The American Ladder Institute (ALI), the national trade association representing the North American ladder industry, just released the updated A14.3 standard to help reduce the personal injuries of fixed ladder users.

"The revised standard sets requirements for cages, wells and ladder safety systems used with fixed ladders. It also offers fixed ladder users the proper safety features to safeguard them during ladder use," said Jim Smith, A-14.3 Subcommittee Chairman.

The 2008 version of the A14.3 standard is endorsed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and features requirements for ladder security systems, changes to graspability in roof hatches, modifications of ladder safety systems, as well as guides for maintenance, use and graphics to assist users of fixed ladders.

American National Standards are intended to aid manufacturers, consumers and the general public. In addition to A14.3, there are six additional standards prepared under the supervision of American National Standards Committee ASC A14. They include:

? A14.1 - Wood Ladders
? A14.2 - Portable Metal Ladders
? A14.4 - Job Made Wooden Ladders
? A14.5 - Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders
? A14.7 - Mobile Ladder Stands and Mobile Ladder Stand Platforms
? A14.9 - Ceiling Mounted Disappearing Climbing Systems

All standards are available for purchase from ALI at www.americanladderinstitute.org.

ALI's ladder safety standards provide technical specifications and other precise criteria to be used as guidelines to ensure that materials, products, and processes are appropriate to their purpose. Standards ensure that safety is properly addressed and by using them consistently, ladder use becomes safer and accidents are prevented. Consumers and business owners can use the guidelines to ensure that ladders are used safely and injuries are prevented. In the case of an injury, attorneys can use the standards to determine if the correct ladder is being used.

ABOUT ALI
Founded in 1947, the American Ladder Institute (ALI) represents North American ladder manufacturers and is committed to the highest standards of ladder safety. The ALI mission is to educate the public as to the selection, care, and safe use of ladders and develop and disseminate the appropriate standards for design, construction, testing, care and use of ladders. For more information, please contact ALI at 312.673.5769 or online at www.americanladderinstitute.org.

Tue Nov 18 07:21:00 CST 2008