Steps and Ladders in the Chemical Industry

Using ladders and platforms for working at height in chemical environments such as oil, mining, marine and chemical industries present particular challenges. For instance, danger may come from acids or caustic chemicals. In addition, equipment used in such environments must be highly corrosion resistant and needs to be inspected regularly.

Which Material Is Best?

Wooden ladders would not normally be used in such environments due to their absorbency. Aluminium ladders can suffer badly from corrosion in chemical environments. Therefore, fibre reinforced plastic are usually advised.

Ensure Your Ladder Is Safe

Chemical environments may also experience high humidity. Moisture can be wicked into fibre reinforced plastic via exposed fibres at the ends. This would require an electrical insulation resistance test to identify.

However, provided suitable non-slip feet are attached and checked regularly for damage or deterioration, a fibre reinforced plastic ladder should provide a good length of service. In any instance, care should be taken that all parts used in the manufacture of the ladder are non-corrosive.

Fibre reinforced plastic ladders can be coated with lacquer to further protect them in harsh environments. Two coats of acrylic polyurethane is preferred over oil-based products. Ladder manufacturers should be able to provide specific detailed advice for ladder use in chemical environments.

Fibreglass Ladders

Fibre reinforced plastic is resistant to some degree to the following chemicals:

Phosphoric acid, Hydrochloric acid, Nitric acid, Sulfuric acid, Acetic acid, Sodium chloride, Aluminum sulphate, Ammonium sulphate, Ammonium chloride.

Another advantage of fibreglass ladders is that they are safe for use in environments with risk of exposure to electricity.

Sterk Systems has a range of ladders which meet all the necessary regulations and requirements for safe working in any environment. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about inspecting equipment to ensure continued safety in use.

Joelle, Sterk Systems