier fire apparatus may exceed weight limitations on bridges, viaducts, and overpasses. Heavy rigs increase the cost of street maintenance because they tear up road surfaces over a period of time. Running over curbs and sidewalks, which sometimes can’t be avoided, cracks their surfaces, shortening their expected service life span. Steel can withstand higher temperatures than aluminum, but aluminum doesn’t rust so in the long run it does better in harsh, inclement weather. And on and on it goes-for every pro opinion, there’s a rebuttal con opinion. If the item details above aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it. Additionally, if you’re going to be using both hands while on the ladder, it’s a good idea to have someone with you in case of an accident. Completing the CAPTCHA proves you are a human and gives you temporary access to the web property.
With all the certification requirements and liability, it’s best for fire departments to contract these services out to private companies. I figured if anyone would see the shortcomings of steel or aluminum aerials, it would be a neutral party. So I contacted Fire One Water-Based Fire Protection Services, located in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. According to the techs at Fire One, with all the different manufacturers tested, there is no difference between steel and aluminum aerial ladders. Neither type tested has failed to date, and both types of ladders meet or exceed NFPA 1901, Standard for Automotive Apparatus, and NFPA 1914. I realize I’m not comparing identical apparatus; these are just ballpark figures. But the rigs are all 100-foot aerials, and sizes are pretty close. The equipment inventory is standardized for truck companies throughout the department. I’m just noting that the weight of our aluminum aerial ladder truck is not significantly lighter than the steel ones.
These accessories attach to the feet of the ladder and extend independently, so you can position the ladder properly. We like the looks of the LeveLok Permanent Mount Style Levelers. The LeveLoks are the only levelers we found that offer a pivoting safety shoe, and they have fantastic customer feedback at Amazon. Since the legs can accommodate adjustments up to 10 inches, you could set the ladder perpendicular on a flight of stairs. Most levelers are in the $100-plus price range, though, and the LeveLok pair is no different. You can find a number of add-on accessories that make an extension ladder easier and safer to use, including stabilizers, ladder mitts, and leveling legs.
It has two sections that quickly fold up onto itself and be moved from location to location. When extended, the ladder makes an inverted V shape, with the two legs resting on the ground and joining together in a point at the top. Changing out lightbulbsprobably isn’t an issue, as long as you don’t directly touch the electric source. However, wear rubber-soled shoes while doing so, just for extra safety. This can make the task you are working on easier and also helps when loading and unloading whenmoving all of your tools from job-to-job. Both have their own advantages and depending on the plans you have for your ladder, you may want to choose one over the other. Only Alco-Lite Fire Ladder rungs can be quickly and simply removed at your location without the need for special tools or training. I just received our Alaco Ladder and I must say it is beautiful – great craftsmanship and nice design. It adds the perfect aesthetic and functionality to the loft above the kitchen in my Florida Keys-style bungalow. Ships Ladders are designed for a fixed, permanent installation utilizing Alaco heavy-duty aluminum brackets.
Click here to see the Safety Data Sheets for this product. Setup and adjust your Velocity articulating ladder in seconds thanks to the patented Rock Lock system. In no event will Free Delivery benefits be available to you if reside outside the delivery service area of a Participating Beta Test Program Retailer. Orders requiring assembly are excluded from next business day delivery. Delivery is limited to the member’s residence, which must be within the local Participating Beta Test Program Retailer’s delivery service area. The order must be placed before 6pm local time on a day when the Participating Beta Test Program Retailer is open to be eligible for next business day delivery. Not all merchandise is eligible for delivery from all Participating Beta Test Program Retailers. Items must be in-stock at the member’s local Participating Beta Test Program Retailer to be eligible for next business day delivery. However, if an item is not in stock, it will be delivered by the date indicated during checkout at the time of purchase on the Site.
In fact, I’ve spent quite a bit of time on this exact ladder. The feet of the D have nonslip textured rubber grips for use on hard, flat surfaces. When you set up the ladder on a lawn or other soft surface, you can pivot the feet so that the claw end faces downward, ready for you to dig it into the ground for a better grip. We found that both setups are successful and very stable. The utility bucket easily held a bottle of Windex, a roll of paper towels, a cordless drill, a prybar, a hammer, and a handful of small, easy-to-lose aluminum storm window screws. Lastly, the GLF-5X model’s tool tray is on the small side, and Gorilla does not offer any add-on accessories such as a utility bucket. We tested similar accessories from Werner and found them to be fantastic for a variety of projects. The Gorilla ladder does appear to be compatible with third-party items such as the Rack-A-Tiers Ladder Mate (which we haven’t tested). We’ve continued to use the Gorilla GLF-5X for a number of indoor and outdoor tasks, as well as through a small renovation.
We tested Werner’s AC52-UB Utility Bucket and AC56-UH Utility Hook, and we thought that both accessories were excellent. The bucket also gave me a place to put the old caulk that I was scraping off the edges of the windows. And with all of that stuff in the bucket, I still had plenty of room left over. As for overall build quality, the Gorilla GLF-5X is fully functional and I always felt secure on it. When you use any stepladder, you should ensure that the legs are level, either by digging one slightly into the ground or supporting one with a shim . Under normal circumstances, with the legs leveled, the two ladders seemed to offer a similar amount of stability in our tests.
Type 11 ladders also run in lengths of 3 to 20 feet long. They are used in more commercial applications like painters, interior decorators, maintenance workers, and electricians. Type II ladders are manufactured in wood, fiberglass, and aluminum and are commonly used for medium-duty use. Alaco Cages for fixed access ladders offer added safety for climbs higher than 20 feet. Made of the same aircraft-grade aluminum alloy as the ladders themselves, cages use 1/4” x 2” hoops riveted to seven 3/16” x 1-1/2” vertical bars for optimal structural stability. The Little Giant Velocity® is constructed of a special alloy that makes it 20 percent lighter than any comparable industrial-rated ladder. The Velocity also includes several innovative new features such as the dual-pin hinge and the easy-to-use Rock Locks™ for quick adjustment. The Velocity can be used in many unique configurations as an A-frame, extension, staircase and 90-degree ladder, and with Velocity Trestle Brackets to form a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. The Velocity’s wide-flared legs and aerospace-grade aluminum construction provide an unmatched feeling of safety and stability.
Because aluminum is a lightweight material, it can be moved around a job site easily with very little hassle. Heat also has an impact on aluminum and can cause it to lose its durable nature. Aluminum ladders, however, do resist corrosion and can withstand applications where water or moisture is an issue. Whether you are doing a job around the house or simply changing a light bulb, you may need a ladder to complete the task. While you may think that every ladder is the same, there are significant differences between a fiberglass vs aluminum ladder. Ladder rungs are an important safety design feature to take into consideration. Steel ladders typically have round rungs and are not serrated, making it less stable for the person trying to climb it. O’Keeffe’s ladders have deeply serrated square rungs for maximum foot traction and safety. OSHA provides design requirements for access ladders through 29 CFR 1910.23 . In addition to OSHA requirements, building teams must consult with state and local jurisdictions to confirm what building code requirements apply to their projects.
Galvanized cross braces, leveling jacks and many more scaffolding accessories are available. From 8″ industrial casters, end brackets, side brackets and scaffold tower guard rails to hoist arms, well wheels, mortar boards and access ladders for your scaffolding systems. Your working environment could require heavyweights of cargo to be transported, carried, or passed using these ladders. As so, you will need to look for one that supports weight evenly and entirely. Under such heat exposure, fiberglass ladders are more prone to crack and break. As for timber ladders, they would deteriorate from moisture.
I feel very safe and am a very happy owner of the original Gorilla Multi-Position ladder. Keep up-to-date with our ladder experts blog for the latest safety tips, industry news, and how-to articles. Interested in improving your ladder and accessory offering? Learn how to choose the right ladder, properly setup your ladder, and other valuable ladder safety information. There’s only one name that drives industry standards in innovation and safety. There’s only one name whose quality expectations meet your own. Unlock positional versatility on a whole other level with these dual-purpose, straight-and-step ladders. Quick disconnect kit permanently mounts to a fixed for floating dock and uses connector pins to quickly attach and remove straight and lift ladders from your dock. These quick disconnect brackets are ideal in icing and winter conditions when the ladder will not be used for an extended period of time. Now Available with standard (2″ deep) steps or wide (3-1/2″ deep) steps.
For storage or transport purposes, you’ll also want to know the length of the ladder when fully retracted and folded. There are several measurements to consider when choosing a ladder. You can store your ladder by leaning it horizontally or vertically against a wall, but be sure it’s not extending into any area where it’s likely to be a tripping hazard. Store your ladder in a protected spot away from intense heat or freezing temperatures and where it won’t be subjected to excessive moisture or humidity. The Werner Fiberglass Podium Ladder (view at Lowe’s) is our top choice, thanks to its superb stability and ability to hold up to 300 pounds. If you really need to climb up high, however, you’ll like the Werner D6200 Fiberglass Ladder (view at Lowe’s), which stretches all the way up to 24 feet.
Stay off any ladder that is damaged, has loose rungs or sides, or is in generally poor condition. Don’t place your ladder in front of a door that might be opened while the ladder is in use. Avoid muddy spots, puddles, slopes, or loose ground, such as gravel or pebbles. There should never be more than one person on a ladder at a time. Climb the ladder slowly and carefully, without sudden movements or swaying side-to-side. Finally, the distance between ladder rungs should be 10 to 14 inches, with the same distance between every rung. The width of the ladder’s base is also important when choosing a spot for storage.