Safe and fast stand

mfl: What trends do you currently see when it comes to ladders? Munk: When it comes to access technology in general, we see a clear trend towards individual solutions that enable safe access and safe working. Tailored precisely to the respective situation and requirements. High demands are also placed on work safety and ergonomics when using ladders. Ladders with castors for ergonomic transportation and quick relocation are currently booming. Ladders with anti-slip treads, such as clip-step and clip-step R13 for use in work areas where there is a risk of slipping, are also in high demand. More and more companies are realizing that investing in occupational safety really pays off. Greater safety and ergonomics in the company means fewer absences due to illness. And, of course, the same applies to every accident that can be avoided.

Layher access technology

materialfluss: With which product do you want to score more points in the warehouse logistics sector this fall? And what trends do you currently see in ladders? Andreas Grau: With over 70 years of experience in the design and manufacture of ladders, Layher has a diverse professional range of aluminum, wooden and composite ladders. Suitable ladders such as rung ladders, stepladders and special ladders are available for numerous tasks. In the warehouse logistics sector, the trend is increasingly towards stepladders in terms of safety and comfort. Layher offers suitable solutions with its Topic stepladders made of aluminum with and without a platform. The Topic 1043 stepladder, which can be accessed from both sides, is the classic version of the stepladder, whose upper steps form a closed platform when unfolded. This can be used for storing materials and tools. The Topic 1043, which can bear loads of up to 300 kilograms, is available in eight lengths with heights of up to 2.40 meters.

The Topic 1064 stepladder, which can be accessed from one side, not only has a knee rail shaped as a storage tray made of an aluminum profile with compartments for storing tools and fastening materials, but also a platform with continuous ribbing - for a safe and non-slip stand and fatigue-free working. The Topic 1064 is available in nine lengths, with a maximum stand height of 2.80 meters.

Like all Layher ladders, the Topic stepladders stand for high quality, durability and safety at work: The proven quality features include the high load-bearing capacity thanks to the good force transmission of the 4-fold pressed steps and the high torsional rigidity thanks to beads along the outer stile wall. Thanks to the special ladder stile profile, high loads are possible with a low ladder weight. The heavily ribbed treads of the 80 millimeter wide steps also ensure a non-slip ascent. Plastic-coated steel joints with backlash-free, non-detachable screw connections ensure a long service life, while tear-resistant polyester webbing serves as an anti-splay device. In this way, the Topic stepladders from Layher ensure robustness and durability with low weight and are versatile in use: as a location for light work or as access to higher levels.

Zarges

Andreas Grau, Sales Manager Layher Access Technology - Photo: Layher

materialfluss: With which product do you want to score more points in warehouse logistics this fall?

Rainer Üblacker: Autumn is all about our new R13 stepladder. When designing the access system, we focused in particular on our customers and users in industrial environments. They need a solution that offers them a secure grip even on oily or wet surfaces. We have therefore equipped both the steps and the platform of the ladder with the particularly slip-resistant R13 coating. This makes the R13 ideal for use in industry.

Rainer Üblacker, Head of R&D Zarges GmbH - Photo: Zarges

mfl: What trends do you currently see when it comes to ladders? Üblacker: Hardly any other product segment is dominated by one topic as much as that of ladders and access systems: safety. Ensuring and constantly improving this is still a key trend. It is therefore not surprising that the market is moving away from the classic rung ladder towards the platform ladder. They are characterized by a safe and comfortable stance, even when working for long periods of time. The safety factor is also becoming increasingly important in view of the EN 131-1+2 standard, which comes into force on January 1, 2018. At Zarges, we already attach great importance to ensuring that our products comply with all the requirements of the standard and thus meet the requirements of safety, comfort and ergonomics. We see a further trend in the growing demand for customized access solutions. We have been following this development for a long time and have not only aligned our portfolio with it, but also several configurators.

Martin Schrüfer