Portable ladders need to be more than just the right length – they must be strong, stable and properly tested. BS EN 131‑2:2010 +A3:2025 is the second part of the EN 131 series and sets out the design requirements, material specifications, test methods and marking rules for portable ladders. It complements EN 131‑1, which defines ladder types and functional sizes, and EN 131‑3, which covers user instructions and labelling.
This article translates the technical jargon of BS EN 131‑2 into plain English and explains how the standard keeps ladder users safe.
The standard provides uniform material requirements, clearly defined test loads and robust endurance tests for every ladder class. Both professional and non‑professional ladders must be designed for a maximum total load of 150 kg – enough to cover an adult user plus their tools. However, the test loads and durability requirements differ; professional ladders are tested with higher loads and more cycles to reflect the demands of frequent use. By specifying how ladders should be tested, EN 131‑2 ensures that products on the market provide the strength, stiffness and slip resistance that users expect.
Pictured below: Professional (left) and Non-Professional (right) ladder symbols.
The standard applies to portable ladders of all types. Its scope notes that it does not cover step stools or ladders intended for specialised professional use, such as fire‑brigade ladders, roof ladders and mobile ladders. It also excludes ladders for working on or near live electrical installations; these are covered by EN 61478. EN 131‑2 is intended to be used alongside EN 131‑1 (dimensions and functional sizes) and EN 131‑3 (user instructions). Separate standards apply to telescopic ladders and mobile ladders with platforms.
BS EN 131 2 introduces several key definitions that underpin the requirements:
| Term | Simplified definition |
|---|---|
| Maximal total load | The maximum weight the ladder is designed to support when set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. EN 131‑2 bases all requirements on a rated load of 150 kg. |
| Professional ladder | A ladder intended for use in a working environment. Professional ladders undergo higher test loads and endurance cycles. |
| Non‑professional ladder | A ladder designed for occasional or domestic use. Non‑professional ladders use the same maximal load but lower test loads and shorter durability tests. |
BS EN 131‑2 stipulates minimum performance for the materials used in load‑bearing parts of the ladder (stiles, rungs, steps and platforms). Highlights include:
To reduce the risk of slipping, rungs, steps and platforms must have a textured working surface. Wooden rungs must be securely tenoned, mortised and glued to the stiles. Round rungs must be at least 25 mm in diameter, and the top surface of flat standing surfaces may be inclined no more than 25° from horizontal. For leaning ladders, the angle between the rung and the stile must be between 65° and 90°, while steps should be between 60° and 70°. Foldable platforms must automatically lift as the ladder is folded and must pass a kick‑up test.
The bottom ends of all ladders must be slip‑resistant. A base slip test (see section 5.18 of the standard) checks the effectiveness of anti‑skid devices on leaning ladders. This reinforces the requirement in EN 131‑1 that long ladders must include a wider base. Rungs and steps must be firmly connected to the stiles, and any coverings or anti‑slip coatings must adhere durably to treads.
Push‑up extension ladders must be fitted with locking devices to prevent unintentional closing or separation. Rope‑operated ladders require reliable catches and should be designed so that upper sections cannot drop more than one rung if the rope fails. Ropes must have a minimum strength of 4 000 N and be at least 8 mm in diameter; synthetic ropes must be stabilised against UV degradation.
BS EN 131‑2 lays out a sequence of tests to verify the strength, stiffness and durability of ladders. Each ladder type must undergo these tests in a specified order (as explained in Annex A) so that prior testing does not weaken the ladder for subsequent checks. The key tests are summarised below; professional ladders are tested at higher loads or for longer durations than non‑professional ladders. Below is a summary of the key tests:
| Test | Purpose | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Strength test | Verifies the ladder can support the rated load with a safety factor. The complete ladder is placed in its position of use - 65° angle for leaning types and fully extended for standing or combination ladders. | A load F is applied to the rung or tread nearest the centre for one minute. Test loads are 2,250 N for non‑professional ladders and 2,700 N for professional ladders. The ladder must remain functional with no fractures or cracks; permanent deformation is allowed. |
| Bending test | Assesses the stiffness of the stiles when the ladder is horizontal. | The ladder is supported 200 mm from each end, and a 750 N load is applied to the centre. Maximum allowable deflection depends on ladder length. |
| Lateral deflection test | Measures sideways stiffness. | With the ladder laid horizontally on supports 200 mm from each end, a 250 N load is applied to one stile. The maximum deflection is specified as a function of support distance. |
| Bottom stile ends test | Checks the strength of the lower stile ends. | A 1,100 N load is applied to the overhanging stile end; permanent deflection must not exceed 2 mm and there must be no cracks. |
| Vertical load test on rungs, steps and platforms | Ensures individual rungs/steps can support concentrated loads. | After a pre‑load of 200 N, a 2,600 N load is applied to the weakest rung or step. |
| Durability test (standing ladders) | Simulates repeated climbing and use. | Two equal loads are applied cyclically to the top and middle steps; non‑professional ladders must withstand 10,000 cycles and professional ladders 50,000 cycles. This test conditions the ladder before testing the opening restraints and hinges. |
Additional tests cover opening restraints and hinges, torsion, stabiliser strength, handrail strength and base slip resistance. Annex A of the standard provides a complete test sequence and indicates which tests apply to leaning, standing and combination ladders.
Ladders conforming to EN 131‑2 must be marked with the parts of EN 131 that they comply with and the year of revision. Markings must be durable; the standard checks this by rubbing the label with water and petroleum spirit for 15 seconds each to ensure legibility. The marking should indicate the ladder class (Professional or Non‑professional) and reference the maximum total load. Manufacturers must also supply user instructions conforming to EN 131‑3.
To stay up to date with ladder standards and safe work‑at‑height practices, consult these authoritative organisations:
EN 131‑2 bridges the gap between ladder design and real‑world use. By specifying material quality, surface design, locking devices and rigorous test procedures, it ensures that both professional and domestic ladders can withstand the loads and conditions they encounter.
Professional ladders are tested with higher loads and longer fatigue cycles, while non‑professional ladders have slightly lower requirements. Clear marking and user instructions help buyers select the right product and use it safely.
Together with EN 131‑1 (dimensions) and EN 131‑3 (instructions), these standard forms a comprehensive framework for ladder safety. When in doubt, have your ladders tested or certified by an independent test laboratory such as Test & Research Centre – climbing safely starts with compliant equipment.
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