Why use a cage ladder?

Why use a cage ladder? The importance and regulations

On the importance of cage ladders: the benefits
Cage ladders are common in the Netherlands at factories, companies and next to large buildings. Cage ladders, usually concern aluminum cage ladders, provide safe access to the business and roof of the building, due to the cage construction installed around the stairs. This is ideal, for example, for roofers, cleaners and chimney sweeps. But the cage ladder also provides a quick escape route in case of emergencies. For example, when a fire has broken out or an accident has occurred in an area of the plant that is difficult to reach. Furthermore, cage ladders are used by the company's own personnel, in order to get to another part of the company nice and quickly.

Main rules and requirements when using cage ladder
A cage ladder is required by law in certain circumstances. In doing so, there are standard regulations that aluminum cage ladders must meet as a minimum. What regulations and requirements apply in this regard? For tall buildings with a height difference of more than 3 meters, aluminum cage ladders are mandatory. This way the building can be left quickly if an accident or calamity occurs. At the bottom, the section without a cage may not exceed 3 meters. When a cage ladder system has a height difference of more than 10 meters, rest platforms must be provided every 6 meters. Finally, it is mandatory that cage ladders can be closed at the bottom and top. There must be a self-closing safety gate at the top to prevent falls. The cage ladder must also extend at least 1.1 meters above the arrival level. A cage ladder must also be locked at the bottom to prevent people from entering the plant or factory via the ladder. This measure prevents direct access by unauthorized persons and should make it impossible for burglars to enter a company.

Choose good cage ladders supplied by an approved supplier
Furthermore, the cage ladders must comply with the rules established for this purpose in terms of construction, type of material and dimensions. For this reason, it is advisable to buy cage ladders from an approved supplier and to read up on the laws and regulations concerning cage ladders yourself. After all, as the owner or tenant of the building, you are ultimately responsible for safety in and around the building. Therefore, it is mandatory to have the cage ladder tested and inspected at least once a year.