A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane installed in addition to or instead of stairs. Ramps permit wheelchair users, as well as people pushing strollers, carts, or other wheeled objects, to more easily access a building. Wheelchair ramps come in a number of varieties each intended for a different purpose. There are permanent, semi-permanent and portable. Permanent ramps are designed to be bolted or cemented in place. Semi-permanent ramps rest on top of the ground or cement pad and are commonly used for the short term. Portable ramps are lightweight, usually aluminum and typically fold for ease of transport. Wheelchair ramps are also available in other materials such as a steel and wood. Wood ramps are cheaper but are not as durable. Steel ramps are durable but quite heavy. ^[1]

Ramps must be carefully designed in order to be useful. Many jurisdictions have established standards for permanent wheelchair ramps. For example, they may specify the minimum width of a wheelchair ramp is 36 inches, and the slope must not be steeper than 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of length. A less steep rise can be easier for a wheelchair user to navigate, as well as safer in icy climates.

Wheelchair ramps (or other ways for wheelchair users to access a building, such as a wheelchair lift) are required in new construction for public accommodations in the United States by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

There maybe many kinds of Wheelchair Ramps,such as aluminum ramp.

aluminum ramp

Reference: Wiki,aluminum ramp supplier

When the fates dealt me a one-two punch one afternoon, a ladder stabilizer saved my life. I was rebuilding soffits and fascias three stories up on my 40-ft., fully extended ladder. As I juggled tools and lumber, rising winds began buffeting the ladder. It wiggled and jiggled, but withstood the gusts, thanks to the stabilizer. Then, in a Keystone cop–like maneuver, my partner accidentally banged a 1x10 across the bottom of the ladder. It shuddered even more, but stayed put. Without the stabilizer, that ladder and I would have slid off the gable wall and crashed to the ground.

A ladder stabilizer (also called a stand-off) is an accessory with wide tubular arms and non-skid rubber pads that grips a house wall, increasing both a ladder’s stability and your “reach” working aloft. Stabilizers mount on all types of extension ladders, allowing them to straddle wide windows or “stand off” farther from a house to reach deep eaves, while providing a rock-steady workstation. We’ll show you how a stabilizer can extend your ladder’s capabilities and how to use it to work faster and more safely.

Stabilizers Help Ladders Do More
Although ladders are the No. 1 tool for helping you work up high, their narrow, 16- to 20-in. stance sometimes limits their ability to position you properly and safely for tackling these tricky tasks:

• Accessing all sides of a wide window (Photo 1). With a stabilizer, you position the ladder only once to efficiently reach all areas around the window.

• Painting the rake board of a wide overhang (Photo 2). A stabilizer allows you to see and reach the work from a more comfortable position.

• Working around a deep soffit to hang a gutter (Photo 3). If the ladder rests against the house, you have to bend back too far to work on the fascia. If it leans against the fascia, the ladder interferes with placing the gutter.

Renting scaffolding can solve most access problems. But you’ll save a lot of money and setup time by renting or buying a ladder stabilizer instead.

Adjustable Stabilizers Are The Most Versatile
Stabilizers can be divided into two groups: fixed-depth and adjustable. Before renting or buying either type, verify that it’s intended for use with your aluminum or fiberglass ladder. To install a fixed-depth stabilizer, like the one shown in Photo 2, slide it over your ladder’s rungs and lock it in position with the safety clip. A typical model spans about 45 in. and holds the ladder 10 in. away from the house wall. They have a load capacity of 300 lbs. and are sold at home centers for $15 to $30.

Adjustable stabilizers are the most versatile. Attach this type to your ladder’s side rails with U-bolts (Photo 4). It too has a 300-lb. load capacity and quickly converts from variable widths of 49 in. to 65 in. (at a 12-in. depth), to a narrower width of 48 in. (but at a 29-in. depth). You can get one at a rental center for about $10 a day or buy one for about $70 from stores that cater to contractors (look in the Yellow Pages under “Ladders”).

Use Your Stabilizer Safely
Apply this ironclad rule: When installing a stabilizer, position it so it will be between the house and ladder (Photo 5). Follow these other rules too:

• Don’t use the type of stabilizers shown here on most folding (also called “articulated”) ladders. Use only the manufacturer’s recommended stabilizer for the model and duty rating of folding ladders.

• Be aware of overhead power lines. You could be electrocuted if you touch them with your ladder or stabilizer. If necessary, enlist a helper to raise the ladder (with stabilizer) into position.

• Don’t stand on the stabilizer.

• Stabilizers aren’t load-rated to carry the additional weight of ladder jacks and walk planks hung from the ladders. Also, don’t use the stabilizer arms to support planks.

• Working aloft using old joint compound buckets to carry tools and materials is wonderfully efficient. For maximum safety, limit the weight of the filled bucket so the total load (including your weight) doesn’t exceed the capacity of either the ladder or the stabilizer. Tie a rope to the bucket, climb the ladder, haul the bucket up and tie it to the ladder rails, not the arms of the stabilizer.

Stabilizers can give you an increased sense of security aloft, but know your limits! Avoid a mistake caused by overconfidence—like overreaching to get an additional 6 in. closer to a spot—that could lead to tragedy.

1. Working around high windows is easier with a stabilizer set up in a wide stance. Something as light as a gallon of paint can safely hang from the stabilizer’s arms, but otherwise avoid placing weight on them.

2. Paint trim on a wide overhang without performing a backflip. A stabilizer permits a direct view of the work area and makes this kind of work safer and less tiring. Fixed-depth stabilizers, like this one, attach to an extension ladder by slipping (and locking) over the top two rungs.

3. Use a stabilizer to stand a ladder away from a deep soffit—providing a gap to lay a gutter section in—and making working alone easier. Some adjustable stabilizers, capable of multiple configurations, can be set up to work in front of soffits as deep as 24 in.

4. Carefully attach a stabilizer to an extension ladder. Read the directions and determine whether the stabilizer is designed to fit aluminum and/or fiberglass ladders. Attach the stabilizer only at the top of the ladder and position the U-bolts and angle clips correctly on the side rails and around the ladder rung.

5. Convert adjustable-type stabilizers so they have a wide stance and shallower stand-off OR narrow stance and deeper stand-off. The foot pads and the stabilizer arm sections can flip-flop into either the wide or deep configuration. The rubber foot pads are detachable and set up on either end of the stabilizer arms. The rubber pads allow the firmest grip on siding. To prevent black marks on the siding, cover the pads with accessory fleece bonnets.

From The Family Handyman - May 2000

 

Ladders can assist with simple daily tasks, but if not used properly, they can be very dangerous. It is important to know the specific regulations for different types of ladders, especially when their use is required for your job. Check out PE Facts to ensure your safety when using ladders!

Ladders come in all shapes and sizes, and are very useful in many different industries,such as aluminum step ladder,household step ladder. They come in various types of materials and can be used for numerous applications. Although they can be very helpful, ladders are one of the main causes of fall-related deaths according to the National Safety Council. This document will review tips for proper ladder usage and safety, along with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines for portable ladders.

We,Zhangjiagang zhongxin ladder supplier can supply many kinds of ladders.

There's a photo of household step ladder:

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Reference from:Professional Equipment,Household step ladder supplier

Utilizing Ladders to Bridge the Distance Gap on a Job

A aluminum step ladder can be one of the most essential items in any handyman’s toolbox. Everyone from do-it-yourself home project enthusiasts to commercial construction workers can recall at least one instance where a ladder came in handy to get the job done. Selecting a ladder is not something to be done quickly. There are a few pieces of information to keep in mind before selecting a ladder off the shelf and heading off to the jobsite.

It is virtually imperative that one stops to consider the task at hand when purchasing a ladder. There are three main classifications of a ladder and each is determined by the size and scope of a job. The highest grade classification is an industrial strength ladder that safely handles up to 250 pounds of weight. Following this is the commercial grade ladder classification handling up to 225 pounds of weight safely. Regular need to access a roof or other high surface can be accommodated with this ladder type. The most commonly used aluminum step ladder is a household ladder.
Many normal household tasks such as gutter cleaning or outside light fixture repairs can be handled safely with weight requirements extending up to 200 pounds.

Once the appropriate ladder for a job has been selected, there are a few more informational facts to keep in mind. Always look for a UL safety seal from the Underwriter’s Laboratory. This is a guarantee that the ladder has undergone safety checks and is ready for use. There are three basic materials utilized to construct a ladder. These are aluminum, wood and fiberglass with aluminium step ladders being the most popular. This is due in large part to the durability factor present in aluminum materials.

Safety is of the utmost importance when using a ladder. First make sure that the ladder type matches the job at hand. Before using the ladder for each job, take a few minutes to review the surface and rungs for damages or cracks that may need repair. Always place a ladder on a flat, stable surface before climbing or descending and remain facing the ladder at all times. When using a ladder to climb onto another surface, extend its length at least three feet past the other surface. Finally, never stand on the paint shelf. This is not designed for a great deal of weight and will crumble under the pressure causing injury.

We, Zhangjiagang Zhongxin Machinery Co., Ltd also supplier ladder stabilizer, fiberglass ladder, Working Platforms. Welcome to visit our website: http://www.ladder-supplier.com

Article Reference: Getarticlenow.com

To most people, ladders may seem like a simple object with a basic intended use – you go up them, you come down them. But what many don’t realize is that nowadays, each ladder available on the market is specifically designed for a certain type of job or function.

For example, platform ladders are ideal for do-it-yourselfers as they feature a platform to rest tools and equipment on, whereas double sided step ladders are designed for construction or home work.

Step Ladders have been around in some from or other since the beginning of time.Before the 20 th century, ladders were mainly made of wood, but obvious problems came in the form of rotting and decay, as well as conductivity while wet. While wood is still used to construct various types of ladders such as attic and loft ladders, it is rarely used for ladders that are destined for outdoor work.

But modern innovation has make them evolve into highly practical tools for use around the home and also in industry.

Aluminum ladders became the next big thing to hit. These are extremely strong and weather-resistant and can take the hard workout that often comes with commercial use. But with these great benefits came two downsides – aluminum conducts electricity, making it unsuitable for electrical work, and it also buckles and becomes unusable after it has been exposed to heat.

Fiberglass ladders are the current darling of the ladder industry. They possess all the finest qualities in one product, making them ideal for most kinds of work. They don’t conduct electricity; are lightweight; and are sturdy.

 

 

 

 

From:http://www.ladder-supplier.com/news/index.html

A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung from the top. The vertical members of a rigid ladder are called stringers (US) or stiles (UK). Rigid ladders are usually portable, but some types are permanently fixed to buildings.

Rigid ladders are available in many forms, such as:
Step ladder:one kind is hinged in the middle to form an inverted V, with stays to keep the two halves at a fixed angle,which is called double sided step ladder. And the other kind is the  vertical ladder, also called straight ladder. Another is household ladder ,it is like double sided step ladder.These aluminium ladder are the popular products of Zhongxin.

Extension ladder or Telescopic ladder, fixed ladder divided into two or more lengths for more convenient storage;

From:http://www.ladder-supplier.com/news/index.html

The full name of EN131 is "EN131 safety certification", which is a test for the safety of  household ladder in European.
EN131 has different testing requirements for various ladders.

Vertical ladder, extension ladders, Push up or rope operated extending ladders, 2 plans,
Double ladder,Combination ladder 2 or 3 plans, Simple telescopic ladder
EN131-1/2/3 + Decree 96-333
Articulated ladder
EN131-1/2/3/4 + Decree 96-333
EN131 testing include: structural design, surface treatment, folding bolt testing, open range, ladder step pitch test, treadmill test, non-slip test, expansion testing, stability testing, load-bearing test, detection of toxic materials, stickers, and audit of corresponding Annex detection.

Aluminum Step Ladder ZX301 and Working Platform ZX1004 of ladder supplier Zhongxin Machinery Co., Ltd have passed EN131 certification.

 

 

ZX301 aluminium ladder  of ladders suppliers Zhongxin Machinery Co., Ltd has passed EN131 safety certification.

Model No      ZX301
Material     Aluminum alloy
Step material     Aluminum alloy
Overall size     1460*890*510mm
Size of step     80*35mm
Number of step     4
Spacing between steps     300mm
Extend length     1460mm
Closenup length     1520mm
Max loading capacity     150KGS
Packing Size     1520*510*160mm
N.W     5.4KGS
Container QTY20’/40'     270/540
Ladder Manufacturer:Zhongxin Machinery Co., Ltd

Issues should be paid attention to when you use ladder:
1.check if the ladders(aluminum ladder) comply with the safe-use requirements
2.when the angle of ladder(not double sided step ladder)is about 60 degrees, you should not be working on the highest cross standing.
3.there better be width limit device for double sided step ladder,people are not suggested to riding work or on the top standing
4.there would be better to use seat belts when work in high place
5.People feel physical fatigue, use drugs,alcohol or have physical barriers should not use ladders (aluminium ladder )
6.Ladder should be placed on solid and smooth ground,should not on icy,snowy or slippery ground without fixed set.
7.Should not operation exceed the maximum loading capacity indicated by ladder manufacturers.

8.Should  not use ladder in strong winds
9.Aluminum step ladder is Conductive,so it should be used carefully in electric places
10.When climbing the ladder,people shoud grasp firmly and maintance  the body in the central of two ladder column.

From:http://ladder-supplier.com/news/index.html

Stepladders have been banned from part of Oxford University's famous Bodleian Library over health and safety fears.

Some students are frustrated that they cannot access hundreds of books on the higher shelves of the Duke Humfrey reading room.

Before the ban, staff had to climb on a 6ft (1.8m)balcony and then on to a ladder to reach the top two shelves.

The university now says it can not move the books from their "original historic location" on the room's balcony with out the stepladder .

1 - aluminum alloy ladder: step on the use of high-strength aluminum under the surface with
Anti-slip stripes, under care of the connection bar with special riveting process.
By the combination of upper and lower ladder section, with lifting hooks, pulley blocks and so on cord
Smooth take-off and landing section ladder, staircase to link the top with the use of safe and reliable.

European
1. BS EN 131 Part 1 & Part 2:1993
- Specification for terms, types, functional sizes & Ladders - Specification for requirements, testing, marking ladders
2. BS EN 14183:2003 Step Stools foot stool
3. BS 2037:1994 Specification for Portable aluminium ladders, steps, trestles and lightweight stagings portable aluminum ladder

American
1. ANSI 14.2-2000 American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Metal - Safety Requirements for portable metal - safety requirements
2. ANSI 14.5-2000 American National Standard for Ladders - Portable Metal - Safety Requirements for portable metal ladders (plastic strengthening) - safety requirements

Australian
1. AS / NZS 1892.1-1996 Portable Part 1: Metal portable metal ladder

Zhongxin is  a  professional ladder manufacturer specialized in aluminum accessories,hardware punching parts and weldment.Our main products are various step ladders,  aluminum ladders,working platforms,All our products are for exporting purpose.

The factory of  Zhongxin  is located in the golden sector of Yangtze River Delta, only 2 hours journey from Shanghai,which has a convenient transportation.

Zhongxin have attended into the businees of  ladders since 2003,and has a team of engineer with experience more than 10 years.We have such technology as machining, stamping, welding, riveting, with standard processing means and strong productivity. As a result,we can ensure our products been deliveryed in a short leading time.

Besides our current products,we can develop mould inside our factory,and we can make new products per customers' request.

Zhongxin assures you  the best  products with best price and service. Besides, we do not accept retail order and we are wholesaler.