EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of EN 131 standard. EN 131 standard applies to stairs. All ladders that can be used as inclined ladders and are longer than 3.000 mm when extended must be equipped with an extended leg (eg in the form of a cross beam). The length of the stabilizer (cross beam) depends on the ladder length, but is limited to a maximum of 1.200 mm.
For extension ladders or combined ladders that can be removed and used separately, this section (as long as it is longer than 3.000 mm) must either be secured against disassembly or be equipped with an equally extended foot, but without impairing safe use. This primarily concerns extension ladders with more than 2x10 rungs, as well as three-section combination ladders with more than 3x10 rungs.
According to the current version of the standard, stairs are divided into two classes:
Ladders should be tested according to different test requirements depending on their class. One foot of the ladder is placed on a 20 mm high block and the ladder is secured against slipping. The upper step, step or platform and the step or step in the middle of the ladder are then loaded with a test load of 1.500 N (approximately 153 kg) in sequence.
This test is performed in the use position of the ladder. It should withstand test loads intact for one minute, after which the ladder should not break or have visible cracks. But permanent deformations are allowed.
To test the torsional strength of step ladders, a steel bar is attached to the top step, step or platform and extends 500mm beyond the column on one side. The mast on the opposite side of the ladder is fixed and the ladder is loaded with 736 N (approx. 75 kg). A test load of 137 N (approximately 14 kg) is then applied to the end of the bar and pulled against the fixed side. During this test, the unfixed ladder foot is allowed to move a maximum of 25 mm from its original position.
EN 131 test standards for ladders examine and test ladders in 6 separate sections:
EN 131 - Part 1: Terms, Types, Functional Dimensions
This part of EN 131 defines the terms and specifies the general design features of stairs. Applicable to step ladders designed for general professional and non-professional use.
EN 131 - Part 2: Requirements, Testing, Marking
This part of EN 131 specifies the general design specifications, requirements and test methods for step ladders. It does not apply to steps or ladders for special professional use such as fire escape ladders, loft ladders and step ladders. It does not apply to ladders used to work on or near live electrical systems or installations.
EN 131 - Part 3: User Instructions
This part of EN 131 gives advice on the safe use of ladders falling within the scope of EN 131-1 and meeting the requirements of EN 131-1, EN 131-2, and EN 131-4 for ladders with single or multiple hinged joints.
EN 131 - Part 4: Ladders with Single or Multiple Hinge Connections
This part of EN 131 specifies the requirements, testing and marking of hinged combination ladders with one or more hinge joints. This document is not applicable to hinged joints of combined and standing ladders as defined in EN 131-1. This part of the standard is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 131-1, EN 131-2 and EN 131-3.
EN 131 - Part 6: Telescopic Ladders
This part of EN 131 specifies general design specifications, requirements and test methods and defines terms for reclining and standing telescopic ladders. Ladders with extension elements are not covered by this part of EN 131.
EN 131 - Part 7: Mobile Ladders with Platforms
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