Ladder Duty Rating Chart: Everything You Need To Know
Ladders are not as simple as you might think them to be. They are no longer only made from wood or bamboo; now, they come in many different types, like aluminum and fiberglass. There are also different models like step ladders, extension ladders, and more. But, no matter what ladder you buy, you must consider the ladder duty rating chart.
Every duty grade corresponds to the highest weight or load that the ladder can properly support. The sum of many different elements determines the maximum weight or load. These elements work together to determine your ladder’s maximum load capability.
If you are thinking of buying a new ladder, then you must know how the duty rating works, and today in this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about it.
What is Ladder Duty Rating and How Does it Work
You already have a brief idea about ladder duty rating, but now we will break this into full details of how it works. Ladders are built and engineered to support a certain quantity of weight safely.
Ladders typically come in five different Duty Ratings, which are categorized by grade and kind, and we will discuss this later in this guide. The Duty Rating comprises four main components, all combined, and is described as the ladder’s maximum recommended load. The four factors are given below.
- The weight of the user
- The Weight of the material and equipment you have with you
- The weight of your apparel and safety equipment
- The Ladder’s Weight with Equipment and tools
What is the Ladder Duty Rating Chart
A duty rating chart was established to build some uniformity and criteria for the safe manufacture, manufacture, certification, maintenance, and usage of movable ladders of different kinds and styles.
| ANSI Code | Type | Load Capacity | ANSI Color Code | CSA Code |
| Type III | Light Duty | 200 lbs | Red | Grade III |
| Type II | Medium Duty | 225 lbs | Green | Grade II |
| Type I | Heavy Duty | 250 lbs | Blue | Grade 1 |
| Type IA | Extra Heavy Duty | 300 lbs | Orange | Grade 1A |
| Type IAA | Extra Heavy Duty | 375 lbs | Yellow | Grade 1AA |
According to ANSI, the ladder duty ratings have five categories, each of which has a maximum weight limit. So, it is recommended that you do not put more load on the ladder than recommended capacity. There can be serious safety consequences if you do so.
Even though there are 5 categories of Duty ratings for the ladder, they are grouped into three basic types. Read below to know more.
Type I
Type I, IA, and IAA all fall in this category as they are all on heavy-duty ratings. A Type I ladder is most frequently utilized for service companies like those provided by builders, power companies, and maintenance workers.
No matter the ladder’s base material, these ladders are generally made in lengths ranging from 3 to 20 feet. Depending on the type of ladder, they have a load capacity between 250 lbs-375 lbs.
Type II
The Type II ladders are not truly intended for construction workers and have a basic design for modest jobs like decorators, interior designers, maintenance specialists, and technicians.
They are classified as medium-duty purpose ladders and have a weight capacity of 225 lbs. Ladders of Type II are manufactured in 3 to 20-foot lengths. The materials used to make medium-duty ladders are wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
Type III
Type III ladders come with the smallest weight capacity of around 200 lbs which is the lowest among other categories. They fall in the light-duty category and are more intended for home usage, like drilling holes in walls, making small repairs around the house, or cleaning roofs.
Light-duty ladders are between 3 and 6 feet, and they are also the cheapest option. Mostly built from wood and aluminum, these ladders are lightweight and easy to move around.
Where is the Duty rating on my Ladder
The specs sticker on your ladder will list its Duty Rating. Each ladder must have a Duty Rating label attached to the side per safety regulations. However, do keep in mind that the weight of a ladder has no connection to its length.
According to OSHA, every ladder must come with a duty rating label, and it is important to ensure proper safety while using the ladder. So, if any ladder doesn’t have a duty rating sticker or tag on it, avoid buying that ladder.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
They are a group that is responsible for creating limitations and standards for building materials. Usually, the ratings are established based on the maximum weight that a ladder can support safely. The user’s weight as well as the weight of any objects they are holding or carrying together make up this weight limit.
All ladders are required to have a label or tag indicating the highest standing level per ladder safety regulations. Furthermore, think about the ladder’s Duty Rating. The total capacity that the ladder may safely support is shown by this.
Every ladder has a specific weight limit it can handle; when you put extra weight on it the ladder can crack or break causing accidents. So, ladder duty ratings show you the exact weight limit the ladder can carry for you to avoid any unwanted accidents.
Conclusion
Ladders are one of the most important pieces of equipment in daily life. They are used not just at home but also commercially. However, buying the perfect ladder can be a bit confusing as they come with different load capacities. Thus today, we have discussed all ladder duty rating charts.
By now, we believe you have a clear idea about a ladder’s different categories of load capacity. Always make sure to properly combine your weight along with the tools and gears you will be carrying when you are using the ladder and then choose the ladder according to that.
Do not buy any cheap ladders just to save some money, as if they cannot support your weight, the ladder can break down, causing serious injuries.
You Can Also Read:
- Are Aluminum Ladders Safe? What Ladder Experts Want You To Know
- 4 Disadvantages Of Fiberglass Ladders You Shouldn’t Miss!
- What Is The Correct Type 1 Ladder Weight Limit & How Do We Identify It?
- Type 2 Ladder Weight Limit & Color Code- Let’s Dive Into Details!
- Type 3 Ladder Weight Limit: We Have Every Explanation
