What is a podium ladder used for?
Podium steps are a safe way to access and work at low-level heights. These are a safer alternative to ladders as they are not only more stable but also provide guard rails for the user to ensure they are enclosed and secure on the platform.
What is the difference between a platform ladder and a podium ladder?
Compared to stepladders, podium steps have a much more safety-orientated design. They essentially serve the same purpose as a stepladder in the workplace, but have been redesigned from the bottom-up to be as safe as possible.
What is podium step ladder?
Podium steps are a self-supported stable and safe way to work at height. Often referred to as warehouse steps they feature handrail supports which further enable safety. Usually made from aluminium they are lightweight yet sturdy and ideal for warehouses and storerooms as well as other work sites.
Can podium steps topple?
4. If you need to use podium steps keep in mind that these are not 100% safe and they can topple over. 5. You should not paint ladders because the paint can easily mask or hide damaged areas of the ladder.
What are the 3 types of ladders?
Single Pole Ladders (maximum length 9 metres) Extension Ladders (maximum length 15 metres) Step Ladders (maximum height 6.1 metres)
Can you stand on a platform ladder?
If you're using a platform ladder... The topmost tread of a platform step ladder is - you guessed it - a platform that's specifically designed to be stood on. So if you're using a platform step ladder, you can stand on the top tread safely.
Do you need pasma for podium steps?
For those who will only be operating from mobile towers and will not be installing, removing, adapting, or moving them, a PASMA training course is advisable.
How much of a ladder should protrude over the top of the landing point?
The top of the ladder should extend past the landing point approximately 1 meter or an alternative handhold should be provided. You must inspect and maintain the ladder at regular intervals to ensure the equipment is in safe working condition.
What is the best way to make sure that a ladder is secure and won't slip?
Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off, use a stake in the ground. Do not use a barrel, box, or another loose object as a support for a ladder. Use ladders equipped with non-slip feet.
How is working at height usually defined?
Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions were not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. You are working at height if you: work above ground/floor level.
What is the main regulation that controls the use of suitable access equipment for working at height?
The purpose of The Work at Height Regulations 2005 is to prevent death and injury caused by a fall from height.
What is a platform step ladder?
Platform Step Ladders provide a strong, stable base on which the user can work at height comfortably. This makes them ideal for use in trade as well as DIY jobs around the home.
Whats better aluminum or fiberglass ladder?
Fiberglass is more durable and long-lasting than aluminum due to its superior weather-resistant nature. You can expose a fiberglass ladder to sun or rain for days on end, and it won't rust or lose strength.
How high can you reach with an 8 foot ladder?
Step ladder height = Estimated reach above the ground: 6-foot ladder = 10-foot reach. 8-foot ladder = 12-foot reach. 10-foot ladder = 14-foot reach.
Features of a Podium Ladder
Since the podium ladder is built with A-frame construction, it provides a stronger support base compared to the traditional step ladder. In addition, this style of ladder offers an extra wide podium at the top giving the user the ability to gain additional height, while maintaining their footing.
Better Balance & Less Fatigue
Working on a ladder at height for long periods can easily lead to fatigue. Balance is vital in this scenario and a podium ladder offers the base you need to maintain your balance. It’s less stressful on your body and your mind to work at heights on a podium ladder compared to a step ladder.
Additional Features & Accessories
Several additional features and accessories can be added to your podium ladder to make it even safer. A stabilizer base bar or an extended leg stabilizer is a good place to start. In addition, you can add telescopic legs or telescopic podium steps. Other accessories can be added for convenience.
Why use a podium step?
Why should you use a podium step. Podiums provide a safe working platform for the user with easy access to and from the unit. Working from a ladder or steps require 3 points of contact which can be restrictive for the user to complete a task safely. Many Podiums provide the user with a number of Platform Heights which makes it much more achievable ...
How high are podium steps?
Theses range from as low as 250mm up to 2000mm. Podiums can be used both internal and external and there are even podiums designed for use on stairs.
How many castors does a podium have?
Podiums are generally supplied with 2 x castors for moving around the site and with 2 x Anti Surf feet which prevent the user from surfing the podium and ultimately preventing misuse and a fall from height. Most podiums have stabilisers, which must be used and not disregarded. Podiums will have been tested to the standard with Stabilisers to prevent the unit from toppling over. All podiums should have an Instruction Guide for safe assembly and dismantle.
What is the difference between podiums and BS 8620?
The difference is podium s that conform to BS 8620 are built to that standard and not tested however BS 8620 are tested to the requirements. For tested products manufacturers or retailers will be able to provide a test certificate to prove it has passed the required tests.
Is a podium safe?
Are podiums safe? As with ladders, Podiums also come under a standard, this standard ensures that the units are well built and will stand the test of time being safe for the user. In short, podiums are a very safe solution for low-level work at height, as long as you are purchasing a podium built to the correct standards.
Do podiums need to be inspected?
All equipment should also be maintained to a high level to ensure safety and podium steps are no different from this rule. Podium steps like mobile towers should be inspected before and after each use to make sure the kit is correct and there is no damage that will compromise the user’s safety. PASMA Tags are a great tool for keeping track of inspections and can help identify on-site which podiums are safe or unsafe to use.
Do podiums have stabilisers?
Most podiums have stabilisers, which must be used and not disregarded. Podiums will have been tested to the standard with Stabilisers to prevent the unit from toppling over. All podiums should have an Instruction Guide for safe assembly and dismantle.
What is a platform ladder?
The platform ladder is another variation of the traditional step ladder, with the major difference being that the top section of the ladder comes with a built-in platform – hence the name. This type of ladder combines the convenience and efficiency of a step ladder with the comfort of having a platform to stand on with a guardrail for safety.
What is a step ladder?
As a result, a step ladder is the perfect type of ladder to have in a household for nearly any task around the home.
What are the different types of ladders?
The most common types of ladders include step ladders, multi-purpose ladders, straight ladders, extension ladders, attic ladders, step stools, and fire escape ladders.
How tall is a telescoping ladder?
Its weight entirely depends on the height of the ladder. Most telescoping ladders have a maximum height of 14 ½ feet.
How much weight can a twin step ladder hold?
Depending on the manufacturer, these ladders are often known as one of the strongest step ladders available. Many offer the ability to hold over 300 pounds per side.
Why are ladders important?
Ladders come in handy for a variety of tasks and are one of the most essential tools to have as a homeowner. Different types of ladders offer different functions , while their most notable benefit is the ability to reach elevated areas for painting, cleaning, storage, or cleaning purposes. However, in order to get your intended job done as safely and efficiently as possible, it’s important that you choose the right type of ladder.
What is the most common type of ladder?
The most common type of straight ladder – and one you’re likely familiar with – is the extension ladder. 4. Extension Ladder. When it comes to ladders used around the home, extension ladders are one of the most common. They are a type of straight ladder that can be adjusted to reach various heights.
Benefits of A Podium Ladder
Who Should Buy A Podium Ladder?
- When you only need to be at height for a couple of minutes, an aluminum A-frame ladder works fine. It’s lightweight, and you can move from point to point relatively easily. But when working for longer, a podium ladder makes a lot more sense to have in your arsenal. Painters definitely want to consider this as a solution as well as electricians, HVAC Pros, and carpenters. Any Pro who w…
What About Downsides?
- Despite all the benefits, podium ladders do have a couple of downsides worth considering. You can’t adjust the level of the podium to change your working height. If you need to work at multiple heights, you’ll need multiple ladders. Also, if you find yourself working from the lower steps often, a podium ladder might not be the best solution. If you can swing it, owning multiple heights isn’t …
The Bottom Line
- The podium ladder fits well with Pros who work at height for more than a couple of minutes at a time. It also matches up with those needing to move and turn while on the ladder. While the extra weight and cost are considerations, the reduction in foot fatigue absolutely makes it a worthwhile investment in our opinion. The A-frame ladder still has a place when you need to move around a …