What is a rolling ladder, and how are they used in a warehouse setting?

Rolling ladders are lightweight aluminum or steel-frame ladders with multidirectional wheels (casters) on the bottom. They provide safe and convenient access to overhead spaces in industrial settings. The casters allow users to move the ladder to the desired location with ease. The rolling ladder is then locked into place to allow safe access to high storage spaces. A staple in industrial applications such as warehouses, rolling ladders improve efficiency in the workplace, while adhering to the latest Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards.

BMH is your source for affordable and high-quality rolling ladders. With locations across the United States, we ship anywhere in the country!

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What to consider when choosing a rolling ladder for your warehouse?

BMH offers a great selection of high-quality, American-built Cotterman rolling ladders. We carry various heights for different applications. We also have a wide range of options in width, tread style and width, step count, as well as carry capacity. Here are a few important features to consider when selecting the right ladder for your warehouse:

Height

Height is a great place to start when selecting a ladder. The graphic below shows the different measurements to consider before buying your ladder:

The overall height of the ladder is important to ensure an ideal fit to space. This length is measured from the base of the ladder to the top of the handrails (the highest point of the ladder). Consider the ceiling height, as well as any low-hanging features in the warehouse that may be in the way.

Working height is the average storage height in your warehouse that you are trying to reach. This measurement takes into account the added height of the person standing on the top step to allow for adequate space. When trying to determine what height of ladder to get, first figure out what the working height is. Then deduct 5.5’ from this length to calculate what your top step height should be. BMH offers a wide selection of ladders with a range of 30”-120” top step height.

Top Step Height + 5.5’ = Working Height

Here are all of the height options we carry:

Number of Steps

Once you figure out the height of the ladder you can then determine the number of steps you will need. The number of steps can be calculated in two ways:

(Working Height- 60” ) / 10 = Number of Steps 

Top Step Height / 10” = Number of Steps

For example, in a warehouse where the working height is 10 ft (120”), the number of steps would be (120-60) / 10 = 6*

*If you end up with a decimal, you can roll the number to the closest whole number.

Base Size

Base size is another important measurement to consider when buying a rolling ladder. The base width should increase with height to provide increased stability. Keep this in mind to make sure that the ladder you pick is not going to be too wide for your space. Also, consider where the ladder is going to be stored when not in use. It is a good idea to select a wider base if your space allows. This will ensure that your ladder is more stable. Our ladders come in a standard width of 30” and 32”. The base length will also increase with the height of the ladder.

Tread

The different treads allow for safe use in slippery conditions and environments with debris build-up. All of our tread options are built with slip-resistance in mind. We carry the following tread options that you can choose from:

UnaGrip: serrated design for optimal grip in any environment

Expanded Metal: open design is ideal to prevent debris buildup

Perforated: excellent slip resistance in wet conditions

Vinyl: solid metal tread with non-slip vinyl

Material

Rolling ladders come in aluminum and steel construction options. Aluminum ladders are corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic, and lighter. Whereas, steel construction ladders are more heavy-duty and have a higher load rating. Steel ladders also have different powder-coated color options.

Safety

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to rolling ladders. All of our rolling ladders come with SafeLock technology, which automatically locks the ladder in place when the user steps on it. This feature helps prevent accidents caused by improperly locked casters. All of our inventory meets OSHA and ANSI standards.

Timeframe & Delivery

BMH offers unrivaled convenience when shopping for warehouse solutions. Check out our website to view our selection of warehouse equipment. We pride ourselves in getting your order to you safely and on-time.

Selecting New versus Used

There are pros and cons to either option, and the best decision is guided by your needs and budget. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between a new or a used ladder:

Price

One of the main determining factors is price. Buyers are able to get deep discounts off of the sticker price when they purchase a used ladder. However, used ladders are often sold as is. As a buyer, make sure to do your due diligence and find out about all defects before purchasing a used ladder.

Condition

Make sure to ask questions about the age, use, and condition of the ladder before making a decision. Ensure that the lock mechanism on the steps is functioning correctly, as this is one of the most important features of a rolling ladder. Our team at BMH inspects our used inventory to ensure that you are receiving a high-quality product.

Warranty

Another difference between a used and a new ladder is the warranty coverage. All of our new inventory comes with a 1-year manufacturer's warranty. We are able to offer a 90-day caster and locking step warranty on our used inventory. Furthermore, the inventory for used rolling ladders is limited.

We are always getting new items added to our inventory. Contact us to get the most updated list of products. 

Safety tips for using rolling ladders in a warehouse

At BMH, your safety is our number one priority. All of our rolling ladders are manufactured in the United States and meet OSHA and ANSI standards. Here are a few tips for safely using rolling ladders in a warehouse:

• Always make sure that you have the correct size ladder for the storage height. Overreaching may cause falls.

• Inspect your ladder periodically and make sure that the casters are functioning properly before use. Store it in a safe and dry space after each use.

• Secure your rolling ladder into place before use. The ladder base should be placed as close to the storage wall as possible for increased stability. Never place additional platforms under the ladder or on the top step to increase height. Always ensure that the ladder is locked into place before climbing it.

• Keep three limbs on the ladder at all times; that includes two hands and a foot. Utilizing the handrails will prevent falls and injuries.

• The person using the rolling ladder should wear non-slip footwear, and clothing that will not get caught in the ladder.

• When using the ladder, ensure that your weight is centered. Do not try to reach areas that are not easily accessible. If you are not able to access a certain area, getting off the ladder and repositioning it is always the safest way to go.

Visit our website for more warehouse safety information.

BMH has been a leader in new, used, and refurbished warehouse equipment for over 50 years. Give us a call or visit our website for all of your warehouse equipment needs!