Health and Safety

Ladders

EN 131

This European Standard specifies the design features and strength performances of ladders as well as their minimal dimensions. Although compliance with EN 131 is not mandatory, scaffolds which meet this standard guarantee the user a minimum level of quality.

Maximum load and dimensions

Maximum allowable load: 150 kg

Profile thickness: 1,2 mm (aluminium); 1 mm (steel)

NF EN 131-1

Specification of terms, types, functional sizes

This Standard describes the different types of ladders and specifies their required dimensions.  

NF EN 131-2

Requirements, testing, marking

This Standard specifies the materials from which ladders must be manufactured. It also covers safety requirements and test methods along with the test results to be achieved.

Decree 96 333

This Decree specifies the safety requirements that portable ladders, platforms and step stools must meet. In France, compliance with this Decree is mandatory. Users, manufacturers and distributors who do not comply with decrees in force may face severe financial and criminal sanctions.

NF EN 1147

This Standard only applies to portable ladders for fire service use. While similar to NF EN 131, the requirements in this Standard are much stricter. NF EN 1147 can be found on AFNOR's website www.afnor.fr