Standardi EN 131

Ladder standards have changed.

Ladder standards in Europe have changed to a single European standard covering all types of portable ladders. Our Werner ladders have to meet the new EN131 standard, where applicable, with ladders having a load capacity of 150kg. There are one standard with two classifications: EN131 Professional and EN131 Non-Professional.

We've already taken steps.

See what Werner ladders go through before you even take a step on one.

What is EN131?

EN131 is a European committee for standardisation (CEN) harmonised standard for portable steps and ladders, manufactured from metal and certain other materials such as GRP. It covers minimum safety requirements.

There is one standard with two classifications: EN131 Professional and EN131 Non-Professional.

There are separate requirements for stepstools (EN14183), loft ladders (EN14975), telescopic ladders (EN131-6), mobile ladder with platform (EN131-7) and single or multiple joint ladders (EN131-4).

Why have ladder standards changed?

The European Commission was dissatisfied with elements of the previous standard and issued an EC Mandate for the standard to include additional requirements for stability, slip, durability and strength in position of use which will help in preventing the main causes of ladder related accidents.

How has EN131 changed?

A harmonised standard has been introduced in the UK which revokes any existing national versions.

The UK had differed from other European countries with a standard specific to ladders intended for domestic use (BS2037:1994 class 3) and with the introduction of the new EN131 this domestic standard was withdrawn. BS2037/BS1129 Class 1 for heavy duty and industrial use was also withdrawn. 

There are two new categories for ladders under EN131; one for Professional users and one for Non-Professional users reflecting that there are differences in the requirement for performance of the ladder.

The EN131-6:2019 for telescopic ladders has also been introduced early 2019 and the EN131-6:2015 was also withdrawn.

Are there any other changes still to come?

There is a product category that still needs to be finalised.

Multi-Purpose Hinged Ladders – The current applicable standard is EN131 part 4 (2007). Again the brief is to bring the standard in line with the testing requirements of EN131 part 2. In addition there is a growing pressure to have EN131 part 1 amended to be more flexible on the base width for the MT type of ladder allowing the splayed base to be retained.

What are the main differences?

Many of the characteristics of the standards are similar but the new EN131 has introduced stabilisers on ladders over 3m, new slip tests, new cycle durability tests, as well as new tests for ladders in the position of use. Maximum load has been standardised at 150kg load rating.

Has the introduction of the new harmonised EN131 affected the range and availability of products in the UK?

Yes, the domestic use (Class 3) range and products have been withdrawn and replaced by the new EN131 Non-Professional rating and the industrial Use (Class 1) range and products have been withdrawn and replaced by the new EN131 Professional rating.

Is compliance be optional?

Ladder standards in the UK are optional but as the UK has participated fully in the standards development, Trading Standards and the HSE will expect new ladders to comply after a period of grace to January 2019.

When did the new harmonised EN131 come into force in the UK?

There are three main parts to the new standard: Part 1 - Terms, Types & Functional sizes, Part 2 - Testing and Part 3 - Marking & User Instructions. Parts 1 & 2 were introduced in January 2018 with a year for manufacturers to transition to the new standard, before the January 2019 deadline. Part 3 was released early 2018 again manufacturers should comply from January 2019.

How will I know if a product is compliant with EN131?

Products will need to be independently tested and certified for compliance and labelled with the new EN131 standard stating if suitable for Professional or Non-Professional use as per the icon.

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