EN 131-2:2010+A3:2025
(Main)Ladders - Part 2: Requirements, testing, marking
Ladders - Part 2: Requirements, testing, marking
This European Standard specifies the general design features, requirements and test methods for portable ladders.
It does not apply to step stools or ladders for specific professional use such as firebrigade ladders, roof ladders and mobile ladders.
It does not apply to ladders used for work on or near live electrical systems or installations. For this purpose EN 61478 applies.
NOTE For insulating ladders for use on or near low voltage electrical installations EN 50528 applies.
This European Standard is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 131-1.
For single or multiple hinge joint ladders EN 131-4 applies.
For telescopic ladders EN 131-6 applies.
For mobile ladders with a platform EN 131-7 applies.
Leitern - Teil 2: Anforderungen, Prüfung, Kennzeichnung
Diese Europäische Norm legt die allgemeinen Konstruktionsmerkmale, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für tragbare Leitern fest.
Sie ist nicht anwendbar für Tritte oder Leitern für den besonderen beruflichen Gebrauch, wie Feuerwehrleitern, Dachleitern und fahrbare Leitern.
Sie ist nicht anwendbar für Leitern, die für Arbeiten an oder in der Nähe von elektrischen Systemen oder Anlagen verwendet werden. Hierfür ist EN 61478 anwendbar.
#ANMERKUNG Für isolierende Leitern für Arbeiten an oder in der Nähe von elektrischen Anlagen im Nieder-spannungsbereich ist EN 50528 anwendbar.$
Diese Europäische Norm ist zur Verwendung in Verbindung mit EN 131 1 bestimmt.
Für Ein oder Mehrgelenkleitern ist EN 131 4 anwendbar.
#Für Teleskopleitern ist EN 131 6 anwendbar.
Für mobile Podestleitern ist EN 131 7 anwendbar.$
Échelles - Partie 2 : Exigences, essais, marquage
La présente Norme européenne spécifie les caractéristiques générales de conception, les exigences et les méthodes d’essai applicables aux échelles portables.
Elle ne s’applique pas aux marchepieds ou aux échelles à usage professionnel spécifique tels que les échelles à incendie, les échelles de toit et les échelles escamotables.
Elle ne s’applique pas aux échelles utilisées pour effectuer des travaux sur des installations électriques ou à proximité de circuits électriques sous tension. À cet effet, l’EN 61478 s’applique.
NOTE Pour les échelles isolantes destinées à être utilisées sur ou à proximité d’installations électriques basse tension, l’EN 50528 s’applique.
La présente norme doit être utilisée conjointement avec l’EN 131-1.
Pour les échelles articulées à articulations simple et multiple, l’EN 131-4 s’applique.
Pour les échelles télescopiques, l’EN 131-6 s’applique.
Pour les échelles mobiles avec une plate-forme, l’EN 131-7 s’applique.
Lestve - 2. del: Zahteve, preskušanje, označevanje (vključno z dopolnilom A3)
Ta evropski standard določa splošne konstrukcijske značilnosti, zahteve in preskusne metode za prenosne lestve. Ne uporablja se za pručke ali lestve za posebno poklicno uporabo, kot so gasilske lestve, strešne lestve in mobilne lestve. Ne uporablja se za lestve, ki so namenjene za delo na električnih sistemih ali napravah pod napetostjo ali v njihovi bližini. Za ta namen se uporablja standard EN 61478. OPOMBA: Za izolirne lestve, ki se uporabljajo na nizkonapetostnih električnih inštalacijah ali v njihovi bližini, se uporablja standard EN 50528. Ta evropski standard je treba uporabljati v povezavi s standardom EN 131-1. Za lestve z enim ali več pregibi se uporablja standard EN 131-4. Za teleskopske lestve se uporablja standard EN 131-6. Za mobilne lestve s ploščadjo se uporablja standard EN 131-7.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2025
Lestve - 2. del: Zahteve, preskušanje, označevanje (vključno z dopolnilom A3)
Ladders - Part 2: Requirements, testing, marking
Leitern - Teil 2: Anforderungen, Prüfung, Kennzeichnung
Échelles - Partie 2 : Exigences, essais, marquage
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 131-2:2010+A3:2025
ICS:
97.145 Lestve Ladders
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 131-2:2010+A3
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.145 Supersedes EN 131-2:2010+A2:2017
English Version
Ladders - Part 2: Requirements, testing, marking
Échelles - Partie 2: Exigences, essais, marquage Leitern - Teil 2: Anforderungen, Prüfung,
Kennzeichnung
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 September 2016 and includes Amendment 3 approved by CEN on 11 June
2025.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 131-2:2010+A3:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 3
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Requirements . 7
4.1 General . 7
4.2 Materials . 7
4.3 Design . 12
4.4 Surface finish . 12
4.5 Hinges (turning points) . 13
4.6 Opening restraints . 13
4.7 Rungs/steps/platforms . 13
4.8 Platform . 14
4.9 #Ladder feet and anti-skid devices$ . 14
4.10 Extending and sectional ladders . 15
5 Testing . 15
5.1 General . 15
5.2 #Strength test for all ladders$ . 15
5.3 Bending test of the stiles. 18
5.4 Lateral deflection test of the ladder . 19
5.5 Bottom stile ends test . 20
5.6 Vertical load on rungs, steps and platforms . 21
5.7 Torsion test of rungs and steps . 22
5.8 Test of opening restraints and hinges of standing ladders . 23
5.9 Test for ladder rung/step hooks of extending ladders and combination ladders . 24
5.10 Kick-up test of the platform of standing ladders . 25
5.11 Feet pull test . 26
5.12 Test on hand-/kneerails . 28
5.13 Maximum extension of ladder . 29
5.14 3-part combination ladder in A-position test . 30
5.15 #Torsion test for standing ladders$ . 30
5.16 Test methods for plastic ladders . 33
6 Marking and user instructions . 52
7 Certification . 52
Annex A (normative) Test sequence . 53
Annex B (informative) A-deviations . 56
Bibliography . 59
European foreword
This document (EN 131-2:2010+A3:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 93
“Ladders”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2025 and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes %EN 131-2:2010+A2:2017&
This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2012-04-16, Amendment 2 approved by
CEN on 2016-09-17 and Amendment 3 approved by CEN on 2025-06-11.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendments is indicated in the text by tags !",
#$ and %&
#deleted text$
This European Standard is one of a series about ladders. The other standards of this series are listed in
Clause 2 and in the Bibliography.
#Classification is determined in the strength test for all ladders and additionally in the durability test
for standing ladders.
A test protocol is being considered for an alternative base slip test on behalf of an expert group of the
GPSD committee.$
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
Due to the unhomogeneity of the material wood, special requirements have been appropriated on this
item.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the general design features, requirements and test methods for
portable ladders.
It does not apply to step stools or ladders for specific professional use such as firebrigade ladders, roof
ladders and mobile ladders.
It does not apply to ladders used for work on or near live electrical systems or installations. For this
purpose EN 61478 applies.
#
NOTE For insulating ladders for use on or near low voltage electrical installations EN 50528 applies.$
This European Standard is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 131-1.
For single or multiple hinge joint ladders EN 131-4 applies.
#For telescopic ladders EN 131-6 applies.
For mobile ladders with a platform EN 131-7 applies.$
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 59, Glass reinforced plastics — Measurement of hardness by means of a Barcol impressor
#EN 131-1:2015$, Ladders — Part 1: Terms, types, functional sizes
EN 131-3, Ladders — Part 3: User Instructions
EN 204, Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-structural applications
EN 301, Adhesives, phenolic and aminoplastic, for load-bearing timber structures — Classification and
performance requirements
EN 385, Finger jointed structural timber — Performance requirements and minimum production
requirements
EN 386:2001, Glued laminated timber — Performance requirements and minimum production
requirements
EN 391:2001, Glued laminated timber — Delamination test of glue lines
EN 392, Glued laminated timber — Shear test of glue lines
EN 408, Timber structures — Structural timber and glued laminated timber — Determination of some
physical and mechanical properties
#EN 572-2, Glass in building — Basic soda lime silicate glass products — Part 2: Float glass$
EN 844-9:1997, Round and sawn timber — Terminology — Part 9: Terms relating to features of sawn
timber
EN 1310, Round and sawn timber — Method of measurement of features
#EN 10088-2:2014, Stainless steels — Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip of
corrosion resisting steels for general purposes$
EN 61478, Live working — Ladders of insulating material (IEC 61478:2001)
EN ISO 179-1, Plastics — Determination of Charpy impact properties — Part 1: Non-instrumented impact
test (ISO 179-1:2000)
EN ISO 527-1, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 1: General principles (ISO 527-
1:1993 including Corr 1:1994)
EN ISO 527-2, Plastics — Determination of tensile properties — Part 2: Test conditions for moulding and
extrusion plastics (ISO 527-2:1993 including Corr 1:1994)
EN ISO 3834-1, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 1: Criteria for the
selection of the appropriate level of quality requirements (ISO 3834-1:2005)
EN ISO 3834-2, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 2: Comprehensive
quality requirements (ISO 3834-2:2005)
EN ISO 3834-3, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 3: Standard quality
requirements (ISO 3834-3:2005)
EN ISO 3834-4, Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials — Part 4: Elementary
quality requirements (ISO 3834-4:2005)
EN ISO 4892-2:2006, Plastics — Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources — Part 2: Xenon-arc
lamps (ISO 4892-2:2006)
EN ISO 6892-1, Metallic materials — Tensile testing — Part 1: Method of test at room temperature
(ISO 6892-1:2009)
EN ISO 14125, Fibre-reinforced plastic composites — Determination of flexural properties (ISO
14125:1998)
#EN ISO 14644-1, Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments — Part 1: Classification of air
cleanliness by particle concentration (ISO 14644-1)$
EN ISO 14731, Welding coordination — Tasks and responsibilities (ISO 14731:2006)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in #EN 131-1:2015$and the
following apply.
3.1
thermoset plastic
plastic that has been cured by heat or by other means such as radiation, catalysts, etc., into a
substantially infusible and insoluble state
[EN ISO 472:2001]
3.2
composite material
crosslinkable resin-based material with a continuous reinforcement fibre as filler (e.g. fibreglass)
3.3
thermoplastic material
plastic material other than thermoset plastic or composite with or without filler and with or without
reinforcement
3.4
maximal total load
maximum weight that the ladder is designed to support when set up in accordance with the
manufacturer's instruction
#
3.5
professional ladder
ladder that is intended for use in a working environment$
4 Requirements
4.1 General
#The requirements are based upon a maximum total load of 1 471 N (150 kg).$
#deleted text$
#
NOTE This value takes account of the weights of European professionals working at height and their
equipment. Ladders are determined to be used by one person at a time but this excludes any person footing
(stabilising) the ladder.$
4.2 Materials
4.2.1 Aluminium — alloy
All load bearing parts made of aluminium alloy shall have an elongation A at rupture measured
according to EN ISO 6892-1 of minimum 5 %.
All load bearing parts made of aluminium alloy shall have a thickness of at least 1,2 mm.
4.2.2 Steel
If cold rolled steel or a special alloy-steel is used the ratio between 0,2 % yield-stress and ultimate
strength (R 0,2/Rm) shall be lower than 0,92.
p
All load bearing parts made of steel shall have a thickness of at least 1,0 mm.
4.2.3 Plastics
Glass-fibre reinforced plastics shall be protected against penetration of water and dirt. The surface shall
be smooth. The fibres shall be embedded. The Barcol hardness according to EN 59 shall be at least 35.
The test methods and acceptance criteria for defining the characteristics of the composite and
reinforced thermoplastic materials are given in 5.16. They apply to the load-bearing elements (stiles,
climbing supports, platforms) of the structure of ladders at time of use. Thermoplastic materials
without reinforcements shall not be used for load bearing-elements.
The minimum thickness for load-bearing elements made of thermoset plastics and composite material
is 2 mm.
When using plastics materials, ageing and temperature resistance shall be taken into account.
4.2.4 Timber
4.2.4.1 Different kind of timber
For stiles, stanchions, braces, rungs and steps the types of timber to be used shall have a bulk density
3 3
greater than or equal to 450 kg/m for softwoods and 690 kg/m for hardwoods. The bulk density shall
be measured with a moisture content of 15 %.
Examples of suitable species of wood are:
Softwood:
Fir (Abies alba)
Larch (Larix decidua)
Spruce (Picea abies)
Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Oregon pine (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla)
Hardwood:
Beech (Fagus sylvatica)
Ash (Fraxisnus excelsior)
Oak (Quercus robur)
Robina (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Other types of timber having at least the same quality as the mentioned above are permitted too.
The following species of wood are not permitted for the production of ladders:
Parana Pine (Araucaria angustifolia O.Ktze.)
Hem Fir (Abies magnifica) and
Corsican Pine (Pinus nigra Arnold).
4.2.4.2 General requirements
The general requirements are given in Table 1.
Table 1 — General requirements
Hard- Soft-
Criteria Requirements
wood wood
X X 1. Wane Only permitted for stiles on one edge for a max.
depth of 10 mm with a max. length of 500 mm. It is
not permitted for rungs (see Figure 1).
X X 2. Width of annual rings < 4 mm
X Pitch pine: < 6 mm at a bulk density of 550 kg/m .
For ring porous hardwoods < 1 mm not permitted
e.g. oak (Quercus sp.), ash (Fraxinus sp.) robinia
(Robinia sp.).
X X 3. Slope of annual rings A deviation of the slope of annual rings from the
longitudinal edges of the wood of 100 mm per
1 000 mm maximum is admissible (see Figure 2).
Local deviation e. g at knot positions, are neglected.
X X 4. Shakes
a not permitted
— splits
a
— checks < 100 mm length
Lightning/frost shakes, Ring shake not permitted
5. Colour
X Blue stain Permitted
X Red streakes permitted up to 25 % of the surface
X Red rot, brown rot not permitted
X Red heart of beech, brown heart of Permitted
ash
X Doty wood not permitted
X X 6. Reaction wood admissible until /5 of the cross section or of the
surface
X X 7. Pith not permitted
X 8. Defects caused by insects not permitted
X X 9. Mistletoe traces not permitted
X 10. Resin pockets
not continuous permitted until 4 mm width and 1,5 × width of the
stiles (see Figure 3)
Continuous not permitted
X X 11. Spiral grain A deviation of the grain direction from the
longitudinal edges of the wood of not more than
50 mm per 1 000 mm, measured either with the
help of shrinkage shakes or the scratching method
is admissible (see Figure 4). The measurement is to
be carried out in two faces perpendicular to each
other. The largest deviation is decisive. In the case
of rungs and steps, the grain ends, with the
exception of knots, shall be at the rung or step ends.
a
Definitions see EN 844-9:1997
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 1 — Admissible wane
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 2 — Admissible deviation of the slope of annual rings to the longitudinal edges
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 3 — Admissible resin pockets
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 4 — Admissible deviation of the grain direction related to the longitudinal edges
(spiral grain)
4.2.4.3 Knots
4.2.4.3.1 Knots in stiles and supporting elements
1)
Traversing splay knots are not permitted on any section of stiles or supporting elements (see
Figure 5).
Figure 5 — Inadmissible knot
2)
Pin knots (including black pin knots) with a diameter of less than or equal to 5 mm are permitted.
1)
In the upper and lower third of the stile or supporting element, one sound, intergrown knot , of
diameter d, less than or equal to 0,2 × b (the width of the stile) is permitted per metre. The diameter of
the knot is measured in accordance with EN 1310. The knot shall be a minimum of 10 mm from the
edges of the stile or supporting element and a minimum of 50 mm from any rung holes, tenons and
milled recesses for treads. (see Figure 6).
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 6 — Admissible knot
For ladders made of laminated wood the above mentioned number, size and position of knots are
allowed over the total length of the ladder.
4.2.4.3.2 Knots in rungs, steps, braces
Intergrown pin knots up to a maximum diameter of 3 mm are admissible.
4.2.4.4 Moisture content (Related to the kiln-dry weight) at time of manufacture
The moisture content shall be determined by means of hygrometer; in critical or referee cases in
accordance with the oven-dry method. The moisture content of the wood is to be chosen according to
the equilibrium moisture content resulting from open air drying, normally in Europe 12 % to 20 %.
1)
Definitions see EN 844-9:1997
2)
Pin knots are knots having approximately a circular cross section
The moisture content of the rungs and steps shall be lower than that of the stiles at time of production.
4.2.4.5 Laminated wood
a) Finger jointed wood
Finger jointed wood shall be in accordance with EN 385.
The result of the bending test of the finger jointing shall be in accordance with EN 385 and EN 408. The
result of this test shall be in minimum 35 N/mm.
b) Laminated wood
The use of laminated wood is accepted if the following requirements are satisfied:
— The wood used conforms with the requirements of 4.2.4.1 to 4.2.4.4 inclusive.
— The test of adhesive lines integrity and strength in laminated wood shall be in accordance with
EN 391:2001, method A or B and EN 392. The result of this test shall be in accordance of the
requirements on EN 386:2001, Table 1 and Table 2.
4.2.4.6 Adhesives
Adhesives shall conform with the following requirements:
For connection stile — rung: Requirement according to EN 204, class D3;
For laminated wood: Requirement according to EN 301, type 1 or EN 204, D4.
4.3 Design
!The design shall seek to minimize the existence of shearing and squeeze points and where they do
exist to minimize the shearing and squeezing effects as far as practicable."
NOTE Shear or squeeze points exist if the distance between two accessible parts relative to each other is less
than 18 mm and more than 7 mm in any position during movement (see EN 581-1).
All connections should be durable and have a strength corresponding to the strain (see also Clause 5).
The connections should be designed in a manner that arising notch tensions remain low.
Screws and nuts shall be secured against loosening, e.g. by means of self locking or mechanically locked
safety devices.
Nails are allowed only if their function is related to the production process, e.g. fixation during the
drying of glues.
Welding of joints is permitted if welding procedures and welding personnel are suitable. EN ISO 14731
and
EN ISO 3834-1 to EN ISO 3834-4 have to be observed.
4.4 Surface finish
In order to avoid injuries, accessible edges, corners, and protruding parts shall be free of burrs, for
example chamfered or rounded.
Metal parts susceptible to corrosion shall be protected by means of a paint coating or other coating.
Under normal conditions aluminium alloys are not susceptible to corrosion.
Wooden parts shall be smoothed and coated on all sides.
The coating shall be transparent and permeable to water vapour.
4.5 Hinges (turning points)
Hinges shall connect the legs of the standing rung ladders and the standing step ladders durably. Hinges
shall be designed in such a manner that no abutment of the ladder parts over the hinges is formed
during use of the ladder.
The hinge pin shall be secured against unintentional loosening. Pins shall have at least the same
strength as M 6 (5,3 mm) pins of steel 8.8. If the pin has several shearing points (piano hinge) there is
no restriction as to the hinge pin diameter.
The hinges shall satisfy the tests according to 5.8.
4.6 Opening restraints
The legs of the standing ladders shall be prevented from opening beyond the normal use configuration
by means of opening restraints. If chains are used, all chain links with the exception of the first and the
last one shall be free to move.
The opening restraints shall satisfy the tests according to 5.8.
4.7 Rungs/steps/platforms
Rungs, steps and platforms made of metal or plastics shall have a textured surface on the working face
to reduce slipping. The contact surface of the coverings shall adhere firmly to the rungs or steps.
Rungs and steps shall be firmly and durably connected to the stiles.
Wooden rungs shall be tenoned and mortised into the stiles and glued and wedged in the case of
through tenon construction (see examples in Figure 7, 8 and 9). The minimum dimensions of wooden
rungs are specified in Figure 7.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 stile
2 rung
Figure 7 — Example of a concealed joint
Key
1 stile
2 rung
Figure 8 — Example of an open joint
Key
1 stile
2 rung
Figure 9 — Example of a concealed joint
Round rungs shall have a diameter greater than or equal to 25 mm. The top surface of flat standing
surfaces shall have an angle less than or equal to 25° to the horizontal. For leaning ladders the angle
related to the stile shall be 65° to 90° for rungs and 60° to 70° for steps.
Rungs/steps/platforms shall satisfy the tests according to 5.6 and 5.7.
4.8 Platform
If the topmost walking surface of a standing ladder is designed as a foldable platform, the latter shall be
lifted up by a device when the ladder is folded.
The platform shall satisfy the kick-up test according to 5.10.
4.9 #Ladder feet and anti-skid devices$
Bottom ends of the ladder shall be slip resistant.
#
NOTE A test for the base slip resistance of leaning ladders is contained in 5.18.$
4.10 Extending and sectional ladders
4.10.1 Rung/step hooks/locking devices
The ladder parts of push-up extension ladders shall be secured from unintentional closing and
separation in the position of use.
All sectional and extending ladders shall be fitted with a locking device to keep the ladders hooks
engaged on the rung during use. It is the choice of the manufacturer whether the operation of the
locking device is manual or automatic. The locking device shall be capable of supporting the weight of
the lower parts of the ladder.
Locking devices on rope-operated extending ladders shall reliably ensure a safe catch.
The rung/step hooks of rope-operated extension ladders shall be designed in such a way that the upper
ladder parts cannot fall down by more than one rung per ladder part if the rope loosens or breaks. This
safety requirement shall apply both when the ladder is vertical and in the position of use.
During use of the ladder the rungs overlapping one another shall be in the same plane perpendicular to
the stiles or in one horizontal plane or in any other plane between these.
4.10.2 Ropes
Ropes for extending ladders shall have a minimum strength of 4 000 N. Hand operated ropes shall have
a minimum diameter of 8 mm. Synthetic ropes shall be stabilized against ultra violet light.
5 Testing
5.1 General
For all tests, unless otherwise stated in the particular test, the following tolerances apply:
— ± 1 mm for longitudinal measurements;
— ± 5 mm for the measurement of the distance between the supports and the overhanging length;
— ± 1° for the measurement of angles;
— ± 1 % for static forces and torque.
5.2 #Strength test for all ladders$
#The test shall be carried out on the complete ladder (see Figure 10).
In the case of an extending ladder, the test shall be carried out with the ladder fully extended.
In the case of a combination ladder, the test shall be carried out with the ladder fully extended in all of
its usable configurations.
In the case of standing ladders the test shall be carried out with the ladder fully extended in the position
of use.
In the case of sectional ladders the test shall be carried out with the ladder at full length with all
permitted pieces.
Where the ascendable side of the ladder cannot be determined by the construction of the product, it
shall be tested twice. For the test on the second side a new ladder shall be used. Prior to carrying out the
test on the second side of the new ladder, it shall be subjected to all of the preceding tests in the test
sequence given in Table A.1.
Ladders with separately extending stiles shall be tested with their stiles in the least favourable position.
Lateral or pole type stabilizers shall not be deployed in this test if the design permits the ladder to be
used with the lateral or pole type stabilizers removed or temporarily adjusted as permitted by EN 131-
1:2015, 4.2.1, General.
Erect the ladder in its position of use at the maximum extension. Leaning ladders shall be erected at
(65 ± 0,5)° (measured at vertical height of 1 m) with the top resting against a smooth vertical surface
and with the base of the ladder restrained where it makes contact with the ground to prevent it
slipping. The test load F in Figure 10 from Table 2 shall be applied to the rung or tread nearest the
centre of the ladder and at a point 50 mm from the inside of one stile and distributed over a 100 mm of
the length of the rung or tread for a period of 1 min. Care should be taken to apply the load smoothly.
Where the test ladder includes a base stabilizer bar then clearance under both stiles of the ladder of a
minimum 10 mm shall exist throughout the test, e.g. by putting distance pads under the feet. On
completion of the test remove the load and inspect the ladder.
Requirements: The ladder shall remain functional with no fracture or visible cracks. The ladder shall
sustain the load without ultimate failure. Permanent deformation shall be allowed.
Table 2 — Strength test for all ladders
Ladder class Test load F
N
Non-professional 2 250
Professional 2 700
Dimensions in millimetres
a) Strength test for leaning ladder
b) Strength test for standing ladder with platform
c) Strength test for combination ladder
d) Strength test for standing ladder
Key
F test load
1 restraint
Figure 10 — Strength test for all ladders
Figure 10 shows an example of the strength test for all ladders.
NOTE The differentiator for classification is a safety factor incorporated in the strength test load F.
For the non-professional class a safety factor of 1,2 is used to establish the test load F as follows:
150 kg (rated load) × 1,7 (dynamic factor) × 9,81 (gravity) × 1,2 (safety factor) × 1,1 (material
factor) × 0,6814 (simultaneous occurrence factor of 0,08 × 4 factors) = 2 250 N
For the professional class a safety factor of 1,44 is used to establish the test loaf F as follows:
150 kg (rated load) × 1,7 (dynamic factor) × 9,81 (gravity) × 1,44 (safety factor) × 1,1 (material
factor) × 0,6814 (simultaneous occurrence factor of 0,08 × 4 factors) = 2 700 N.$
5.3 Bending test of the stiles
The test shall be carried out on the complete ladder. In the case of extending ladders and combination
ladders the test shall be carried out on the complete extended ladder. Sectional ladders shall be tested
at full length with all permitted pieces. The test shall be carried out without supporting legs if not
permanently fixed to the ladder.
Where the ascendable side cannot be determined by the construction of the product, or where it is a
multiple part combination ladder the ladder shall be tested twice. For the second test the ladder shall be
rotated 180° about the longitudinal axis.
The ladder shall be placed horizontally on supports situated 200 mm from each end of the ladder.
The supports shall be cylindrical with diameters between 25 mm and 100 mm and one shall be free to
rotate the other shall be fixed.
The test load shall be slowly applied in the middle of the ladder equally to both stiles over a width of
100 mm while it has to be taken care that an applying by jerks is avoided.
!A pre-load of 100 N shall be applied for the duration of one minute. The position of the ladder after
removal of the pre-load is the origin for the measurement."
A test load F of 750 N (see Figure 11) shall be applied vertically on the centre of the ladder for a
duration of at least 1 min.
Thereby the maximum permissible deflection f as a function of the distance l between the supports
max.
shall be:
2 − 6
— f = 5 × l × 10 mm for ladders of length less than or equal to 5 m;
max
— f = 0,043 × l − 90 mm for ladders of length more than 5 m and less than or equal to 12 m;
max
— f = 0,06 × l − 294 mm for ladders of length more than 12 m.
max
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 11 — Bending test
5.4 Lateral deflection test of the ladder
This test shall be conducted on all one-piece ladders as well as on each ascendable part of multiple-
piece ladders (standing ladders, sectional ladders, combination ladders, extending ladders) and on the
supporting-legs of standing rung- or step-ladders.
The ladder shall be placed horizontally on supports situated 200 mm from each end of the ladder.
The supports shall be cylindrical with diameters between 25 mm and 100 mm and one shall be free to
rotate the other shall be fixed.
The ladder shall be placed in the lateral position.
A pre-load of 100 N shall be applied for the duration of one minute. The position of the ladder after
removal of the pre-load is the origin for measurement.
A load F of 250 N (see Figure 12) shall be applied to the lower stile equidistant from the supports.
The deflection is measured equidistant from the supports 1 minute after loading.
Thereby the maximum permissible deflection f as a function of the distance l between the supports
max
shall be
f = 0,005 l , in millimetres
max
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 12 — Lateral deflection test
5.5 Bottom stile ends test
Place the ladder laterally, with the longitudinal axis of the ladder in the horizontal position. The lower
stile is to be fixed to the support so that the stile ends overhang the supporting surface (see Figure 13).
If the rungs/steps are bolted, riveted, or similarly fixed to the stile the edge of the support shall be in
line with the bottom lower edge of the assembling hole. If the rungs/steps are fixed to the stile without
the stile being penetrated the edge of the support shall be in line with the lower edge of the rung/step.
#If the ladder has a bar type stabilizer then this test is not carried out.$
A rigid load block 50 mm wide is placed with its end up to and parallel with the end of the stile. The load
block shall rest on the stile and shall effect the whole width of the stile. The lateral deflection f of the
stile end is measured at the outer edge of the load block in the longitudinal axis.
NOTE To be able to obtain a good rest against the stile it is permitted to cut off a part of a slip resistant
material, if any.
A vertical force F of 1 100 N (see Figure 13 and 14) is placed in the middle of the load block and is
maintained for one min. The permanent deflection after removal of the test load together with any
damages are noted.
The test is repeated on the lower stile without turning the ladder.
Requirement: The permanent deflection f in each test shall not exceed 2 mm.
Neither fracture nor visible cracks are allowed.
This test shall also be performed on supporting legs.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 13 — Test method of the bottom stile ends
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 14 — Test method of the bottom stile ends (variations)
5.6 Vertical load on rungs, steps and platforms
5.6.1 General
A pre-load F of 200 N shall be applied for the duration of one minute. The position of the
rung/step/platform after removal of the pre-load is the origin for measurement.
5.6.2 Rungs and steps
In the position of use of the ladder a test load F of 2 600 N (see Figure 15) shall be applied vertically on
the mid-point of the weakest rung or step of any design evenly distributed over a width of 100 mm and
a depth equal to the rung/step and for the duration of one min.
The maximum permanent deformation after removal of the test-load shall be less than or equal to 0,5 %
of the inner width b (see EN 131-1), measured underneath the tested step.
5.6.3 Platform
The platform shall be tested at two positions, in the centre and at a corner of the front edge (see
Figure 16).
With the ladder positioned as in use, a test load F of 2 600 N, uniformly distributed over an area of
100 mm × 100 mm shall be applied for the duration of one min.
The maximum permanent deformation after removal of each test load shall be less than or equal to
0,5 % of the inner width b (see EN 131-1), measured from above the platform parallel to the rungs or
steps at the point where the load has been applied. The requirement after the second test shall be that
no permanent deformation greater than 0,5 % of b is visible at the connection between platform and
stile measured from the underside.
Figure 15 — Vertical load test on rungs/steps/platform
Key
1 position of load 1
2 position of load 2
Figure 16 — Positions of load
5.7 Torsion test of rungs and steps
A torque M of 50 Nm (see Figure 17) shall be applied on the midpoint of the rung or step via a 100 mm
wide clamping device. The torque shall be applied alternately 10 times in clockwise and 10 times in
counter-clockwise direction for a period of 10 s each.
During testing there shall be no relative movement in the connection between stile and rung/step.
After the test a permanent deformation shall be 1° at maximum with a tolerance of ± 0,2°.
Figure 17 — Torsion test of rungs and steps
5.8 Test of opening restraints and hinges of standing ladders
5.8.1 General
This test is for standing ladders or combination ladders used as standing ladders. For the purpose of
this test, the working position for these ladders is two parts connected at the top and secured against
sliding away from each other. Where a ladder is fitted with both automatic and manual restraint
devices, only the automatic device shall be employed. The engagement of a ladders manual restraint
device is only permitted where no automatic device is fitted.
NOTE 1 In some countries the use of only manual restraint devices is not permitted.
NOTE 2 A locking hinge is considered an automatic restraint device.
Each leg of the ladder in the working position is placed on a platform provided with multidirectional
rollers (see Figure 18). The effects of friction, from both the rollers and floor surface, shall be negligible.
The test is to be conducted on a clean, smooth finish concrete floor.
After removal of the test loads of the tests according to 5.8.2 to 5.8.4 no visible permanent deformation
shall occur on the hinge joints, opening restraint devices and their attachments. The ladder shall not
show any visible damages such as cracks, indentations, etc. Permanent deformation is acceptable only if
it does not impair the fitness for use of the ladder.
Figure 18 — Test of opening restraint devices and hinges of standing ladders
5.8.2 Bilaterally ascendable ladder
The test load F of 2 600 N is divided into two loads of 1 300 N (see Figure 18), distributed over two
plates each 100 mm long with a width at least equal to the surface of the rung or step to be applied to
the uppermost rung or step as close as possible to the stiles for a duration of 1 min. This test is then
repeated on the other leg.
5.8.3 Standing ladder with platform
The test load F of 2 600 N is divided into two loads of 1 300 N, distributed over two plates that are each
100 mm × 100 mm to be applied to front edge of the platform as close as possible to the stiles for a
duration of 1 min. This test is then repeated on the rear edge of the platform.
5.8.4 Unilaterally ascendable ladder
The test load F of 2 600 N is divided into two loads of 1 300 N, distributed over two plates each 100 mm
long with a width at least equal to the surface of the rung or step to be applied to the uppermost rung or
step of the ascending leg as close as possible to the stiles for a duration of 1 min.
5.9 Test for ladder rung/step hooks of extending ladders and combination ladders
The ladder is extended by at least one rung/step distance and placed in a vertical position. The length of
the test piece will be left to the choice of the tester.
A uniformly distributed test load F of 3 500 N (see Figure 19) shall be applied vertically to the upper
part of the ladder for a period of 1 min.
After removal of the test load, there shall be no permanent deformation which impairs the fitness for
use of the ladder.
Figure 19 — Test for locking devices
5.10 Kick-up test of the platform of standing ladders
Place the standing ladder in the working position on a level surface and apply a force F of 100 N over a
100 mm width to the pivoted edge of the platform at an angle of 90° to the horizontal towards the
vertical centre line of
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