The Surveyor's Ladder

Surveyors ladder are used by a vast number of professions and trades. Quite possibly, this humble tool is perhaps the most widely used piece of equipment in the world. From builders and electricians to window cleaners and roofers, millions of people use these handy tools to perform their daily tasks at height.

However, ladders are extremely versatile and are used by many professions. Therefore, different types are used in different trades. Here is a list of some of the different types of ladders and the types of trade that rely on them.

Step ladders

One of the most commonly used. There are numerous applications for steps and as many different trades that depend on them. Primarily, Step ladders are used in indoor locations and nearly every domestic tradesman will carry a set. Painter and decorators, electricians, plumbers, insulators the list are perhaps endless.

Extension Ladders

Another very common type and used primarily outdoors. Extension ladders are designed to lean, and as their name implies, can be extended many times beyond their original length.

People who need to work at high levels use extensions such as window cleaners, satellite TV engineers, sign writers and exterior house painters are obvious examples but most major trades like builders will also need an extension ladder on the roof of their van.

Combination Ladders

It combines the different facets of platforms, steps, and extensions. Useful for difficult areas such as on staircases or where there is not enough room for a conventional ladder, combinations are used widely by interior tradespeople.

Often, some builders, decorators, and other professions opt for a good combination ladder as it means they can get away with not needing extensions or stepladders as the combination can do all the jobs they require.

Surveyors ladder

The name suggests that surveyors commonly use this type of ladder but they are also used by other professions.

The Layout of a surveyor's ladder is that they fold up and can be stored in the boot of a car. Consequently, people who need a ladder occasionally, for example, press photographers, often keep a surveyor's ladder in their car boot.

The longer the ladder, the more difficult it is to transport, and traveling around in a vehicle can also be hazardous if it is not secured properly. The following tips will help you transport ladders safely while also ensuring you have the right ladder available at all times.

Whilst extension ladders can retract, they are still a long piece of equipment and therefore difficult to transport. A car is unable to transport an extension ladder, even some of the smallest varieties available today, so a van would be the proper vehicle for hauling extension ladders.

They can be secured on either the roof or the side of many vans but there are some key points to remember. When the ladder is strapped down you need to remember the forward and backward momentum of a vehicle so you should ensure it can't slip under the straps. The ladder, also, shouldn't extend further than the length of the vehicle; if it is dangerously overhanging it can be dangerous.

A roof rack is perhaps the safest and secure method of transporting long ladders like extensions.