Youngman - Safe Product Selection

Which Type of Product?

Which Type of Product?
 
The easiest way to select the safest and most suitable product for your needs is to follow steps one to three below:
 
Step one
 
First, ask yourself the following questions:
  • What is the job I want to do?
  • What height do I need to work at?
  • How long will the job take?
  • How often will I need to use the product?
  • What weight, including the user and their equipment, will the product need to take? (This is known as the ‘duty rating’)
  • What are the site conditions at ground level?
Step two
 
Armed with this information, you can then use our simple colour coding to begin your selection:
 
DIY
 
 
Products marked with this symbol are only suitable for domestic DIY jobs, and should not be used by tradespeople or in the workplace.
 
Always check the product’s duty rating (see step three below) to make sure it is right for the job you want to do.
 
Trade
 
 
These products are suitable for general purpose trade work, and can cope with everyday wear and tear.
 
Always check the product’s duty rating (see step three below) to make sure it is right for the job you want to do.
 
Industrial
 
 
Choose products marked with this symbol when you are working in the most demanding conditions and need high specification equipment to deal with frequent use, extra-heavy weights or extreme environments.
 
Always check the product’s duty rating (see step three below) to make sure it is right for the job you want to do.
 
Step three
 
Now check your product’s technical details to ensure it is right for your job:
 
 
Loft ladders
 
Is your loft ladder for occasional use only?
 
Select BS 7553 Class G: general use.
 
Do you need a robust loft ladder for frequent use?
 
Select BS 7553 Class H: heavy duty.
 
 
Step ladders and extension ladders
 
Is your product just for occasional use around the home?
 
You will need BS 2037 Class 3: Duty rating 95kg (15 stone). These ladders and steps are for occasional use in the home.
 
Please note: It is against Health and Safety Regulations to use these products for trade or industrial use. Many insurance companies will not cover personal injury claims if products designed for the home are used at work.
 
Is your product for trade or professional use?
 
For light to heavy duty work, you will need EN131: Duty rating 110kg (17.3 stone), maximum safe working load 150kg (23.5 stone). You will find a range of products in this category, suitable for many different applications.
 
For frequent and rugged use, choose BS 2037 Class 1: Duty rating 130kg (20.5 stone). This is the strongest UK standard.
 
 
Access towers
 
The British Standard for scaffold towers is BS EN 1004: 2004. This requires towers to have:
  • Vertical, inclined or stairway ladder access to the platform
  • A trapdoor platform for safe access from the ladder
  • Toeboards around all work platforms
  • Stabilisers or outriggers to prevent overturning
  • Double height guardrails on each platform
These features are also required under Health and Safety Regulations.