Choose the right ladder for the job

What size A-frame ladder do I need?

Start with where your hands need to work, not the number of steps. A-frame ladders suit tasks without a wall to lean against, provided there is room to open them fully on firm, level ground.

 

1. Measure the task height. Measure from the floor to the light fitting, shelf or work area. Note any ceiling, doorway or overhead obstruction.

 

2. Find your comfortable working reach. Standing on the floor, measure to where your hands can work comfortably without tiptoeing or stretching. Use a height appropriate to the task: working at chest height is different from briefly reaching overhead.

 

3. Work out the standing height you need. Subtract that comfortable hand height from the task height. Then select a model with a permitted standing position that lets you work comfortably. Never use the top cap to make a short ladder reach.

 

Example: for a task at 3.0 m, a person whose comfortable hand height is 1.8 m needs a standing level around 1.2 m. For a task at 2.4 m, the same person needs around 0.6 m. These are standing-height targets, not 1.2 m or 0.6 m ladder sizes. Your reach and task may differ.

 

4. Match the target to the actual ladder. Check the highest permitted standing step, overall open height and open footprint for the selected size. Step-count conventions vary; do not assume that a “6-step” ladder means six usable standing positions. If the permitted standing height is not shown, ask us before choosing the size.

 

Before climbing: open the A-frame fully, engage its locking devices and keep all four feet supported. Keep your body between the rails; move the ladder instead of reaching sideways. Do not stand on the top three steps, including the top, unless the design provides a suitable handhold and its instructions permit that standing position.

 

Compare A-frame step ladders →

 

 

What size extension ladder do I need?

First decide: working from the ladder, or stepping onto a landing? These need different allowances. An extension ladder also needs a suitable upper support and a clear, firm base.

 

Working from it: measure the task and support heights, then check that your working position stays below the model’s highest permitted rung. Do not work from the top three rungs or stretch above a comfortable position. A 6 m open ladder does not provide 6 m of standing height.

 

Accessing a landing: allow at least 1 m above the landing for a handhold, secure the ladder and plan a safe step-off. Use a suitable structural support, not a fragile gutter. Allow approximately one unit out at the base for every four units up to the support—about 75°—and follow the manufacturer’s angle markings.

 

Landing-access examples for an initial shortlist:
3.0 m landing → about 0.75 m base clearance → about 4.13 m usable open length.
4.0 m landing → about 1.00 m base clearance → about 5.16 m usable open length.
6.0 m landing → about 1.50 m base clearance → about 7.22 m usable open length.

 

These calculated examples use a 4:1 setup and a conservative 1 m vertical projection above the landing. Round up to a suitable available size. They are not working-height ratings or a site approval: support, securing, clearances and safe landing access still need checking.

 

Compare the usable open length, not the sum of the sections. Required overlap reduces the usable length. If a product already states its maximum usable extended length, do not subtract overlap a second time. Never extend past the marked limit. Also check the closed length and weight against your vehicle, storage and handling arrangements.

 

Choose the fittings for the job. Confirm whether pole rungs, stabilisers or other fittings are standard or optional for the exact model. They do not increase its load rating or replace securing. Compare push-up and rope-and-pulley operation as well as length.

 

Compare extension ladders →   Check a height with our team →

 

 

Choose the load rating for the whole load

Add the user + clothing/PPE + tools + carried materials. For example, 90 kg + 5 kg + 15 kg = 110 kg. Compare this with the exact model’s marked maximum load. A stronger rating does not permit overreaching or an unsafe setup.

 

Inyathi’s aluminium step ranges include MD 150 kg, HD 175 kg and online-exclusive Extra HD 200 kg. Partial fibreglass step ladders are 150 kg. Check each product’s rating; material or cap colour is not a capacity rating. Double-sided describes access from either side, not permission for two users.

 

 

Aluminium or fibreglass?

Aluminium: consider it for general tasks where portability matters and there is no electrical hazard. Compare the actual weight and closed dimensions. Aluminium conducts electricity and is unsuitable near electrical hazards.

 

Fibreglass: consider the exact construction and supporting documentation where electrical risk is relevant. Fibreglass rails do not make the complete ladder electrically safe: metal components, contamination, moisture and damage matter. No voltage rating can be inferred from its colour.

 

Partial versus full fibreglass: check which rails, steps and fittings are metal. Do not treat the two constructions as equivalent electrical protection. Electrical tasks require competent assessment and appropriate isolation; the ladder is only one part of that assessment.

 

When to choose a platform instead: prolonged work, heavy loads, forceful sideways work or tasks that prevent a secure grip may need a different access solution. Inspect feet, rails, steps, hinges, locks and ropes before use. Remove damaged equipment from service.

 

 

South African standards: what to ask for

The SANS 50131 ladder series includes parts covering dimensions, requirements/testing/marking and user instructions. South African published standards identify relevant parts as adoptions of EN 131. Ask for the applicable part, edition and documentation for the exact ladder model and configuration.

 

Conformity to a standard and SABS certification are different claims. A standards reference alone is not proof of SABS certification or approval. EN 131 Professional and Non-Professional classifications concern intended use and durability; they are not interchangeable with MD/HD names or a claim that a higher load rating automatically proves EN conformity.

 

 

Let’s match the ladder to your job or stock range

Send task/landing height, available floor space, total load, working environment, quantity and delivery town. A work-area photo helps. Hardware stores and resellers can send their stock list or customer requirements; industrial buyers can include their procurement specification.

 

Request a tailored trade quote for supply to your store, distribution business or operation. Household and end-user customers can compare models and buy online at the displayed VAT-inclusive retail prices. You do not need an account to enquire.

 

Request Trade Pricing →   WhatsApp our team   Call 011 794 4456

 

Guidance and references: South African standards publication, Institute for Work at Height ladder safety, EN 131 explained and practical ladder guidance. General guidance supports, but does not replace, the exact ladder’s instructions, training and site risk assessment. External references do not certify Inyathi products.