How to ensure the safety of ladders during transport

If you're a tradesman, getting your ladders from job to job is an important part of your day. Even if you know the advice we'll be giving for securing your ladder during transport, it doesn't hurt to review it, and if you're just starting out in the trade, this information will certainly help you. Securing your ladder properly will not only protect the ladder and your vehicle from any damage during movement and reduce the risk of an accident, but it will also deter any opportunistic thieves from trying to steal your ladder while you are away from it. You may be wondering why someone would steal a ladder, but the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in crime, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Know your equipment and the law

How you transport your ladder is important, especially if you're not familiar with the equipment you're using. On the surface, it may not seem important, but adequately protecting your ladder will ensure that you don't get into an accident while driving, and therefore could end up saving your life. Therefore, if you are going to use equipment that you have never used before or are less confident with, for example, a roof rack, then research and practice with it while stationary.

Depending on the length and size of the ladder, you can store it inside the van, but for longer ladders that won't fit inside, you'll need to attach it to the roof of your vehicle. The most common method is to use a roof bar or roof rack. If you are going to transport the ladder in this way, however, you need to be aware of the current laws relating to the amount of overhang allowed at the front and rear of the vehicle.

Storage of ladders: When storing ladders, they should be placed horizontally and secured to avoid falling over and injuring people. Ladders should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place and protected from heat and corrosion. No other materials are allowed to be stacked on the stored ladders.

What are the legal requirements for overhang?

If you want to understand this in more detail, you can find all the laws and restrictions documented in Section 26 of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).