Standards / Access Equipment

Portable Ladders

EN 131 is the European standard specifying terminology, requirements, testing and marking for portable ladders used at work and around the home, covering single ladders, extension ladders, combination ladders, stepladders and telescopic ladders. This guide explains the standard's structure, its testing and marking requirements, and how to select, inspect and maintain a ladder correctly.

Scope

EN 131 applies to portable ladders that are moved into position and set up for a task, rather than permanently installed. It defines the terminology and functional sizes for each ladder type, the construction and testing requirements each must meet, and the marking that identifies a ladder’s classification and safe use.

Exclusions & Related Standards

• Does not cover fixed ladders permanently installed on a structure – those fall under separate access-equipment standards.
• Does not cover mobile access towers or scaffold systems.
• Does not cover mobile elevated work platforms.
• Where a ladder is used for roof access, see ladder safety for roof access and choosing a ladder class for roof access.

Ladder Types and Classification

EN 131 covers several distinct ladder configurations, each with its own construction requirements.

EN 131-1	Terms, types and functional sizes
EN 131-2	Requirements, testing and marking
EN 131-3	Marking and user instructions
EN 131-4	Single or multiple hinge-joint ladders
EN 131-6	Telescopic ladders
EN 131-7	Mobile ladders with platform

Ladders may also be marked for professional or trade use, reflecting more frequent loading and harsher handling than a domestic or occasional-use rating.

Requirements and Testing

Static load testing	the ladder must withstand a specified load without permanent deformation
Dynamic load testing	rungs and steps are tested for endurance under repeated loading
Torsional rigidity	resistance to twisting under an offset load
Stile and rung strength	the load-bearing rails and rungs are tested individually
	Slip-resistant feet and, on extension ladders, secure locking mechanisms for the extending sections

Selecting the Right Ladder

Match the ladder type to the task: a single ladder suits reaching a fixed height with the base on solid ground, an extension ladder covers a longer reach, a combination ladder adds flexibility where the configuration needs to change, and a stepladder suits close-in work rather than reaching a roof edge. Consider the combined weight of the user, tools and materials against the ladder’s rated duty, whether the environment calls for non-conductive rails near electrical hazards, and whether the task requires professional-rated equipment rather than a domestic-duty ladder.

Inspection, Care and Maintenance

• Inspect stiles for cracks, bends or corrosion before each use
• Check rungs are secure, undamaged and free of contamination that could cause slipping
• Confirm extension locking mechanisms engage fully before climbing
• Check feet are intact and not worn smooth
• Store away from direct sunlight and extreme heat, particularly for glass-reinforced plastic models
• Take a ladder out of service immediately if any check fails, rather than continuing to use it with a noted fault

Stiles, rungs and locking mechanisms should be checked before every use.

Product Examples

• Single straight ladders for fixed-height access
• Extension ladders for longer reach
• Combination ladders configurable between multiple layouts
• Stepladders for close-in, self-supporting work
• Telescopic ladders for compact storage and transport
• Ladders with an integrated working platform

Standard Information

EN 131
Portable Ladders
Access Equipment Standard
Ladder Safety
Work at Height

Status	Active European standard (EN 131, multi-part family)
ICS code: 97.145	Ladders
Committee: CEN/TC 93	Ladders
Related guidance	Ladder safety for roof access , choosing a ladder class for roof access
	See the full EN Standards Library for personal protective equipment standards