Working in a warehouse requires using potentially dangerous equipment, like forklifts, that can lift pallets of stock and other items high up on storage racks. Although the pallets of goods can be easily stored on industrial racks designed to hold thousands of pounds, workers still will need to climb up to rearrange stock, move fallen items, clean and perform other tasks. Using a good warehouse rolling ladder is one of the safest and most useful ways for workers to safely step up to higher areas and carry items up or down with a sturdy platform beneath their feet. Rolling ladders use a unique design that uses a metal base rolling on four wheels that supports the actual ladder structure on heavy duty springs that rise up and allow the ladder to roll when no one stands on it.
Gravity-Induced Ladder Stabilizer Prevents Falls
All rolling ladders are built from one-inch tubing and have comfortable handrails on either side to help with climbing. The moment a worker steps onto the ladder, four rubber stops make contact with the floor and hold the rolling ladder in place. Carrying a product up or down the ladder is very simple to do with the assistance of the 36-inch tall side handrails and wide steps. With the 30-inch wide steps on the top model, workers easily can carry relatively large items. Spring-loaded casters compress to engage rubber-tipped legs, which provide traction and secure the ladder firmly in place when in use. This ensures there is no shifting or slipping, which is important for safety. Many times, one hand can be kept free to hold one of the side rails, but the 60-degree ladder angle enables no-hands climbing.
Easier Climbing While Carrying Goods
Rolling ladders are stronger, sturdier and easier to use than traditional step ladders and extension ladders, and they do not require a second person to help steady it while climbing up and down. Instead of leaning a ladder up against a wall and climbing up using hands and feet, a rolling ladder allows workers to simply roll the ladder up to the spot they need to reach and then step up just like walking up a short flight of stairs. Instead of climbing at a variable angle, rolling ladders are angled at a permanent angle of about 60 degrees. The steps are comfortably spaced, about seven inches deep, and, depending on the model, range from 16 inches and 30 inches in width. Look for a ladder that meets or exceeds OSHA standards.