Can We Use a Domestic Ladder at Work?
Some people say you cannot use a domestic ladder in the workplace.
Australian Standard AS 1892: Portable Ladders specifies two different duty ratings for portable ladders eg either:
a) Industrial; or
b) Domestic.
The key difference between industrial and domestic ladders for users is they have different load capacity (load ratings*):
120 kg or more for Industrial use; or
100 kg or more for Domestic use.
* Load rating includes weight of the user, materials, and tools that may be on the ladder at any time.
So, are people correct to state that you cannot us a domestic ladder in the workplace? Despite the different duty ratings, the answer is “No”.
Australian Standard on portable ladders provides guidance on good practice, but compliance with it is not mandated by the regulation.
Therefore, if you can show a domestic ladder was sufficient for your circumstances then you will have met your general duty of care.
Domestic ladders are not engineered for regular heavy use, but as long as the manufacturer’s recommendations can be followed, including keeping within the domestic load ratings eg 100kg along with care and supervision, then a domestic ladder can be legally and safely used in the workplace.
A ladder labelled for domestic use with 100kg load limit.
Notwithstanding the above, we recommend businesses routinely specify the industrial duty rating when purchasing new ladders, and would expect if a domestic portable ladder was used in the workplace it would be an exception, rather than for routine use eg infrequent light-duty use in an office.
A Domestic Ladder in an Office
Call us on 03 8544 4300 or email for a copy of our Fact Sheet on safe ladder use .
