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With a wide, flat surface at the top, our range of platform steps is designed to give you and your workers extra stability when working at height.
Boasting features like handrails, anti-slip work surfaces, and adjustable stabilisers, you’re in the right place if you’re looking to climb safely and comfortably at work.
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A platform step – also known as a platform ladder, work platform, or safety step – is a ladder that features a wide, flat surface at the top.
This gives workers more stability, which is ideal for prolonged work at height – for example, during warehouse picking, decorating, or maintenance work.
Platform steps often boast additional features to enhance comfort and safety, like non-slip treads, guardrails, and sometimes even wheels to allow for easy movement.
You can buy a work platform online right here at SMI!
Our range includes foldable work platforms, platform steps with handrails, and heavy-duty platform steps with wheels – making it easy to find the perfect fit for your workplace.
A platform step can be a great alternative to a step ladder.
Platform steps are similar to step ladders, but they provide additional stability, improving comfort and safety when working at height for long periods of time.
Other alternatives include mobile warehouse steps, extension ladders, or mobile scaffolds, depending on the job and the complexity of your access needs.
The 4 to 1 rule is a ratio that helps you determine the best angle to position a ladder against a wall.
For every 4 units of height you need to climb, you should place the base of the ladder 1 unit away from the wall.
For example, for a 20-foot ladder, you’ll need to position the base 5 feet away from the wall (20 ÷ 4 = 5).
This creates a stable working angle of around 75 degrees, which is ideal for helping to prevent falls.
In the UK, there aren’t set rules around how high a platform can be without a handrail.
However, BS EN ISO 14122 suggests that handrails aren’t needed for platforms where the potential fall height is less than 500mm. They also may not be required if they would interfere with movement.
Ultimately, a risk assessment can help you make the safest decision for your workplace.
Platform steps don’t legally have to meet specific dimensions in the UK.
However, the platform does have to be big enough for safe movement and work activity. For most working platforms, the minimum recommended width is 600mm.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 also require workplaces to assess all risks, plan work carefully, and use appropriate equipment to prevent falls.
With this in mind, specific requirements will depend on the type of platform and how your workplace plans to use it.
