Cat Ladders & Access Steelwork

Where fixed vertical access is needed to a roof, tank, silo or platform, we fabricate steel cat ladders to the relevant access and safety standards, with hoops/safety cages, walk-through handrails and rest platforms where required.

What is a cat ladder?

A cat ladder is a fixed, near-vertical steel ladder bolted to a wall or structure. It gives permanent access where there isn't room for a stair, or where access is only needed now and then, such as for maintenance. The name is also used for the ladders that lie on a pitched roof to give access across the slope.

Where they're used

• Roof access from the ground or from a lower roof.
• Access to plant, tanks, silos, hoppers and chimneys.
• Access to walkways and platforms and mezzanines.
• Access into pits, chambers and below-ground plant.
• Ladders on pitched roofs, so maintenance can be done without walking on the tiles or sheets.

Safety features

• Safety hoops (cages) — fitted on taller ladders to reduce the risk of falling backwards.
• Walk-through or stile extensions — the ladder sides continue above the landing, so there is something to hold when stepping on and off.
• Rest platforms — on long climbs, so the ladder is split into shorter flights.
• Self-closing gates — at the top, where the ladder meets a roof edge or platform.
• Anti-climb doors — lockable covers at the base, to stop unauthorised access.

Standards

Fixed ladders on buildings are normally designed to BS 4211. Ladders on machinery and industrial plant are normally designed to BS EN ISO 14122-4. The standards set rung spacing, width, the clearance behind the rungs, when a cage or rest platform is needed, and how high the stiles must extend above the landing. Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, the person in control of the site must make sure access at height is safe, and the right ladder is part of that.

Many sites now prefer a stair or a ladder with a fall-arrest system instead of a cage on very tall climbs. We'll advise on the right option for your situation.

Made to suit your site

Each ladder is made to the height and fixing situation on site, in galvanised finish for durability, and can be combined with our walkways and platforms for a complete access solution.

We survey the fixing points, measure the climb and design the brackets to suit the wall, steelwork or roof. Ladders can be powder coated over the galvanising in a safety colour or to match the building.

Fabricated to UKAS-approved EN1090-1 and installed by our own teams.

Frequently asked questions

When does a cat ladder need a safety cage? It depends on the height of the climb and the standard being used. Low ladders often don't need one, taller ladders usually do, and very tall climbs need rest platforms as well. We design to the standard that applies.

Galvanised or painted? Galvanised. Ladders are usually outside or in plant areas, and galvanising stands up to weather and wear far better than paint.

Can you replace an old, rusty ladder? Yes. We survey the existing ladder and fixings and make a replacement to the current standard.

Do you make stairs as well? Yes. Where there's room, a stair is often safer for regular access. See our steel staircases, or get in touch.