Understanding ladder classifications

Understanding ladder classifications is more important than many people realise. Whether you’re a tradesperson working on-site or a homeowner tackling DIY, choosing the wrong ladder can lead to safety risks, damaged equipment, or even legal issues in the workplace.

Since 2018, UK ladder safety has been governed by a clear, up-to-date system. Modern ladder classifications are now defined by EN131, which specifies which ladders are suitable for professional use and which are intended for domestic use only.

This article explains current UK ladder classifications, how they work under today’s rules, and why older ladder classes are still referenced.

In this article:

• What are ladder classifications?
• Why ladder classifications matter
• How ladder classifications work
• Old vs new ladder classifications explained
• Why ladder classification changed
• Why older ladder classifications still exist
• EN131 Professional ladders
• EN131 Non-Professional ladders
• FAQs

What are ladder classifications?

Ladder classifications are safety ratings that indicate a ladder’s strength and the maximum weight it can safely support. These ratings help you pick the right ladder based on weight limits, where you’ll use it, and how often.

Each ladder class is made for a specific job; from domestic use to trade work or industrial environments and is tested against specific standards to ensure it performs safely under load.

Why ladder classifications matter

Picking the right ladder class is important for safety and following the rules. Using the wrong type can:

• Increase the risk of falls and injuries
• Cause ladder failure due to overloading
• Breach workplace health and safety regulations
• Invalidate insurance or site safety policies

That’s why ladder classifications matter so much at work.

How ladder classifications work

Due to updated regulations, ladder classifications are defined by EN131, not by the old Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 system.

All new ladders sold for use in the UK must be classified as either:

• EN131 Professional, or
• EN131 Non-Professional

These classifications determine where a ladder can be used and how much weight it can safely support.

Old vs new ladder classifications explained

The information below shows how legacy ladder classes relate to modern ladder classifications:

• Class 1 – Industrial (used for heavy-duty workplace use) → EN131 Professional
• Class 2 – Trade (light-trade use) → EN131 Professional
• Class 3 – Domestic (home use only) → EN131 Non-Professional

Why ladder classification changed

The ladder classification system was updated in 2018 to:

• Improve safety standards
• Remove ambiguity around ladder suitability
• Clearly separate domestic and workplace ladders
• Align UK regulations with European safety testing

Why older ladder classifications still exist

Although EN131 now defines ladder classifications, older ladders are still in circulation.

Many that were manufactured before 2018 were tested under the previous British Standards and remain:

• Legal to use
• Safe when properly maintained
• Clearly marked with their original classification

This is why older ladder classes are still referenced in training materials, risk assessments and everyday language.

Ladder Classifications for Different Applications

All portable ladders and steps that are manufactured in the UK must be tested to the British Standards. These essentially give the products a stamp of approval and help to identify how they should be used. If you use the wrong type of ladder for a job, for example – a Class 3 domestic rated ladder for trade work, it can invalidate any insurance claims made.

Best for DIY work

BS2037: Class 3 rating

Top product: Lyte DIY Double Extension Ladders

Any ladder or access equipment tested to BS2037 is best used for DIY and domestic use. Products in this category have a duty rating of 95 kg and a maximum permissible load of 125 kg.

Products with this rating shouldn’t be used for trade or industrial purposes. View our range of extension ladders for DIY and domestic use.

Best for trade work

BSEN131: Class 2 rating

Top product: Lyte Trade Triple Extension Ladders

Any ladder or access equipment tested to BSEN131 has been designed for use in a trade environment, specifically for light trade work. Products in this category have a duty rating of 125kg and a maximum permissible load of 150 kg.

This standard is European wide while the other two standards (Class 1 and Class 3) are just UK wide. This means that some ladders tested to the EN131 standard may have just scraped through the tests or exceeded the tests. Because of this, it’s important to check all product descriptions before ordering. This should help you to assess whether a product is suitable for your line of work. View our range of quality aluminium extension ladders for trade use.

Best for industrial work

BS203: Class 1 rating

Top product: Chase Heavy Duty Industrial Swingback Step

Ladders and access equipment tested to BS203 has been designed for use in an industrial environment. Products in this category have a duty rating of 130kg and a maximum permissible load of 175 kg. This standard applies to aluminium products; timber ladders and steps tested to Class 1 standard are marked with BS1129.

Products in this category are usually very strong and suited to heavy, regular use. Most, if not all, building sites require equipment to be tested to BS203 or BSEN131. View our range of industrial extension ladders here.

Ladders that don’t have a classification

If you’ve browsed our collection of ladders and access equipment, you’ll find that some of them do not have a classification – such as our roof ladders and warehouse steps. This is because they aren’t tested to the British Standards as there isn’t a kitemark that applies to them. However, all of our products in these categories are manufactured from trade or industrial strength aluminium.

EN131 Professional ladders

EN131 Professional is the current ladder classification required for workplace use in the UK.

Key characteristics:

• Designed for trade, commercial and industrial environments
• Tested for frequent and demanding use
• Maximum load capacity of 150kg – tested by 50,000 cycles
• Required on construction sites and in professional settings

EN131 Non-Professional ladders

EN131 Non-Professional ladders are designed for domestic use only.

Key characteristics:

• Suitable for light household tasks
• Lower strength testing than professional ladders
• Maximum load capacity of 150kg – tested by 10,000 cycles
• Must not be used in commercial or workplace environments

Although they have the same weight limit as EN131 Professional, they aren’t designed to tolerate daily, heavy-duty conditions.

Knowing about ladder classes helps you stay safe, follow the rules, and feel confident when working at height. Whether you need a ladder for home or work, always check its classification before you buy.

FAQs

What are ladder classifications under current UK rules?

Ladder classifications are defined by EN131 and split into Professional and Non-Professional categories.

Can pre-2018 ladders still be used?

Yes, provided they are in good condition and suitable for the task, but new ladders must meet EN131 standards.

What ladder should be used at work?

EN131 Professional (previously Class 1).

What does EN131 certified mean?

EN131 certified means the ladder meets European safety standards for strength, durability and stability.

Are domestic ladder classifications allowed on work sites?

No. EN131 Non-Professional (previously Class 3) ladders are for domestic use only.

Why are ladder classes still mentioned?

Because older ladders, documentation and industry language still reference them, even though EN131 now governs ladder safety.