Fixed Ladder Replacement

  • Thread starter Thread starter Archive7
  • Start date Start date
A

Archive7

Guest
My building has five storeys and on the fifth floor we have a fixed ladder made of steel 4m high which leads to the elevator engine room and a flat roof for the whole building.
The ladder serves the elevator technicians and general maintenance of sun water heaters such as water tanks and collectors, and of course we have several satellite dishes on the roof.
The ladder is robust and can handle the weights of persons and heavy loads. It has a total of 9 steps (rods) with 35cm spacing and 35cm wide inside.
But it is very uncomfortable to climb, mainly because of the angle, the steps are just a rod and it is narrow only 40cm wide total. Some photos are attached.
Anyway, last time I climbed it, I twisted my back during the descent and since then I don't dare to climb it again.
I am thinking of replacing it with something modern and comfortable, and have contacted a local ladder manufacturer (also importer of ladders made in Germany) to suggest a better solution.
If we go for the same type of ladder, then I would want a more comfortable step design, wider ladder perhaps 60cm instead of 40cm, make the spacing shorter like 25-30cm instead of 35cm. Unfortunately there isn't much we can do with the angle which is about 15 degrees.
Perhaps a better solution would be spiral stairs but it must be very expensive to design and install.
I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Thanks

IMG_1960.webp IMG_1951.webp IMG_1961.webp IMG_1962.webp
 
Seems an awful lot of work and expense for a maintenance ladder, I would be tempted to weld better full width steps in place and remove any unnecessary existing cross spars. To remove and re-fit the complete ladder is going to be very expensive, especially to conform to today's regulations which I am sure exist even in Israel. Not sure how you managed to twist your back on a straight ladder unless it was getting on or off at the top.
 
Topper said:
Seems an awful lot of work and expense for a maintenance ladder, I would be tempted to weld better full width steps in place and remove any unnecessary existing cross spars. To remove and re-fit the complete ladder is going to be very expensive, especially to conform to today's regulations which I am sure exist even in Israel. Not sure how you managed to twist your back on a straight ladder unless it was getting on or off at the top.
Click to expand...
It is not just a maintenance ladder. Last year a building nearby had a fire on the seventh floor and many tenants ran to the roof and were rescued by fire fighters. Elderly tenants in our building can't climb our existing ladder, and if the elevator stops for any reason, I or any other tenant can run to the engine room and move the elevator up and down slightly with a handle until it is level on one of the floors.
For emergencies, we really need a better means to go up to the roof.
The 35cm spacing between steps is very large compared to today's standard. It should be around 25-30cm.
I twisted my back because I am not young anymore and any unusual twisting of the body while coming down, put a pressure on my spine.
I am considering spiral stairs, but it seems the minimum floor diameter required by several manufacturers from the US is 42" (~107cm). We have only 35" D (90cm). The advantage is that the final step can face straight to the left, where the roof is.
 
A loft ladder might be suitable...
 
Chris1979 said:
My loft ladder is fixed to the rafters.

Mine also slides down, in 2 sections.
Click to expand...
Good idea, but it has to be robust because of the heavy loads that some guys need to carry up to the roof.
For example an air conditioner outside unit, sun water heater tanks, etc.
 
Well if it has to double up as a fire escape/emergency exit then I am sure the fire department will have current regulations in place and perhaps you should consult them
 
Why not weld a better/wider ladder onto the front of it ?
 
Channel Hopper said:
Why not weld a better/wider ladder onto the front of it ?
Click to expand...
Good idea. Will consult with the local ladder manufacturer if they see any problem with this.
From first impression, we will lose about 10cm because of the new ladder depth and the floor where the first step is, is already too small for a person to stand as it is only about 30cm from the wall.
 
I would look into something like this for the rungs.

Code: 
https://www.mcmaster.com/#mounted-ladders/=17ssmc5
I don't know if they ship international.

It will greatly improve the strength and safety of the ladder, they need to be welded on.

They also have other ladders.
 
Terryl said:
I would look into something like this for the rungs.

Code: 
https://www.mcmaster.com/#mounted-ladders/=17ssmc5
I don't know if they ship international.

It will greatly improve the strength and safety of the ladder, they need to be welded on.

They also have other ladders.
Click to expand...
Thanks. They certainly show huge type of ladders that I didn't know they existed.
 
It will give you some ideas.
 
Back
Top