One of the more recognisable pieces of height safety equipment available; ladders are a versatile way of being able to safely ascend and descend from one floor to another. However; there are all kinds of different fixed ladders and roof ladders available; all differing for certain level configurations and layouts.

Fixed Access Ladders

A fixed access ladder is setup and attached to the structure’s exterior surfaces. The benefit of the ladder being fixed into place is that it won’t move or shake while someone is using it. Typically meaning that they’re able to be used in any kind of weather (be it windy or even wet).

Fixed ladders also come in a number of different configuration with different safety features; designed for dealing with all different access scenarios and commercial buildings.

Some of the safety features that can be included on all vertical and angular ladders include guardrails, cages (to enclose the user while they use the equipment) and even fall arrest cables to connect an operators harness to for 100% contact at all times.

Fixed Steps

Fixed steps are designed to give workers access to areas external to the building which are up to around 6 meters high. Ideal for providing access to floors higher than the lowest level; fixed steps are ideal to be used in conjunction with fire escape doors or in conjunction with elevated walkways to provide access to equipment that may be mounted to the sides of the building.

Fold Down Ladders

Fold down ceiling ladders are the ideal solution when needing an access which is internal in the building. The reason for this being the preferred environment for this style of ladder is that they’re able to be stored when not in use. Since the ladder is flush against the ceiling when stored; they’re attached to and not really leaving a footprint to the visual aspects of the overall area.

Fold down ladders are also installed whenever an internal roof access hatch is installed to ensure workers can safely access the roof from inside the building if need be.

Can anyone install a roof ladder system?

While it is possible for anybody to source and install; although there is a bit more to it than just placing a ladder wherever you feel like.
As with anything safety related; it’s highly regulated with a number of Australian Standards, codes of practice and legislation acts that need to be adhered to.

Failure to adhere to these can cause injury to workers; and legal troubles for the party responsible for maintaining the building. This is why it’s highly recommended to get a professional height safety company to perform any installation of height safety equipment on your work site or premise.

Talking about professional height safety companies…

Essential Height Safety are Australia’s leading height safety Experts providing roof safety solutions, audit and certification services.   To ensure compliance to all Australian Standards, codes and legislation, Essential Height Safety will only use materials that are designed, engineered, certified and manufactured in Australia.

We’ve built a team of highly skilled, accredited, certified installers that are all our own employees – you can rest assured we don’t sub-contract any of our work.  This ensures not only is your building is up to height safety code, but your employees and contractors are assured safe roof access.

Not only are they perfect to install fixed ladder systems; they offer a full range of solutions and services to be the only company you need to engage for all height safety requirements!