Title: Evaluation of a safety margin against slipping in a straight aluminium ladder

Authors: J.P. Pesonen, K.K. Hakkinen

Addresses: Institute of Occupational Health, Laajaniityntie 1, SF-01620 Vantaa, Finland. ' Institute of Occupational Health, Laajaniityntie 1, SF-01620 Vantaa, Finland

Abstract: A model for the analysis of a safety margin against slipping in an aluminium ladder is arrived at by experimental measurement of (i) the required friction by static and dynamic loading tests and (ii) the actual friction by sliding tests using various combinations of materials. Rubber pads prevented sliding considerably better than plastic pads or bare metallic ladder ends did. Suggested limiting values of friction for safety assessments and recommendations for the design of slide prevention systems are given.

Keywords: aluminium ladders; product safety; safety testing; safety standards; accident prevention; modelling; safety margins; slipping; friction; static loading tests; dynamic loading tests; sliding tests; rubber pads; slide prevention .

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.1988.036703

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 1988 Vol.3 No.2, pp.185 - 194

Published online: 06 Nov 2010 *

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