BS EN 131‑2: Requirements, testing and marking explained
Requirements, testing and marking explained BS EN 131-2 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 […]
BS EN 131 1: Understanding the ladder standard
Understanding the ladder standard BS EN 131-1 Portable ladders are used at home and at work, yet many people are unaware that these simple products are governed by a detailed safety standard. BS EN 131‑1:2015 +A2:2025 is the first part of the EN 131 series and defines the terminology, ladder types and functional sizes that designers must follow. It sits alongside […]
Ladder Association – Collaborating on Market Surveillance
CASE STUDY Ladder Association – Collaborating on Market Surveillance ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’: A joint ladder safety initiative by the Ladder Association and Test & Research Centre 01/12/25 Confronting the Hidden Dangers of Substandard Ladders The Ladder Association’s campaign, “Step up to safe ladders” – in partnership with the Test & Research Centre – […]
UTS – Testing & Certification Services
CASE STUDY UTS – Testing & Certification Services The Test & Research Centre is a UK-based Certification Body, Test Laboratory and Training Facility that specialises in access equipment. 29/10/25 Background UTS Sales & Repairs is an innovative company specialising in the manufacture and supply of high-quality access equipment, including podiums, low-level access solutions, and a […]
Dodgy Certificates: How to Spot a Fake Before It Gets You in Trouble
Dodgy Certificates: How to Spot a Fake Before It Gets You in Trouble The Test & Research Centre is a UK-based Certification Body, Test Laboratory and Training Facility that specialises in access equipment. Author: John Darby, General Manager, Test & Research Centre 22/10/25 “I’ve got this certificate, so the product must be OK, right?” If […]
Euro Towers – BS 1139 Part 6 Compliance
CASE STUDY Euro Towers – BS 1139 Part 6 Compliance The Test & Research Centre is a UK-based Certification Body, Test Laboratory and Training Facility that specialises in access equipment. 02/10/25 Background Euro Towers Ltd, based in Northampton, UK, is a leading manufacturer of aluminium access equipment, including mobile scaffold towers, podiums, and low-level units. […]
Lakeside – Testing & Certification Services
CASE STUDY Lakeside – Testing & Certification Services The Test & Research Centre is a UK-based Certification Body, Test Laboratory and Training Facility that specialises in access equipment. 13/08/25 Background Lakeside Industries is a manufacturer specialising in high-quality aluminium scaffold towers carrying the recognised Alto brand name, designed specifically to meet the robust demands of […]
Step Ladders vs. Step Stools: Understanding the Safety Standards EN 131 and EN 14183
Standards Step Ladders vs. Step Stools: Understanding the Safety Standards EN 131 and EN 14183 If you’re making, bringing in, or selling step ladders and step stools, it’s critical to understand the difference between the EN 131 and EN 14183 standards. 03/04/25 Why does the right standard matter? In the UK, making sure your product […]
BBC investigation highlights dangerous ladders with T&R’s help
T&R in the Media BBC’s Morning Live investigation into dangerous ladders 2025 is off to a flying start, as we helped the BBC’s Morning Live team investigate dangerous ladders. 21/01/25 BBC’s Morning Live shares concerns The Ladder Association’s campaign, “Step up to safe ladders” has been gaining momentum over the last few years. Aided by […]
Ladder open day for Trading Standards Officers
Open Day Ladder open day for Trading Standards Officers The Test & Research Centre held ladder open days in November for Trading Standards Officers in partnership with the Ladder Association. 22nd November 2024 Delegates from far and wide In November 2024, the Test & Research Centre (T&R) hosted two open days for Trading Standards Officers […]
