Frequently Asked Questions
About ZARGES Fixed Vertical Ladder System
What is a fixed vertical ladder?
A fixed ladder is used for working at height (for example, building access, rooftop or difficult-to-reach machinery that requires maintenance).
Unlike a portable ladder that’s moved from one destination to another, a fixed vertical ladder remains fitted in place to provide stationary, vertical access to high and difficult-to-reach places.
Depending on the height of the ladder and its intended use, a fixed vertical ladder may be fitted with a hooped cage at the top or a fall arrest system.
What is a hooped cage?
A hooped cage is a safety measure fitted to the top of a fixed vertical ladder over a specified height. Sometimes referred to as a caged ladder, they’re often used in conjunction with a fall arrest system.
What is a fall arrest system?
A fall arrest system is a safety measure, usually in the form of a body harness or lanyard, sometimes used in addition to a hooped cage (or caged ladder).
All our ladders are CE marked and industry compliant. With the ZARGES online design configurator, you can design your own fixed vertical ladder to include the fall protection features that meet your needs.
If you need guidance, our knowledgeable team are here to help.
What industries use fixed vertical ladders?
Fixed vertical ladders are used by numerous industries and different scenarios for working at height. ZARGES is Europe’s leading supplier of fixed vertical ladders, with many years of experience helping:
- Industry (maintenance for difficult-to-reach machinery)
- Food industry (food/grain silo access)
- Building maintenance (roof access)
- Building safety (fire escape routes)
No matter what industry or reason for working at height, ZARGES can supply the fixed vertical ladder that meets your needs. You can even design your own, using our innovative, free online tool.
It’s easy to use and no prior experience is needed. But if you want to speak to a human first, get in touch today. We want to help.
When is a fixed vertical ladder needed?
The requirement for a fixed vertical ladder is often for ongoing work and maintenance (for example, difficult-to-reach machinery).
Frequently, fixed vertical ladders are often required in a hurry, for example, to access a leaking rooftop or other safety hazard.
Sometimes a fixed vertical ladder must be fitted to fulfil a legal requirement, for example when purchasing or leasing commercial premises.
What are fixed vertical ladders made of?
Fixed vertical ladders are commonly made from aluminium or steel, although they can be made from a range of other materials and combinations of materials including stainless steel and hot-dipped galvanised steel.
ZARGES ladders are offered in the following materials, the combination of which will depend on the design of your fixed vertical ladder:
- Natural aluminium
- Anodised aluminium
- Hot-dip galvanised steel
- Stainless steel
What industry/safety regulations should a fixed vertical ladder comply with?
A fixed vertical ladder will need to comply with the following standards:
- EN 1090, a legal requirement since 1st July 2014
- EN IS0 14122 Part 4: Fixed Ladders
ZARGES fixed vertical ladders are CE marked and compliant with the above standards. (For Germany only, also compliant with DIN 18799.)
Any company or individual using fixed ladders must ensure they comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (UK). Further information and resources can be found at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/contents/made
How often should a fixed vertical ladder be inspected?
Fixed vertical ladders must be inspected on a regular basis, to ensure ongoing safety and highlight any issues that need addressing.
The frequency of inspections will depend on the operator’s conditions. ZARGES recommend a minimum of one inspection per year, and more if required.
Who can inspect a fixed vertical ladder?
Fixed vertical ladders should be inspected by a nominated technical expert.
The nominated technical expert must:
- Be authorised by the operator to carry out the inspection
- Have undertaken the appropriate training to comply with the regulations of the country in which the ladder is operated
Following a thorough inspection process is crucial to the ongoing safety of a fitted ladder. It’s also important to record any findings and actions arising from the inspection.
How should a fixed vertical ladder inspection be documented?
Clear records of the inspection should be documented, including:
- Performance
- Findings
- Measures implemented as a result
ZARGES recommends you keep an inspection log comprising fixed vertical ladder check sheets to record all inspection data.
To save you time, we’ve created a free, fixed vertical ladder check sheet below (this can also be accessed from the ZARGES Download page).