Ladders vs Scaffolding – What is the Difference and Which One is Necessary Within Your Industry?

If you are unsure and need to weigh the pros and cons of ladders versus scaffolding, it is best to be forearmed before making a final decision. When it comes to building or doing renovations at elevated levels, sometimes a ladder will just not cut it. As brilliant and as quick as they are to set up and climb, they are not necessarily the right tool for every job. From a safety and height perspective, the use of scaffolding might just come in handy.

When carrying out short-term work at height, preferably for no longer than 30 minutes, then ladders are ideal. They are the most used and misused pieces of access equipment and although many people use them without incident, it is important to carry out a risk assessment as serious injuries can occur. Make sure that they can be secured or footed and that the platform the ladder rests on is level and stable whilst in use.

When Should Ladders be Used?

The biggest disadvantages are that they cannot sustain working platforms at height and can only support one worker. The question you need to ask yourself is if this is a sustainable choice for the building or renovation work that needs to be done. When it comes to low-risk situations, such as painting, then ladders are ideal.

When Should Scaffolding be Used?

If you know it will be difficult to use a ladder safely, turn to scaffolding. Although it takes longer to erect, the effort will be worth it as it will reduce the risk of falling from height and allows for more than one worker at a time on the platform. If the work that needs to be done exceeds 30 minutes, greater freedom of movement is required and, of course, working from height is unavoidable, then scaffolding systems are the answer.

Unlike ladders, scaffolds allow for more movement whilst working, freeing up both hands. Scaffolds are stable, form a wide work platform, provide a wide reach and cut the job in half as it is not necessary to constantly reposition them. With ladders, you are meant to keep three points of contact with it at all times making work difficult to do using only one hand.

Seek Expert Advice

When it comes to ladders versus scaffolding, it all depends on the job at hand. It is wise to seek advice from professionals, like Disc-O-Scaff, before making your final decision. Disc-O-Scaff has been manufacturing and supplying the construction industry with high-quality SABS-approved scaffolding for over 10 years. Offering customers the choice of Selflock or Kwikstage scaffold solutions makes light work of any construction or renovation project.