EN 131 Stairs

The “EN 131 Stairs” standard, which is a European standard, consists of the following sections published under the same title:

• The standard "EN 131-1 Part 1: Terms, Types, Functional Dimensions" defines terms and describes the general design features of ladders. This standard applies to portable ladders designed for general professional and non-professional use. This standard does not apply to portable ladders that, by their design and instructions, are designed and limited to a specific professional use only and, consequently, are not intended for general professional or non-professional use.

For multi-hinged ladders, the EN 131-4 standard applies, for telescopic ladders, the EN 131-6 standard applies, and for mobile ladders with platforms, the EN 131-7 standard applies.

This standard does not apply to step ladders for which the EN 14183 standard applies.

EN 61478 standard is valid for ladders that will be used near high voltage installations, and EN 50528 standard is valid for ladders that will be used near low voltage electrical installations.

In short, EN 131-1 is part of the EN 131 series, which covers professional and non-professional portable ladders. This standard applies to portable ladders for general use, including step ladders, inclined ladders, and telescopic ladders.

This standard defines terms such as ladder types (e.g., single, extension, combination) and components (e.g., treads, stiles), as well as minimum requirements for ladder dimensions such as step spacing, ladder width, and base dimensions for stability. This standard ensures that ladders are designed to minimize risks, while also meeting the requirements for durability, stability, and user safety.

• EN 131-2 Part 2: Requirements, testing, marking" describes the general design characteristics, requirements, and test methods for portable ladders. This standard does not apply to certain professional-use step ladders or ladders, such as firefighting ladders, roof ladders, and mobile ladders. It also does not apply to ladders used for work on or near live electrical systems or installations. For this purpose, EN 61478 applies.

EN 50528 standard applies to insulating ladders used in or near low voltage electrical installations.

The EN 131-2 standard is designed for use in conjunction with the EN 131-1 standard. The EN 131-4 standard applies to single or multiple hinged ladders, the EN 131-6 standard applies to telescopic ladders, and the EN 131-7 standard applies to mobile ladders with platforms.

In short, the EN 131-2 standard outlines methods and criteria for assessing the strength, durability, and safety of ladders to ensure they meet safety and performance standards for both professional and non-professional use. It includes standardized procedures for assessing ladder performance. The main test methods are:

• Durability tests: Evaluation of the load-bearing capacity of steps, stiles and other components.
• Durability tests: Checking resistance to repeated use or cyclic loading.
• Stability tests: Ensuring that ladders remain stable under specified conditions, such as uneven surfaces or lateral forces.
• Slip resistance: Testing the non-slip properties of ladder feet and steps.

This standard defines pass/fail thresholds for tests to ensure that ladders can safely support a specified maximum load (typically 150 kg). These criteria apply to various ladder types (e.g., inclined ladders, step ladders, and extension ladders). This standard ensures that ladders meet safety requirements for user protection, reducing risks such as collapse or tipping.

• The standard “EN 131-3 Part 3: Marking and user instructions” provides recommendations for the safe use of ladders that fall within the scope of the EN 131-1 standard and meet the requirements of EN 131-1, EN 131-2 and EN 131-4 for single or multiple hinged ladders, EN 131-6 for telescopic ladders and EN 131-7 for mobile platform ladders.

This standard focuses on marking and user instructions for ladders covered by EN 131-1 (design and dimensions) and EN 131-2 (testing requirements). It ensures that ladders are provided with clear, comprehensive, and standardized information to promote safe use for both professional and amateur users.

Marking requirements include information that must be permanently marked on the staircase. These include:

• Manufacturer's name or trademark
• Type of staircase (e.g. inclined, step or extension staircase)
• Maximum total load (typically 150 kg for EN 131 ladders)
• Year of production or batch code
• Description of professional or non-professional use (if applicable)
• Other relevant safety symbols or warnings (e.g. maximum number of users, correct stair angle)

In short, the EN 131-3 standard complements the EN 131-1 and EN 131-2 standards by ensuring that users are well informed about safe ladder use and reduces the risk of accidents resulting from incorrect use or installation.

• EN 131-4 Part 4: Single or multiple hinged ladders describes the requirements, testing, and marking of hinged combination ladders with one or more hinged connections. This standard does not apply to the hinged connections of combination and freestanding ladders defined in EN 131-1. This standard is intended for use in conjunction with EN 131-1, EN 131-2, and EN 131-3.

This standard specifically addresses hinged combination ladders with three or four articulated sections. These ladders can be used in a variety of configurations, such as inclined ladders, step ladders, or work platforms. This standard outlines the design, safety, and performance requirements to ensure that these versatile ladders are safe for both professional and non-professional use.

This standard applies to hinged combination ladders with three or four articulated sections, which can be configured into various modes (e.g. straight ladder, step ladder or platform).

The design requirements are:

• Hinges: Must be sturdy, lock securely in any configuration, and withstand repeated use without failure.
• Stability: Includes requirements for stabilizing devices (e.g., base bars or stabilizers) to prevent tipping in different configurations.
• Dimensions: Indicates functional dimensions such as step spacing, stair width, and platform size (if applicable) to ensure safe use.

Accessories can significantly improve the safe use and handling of ladders. They can also enable ladders to be used under special conditions.

• The standard "EN 131-6 Part 6: Telescopic Ladders" describes the general design features, requirements, and test methods for inclined and upright telescopic ladders, and defines the terms. Ladders with extension elements are outside the scope of this standard. This standard is designed for use in conjunction with EN 131-1, EN 131-2, EN 131-3, and, where applicable, EN 131-4.

These are extendable and retractable ladders that offer adjustable length and compact storage. This standard specifies design, safety, and performance requirements to ensure that telescopic ladders are safe for both professional and non-professional use.

This standard applies to portable telescopic ladders with extension and retraction mechanisms for sections, including those used as inclined ladders or other configurations.

The design requirements are:

• Telescopic mechanism: It must be robust, with safe locking devices to prevent unwanted collapse during use.
• Dimensions: Specifies functional dimensions such as tread spacing, stair width, and minimum overlap between sections when extended to ensure stability and safety.
• Stability: Requires stabilizing devices (e.g., base bars or non-slip feet) to prevent tipping or sliding.

In short, the EN 131-6 standard was developed to address the unique safety challenges of telescopic ladders, which differ from standard or hinged ladders due to their adjustable structure and reliance on locking mechanisms.

• The standard "EN 131-7 Part 7: Mobile ladders with platforms" defines the terms and describes the general design features of mobile ladders with platforms. This standard applies to mobile ladders with work platforms that can be used by only one person at a time, with a maximum area of ​​1 m2 and a maximum platform height of 5 m. The maximum load, including the maximum combined load of the user and all tools, equipment, and materials, is 150 kg.

Portable ladders according to EN 131-1, portable ladders according to EN 131-4, portable ladders for firefighting purposes according to EN 1147, attic ladders according to EN 14975, step stools according to EN 14183, ladders, step ladders and railings according to EN ISO 14122-3 and insulating ladders according to EN 50528 are outside the scope of this standard.

Ladders covered by this standard are ladders designed for professional or non-professional use, typically incorporating a work platform, used for tasks requiring a stable standing surface at height. EN 131-7 outlines the design, safety, and performance requirements to ensure the safety and reliability of these ladders.

This standard applies to tasks that typically require prolonged exposure to height, including portable ladders with platforms, mobile ladders used as stepladders or in similar configurations (e.g. on wheels for mobility).

The design requirements are:

• Platform: Must be stable, non-slip and large enough to provide a safe working area (specific dimensions are defined in the standard).
• Mobility: If equipped with wheels, they should include locking mechanisms to ensure stability during use.
• Protective guardrails/railings: Requires protective features (e.g. guardrails or handrails) around the platform to prevent falls.
• Access: Indicates safe means of access to the platform, for example, steps or risers with consistent spacing and non-slip properties.
• Stability: Includes requirements for stabilizing devices (e.g., floor stabilizers or outriggers) to prevent tipping or movement.

This standard is designed to be used in conjunction with EN 131-1, EN 131-2 and EN 131-3 standards.

This standard does not cover mobile access and work towers that:

• Products specified in the EN 1004 standard
• Products consisting of two separate stairs

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a skilled team and extensive infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "EN 131 Staircases" standard.