Official update on the changes to ladder standard,


EN 131 Product standards for portable ladders are changing, which will further improve safety for users. EN 131, the single


product standard covering all types of portable ladders, has been substantially revised, and the old standards BS 2037 and BS 1129 - often referred to as Class 1 and Class 3 ladders - are being withdrawn and made obsolete at the end of 2017. The changes can be summarised as: EN 131 Part 1 2015 – new dimensional requirements for leaning ladders


increasing built-in stability EN 131 Part 2 2017 – new tests, including strength test in position of use, base


slip test, durability test and torsion test for standing ladders Considering these changes, what do you, as a supplier, a hirer, our user, need


to do? Simply put, if your existing ladders that conform to the old standards are still in good condition, there is no immediate requirement to change your existing ladders. When you need to replace your existing ladders because they are damaged or


unfit for further use, or if you need new ladders, then buy ladders certified as compliant with the latest EN 131 standard. Visit our site www.ladderassociation.org.uk and follow us on social media for further guidance, which will be released shortly.


Safety & Security


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telephone 01444 450071


ERA Has Security Sussed With Top Detective,


Jacqui Hames Home security expert ERA has partnered with former Crimewatch presenter and law enforcement expert Jacqui Hames in a bid to promote safer living and security standards amongst homeowners nationwide. Jacqui, who has worked professionally as a detective within the Metropolitan


Police, is renowned for the expert advice and guidance she delivered during her 16 Years as a presenter of the popular TV programme Crimewatch. The new partnership with ERA will see Jacqui continue to encourage fans to remain vigilant when it comes to home security, via a series of monthly blogs. Focusing on a different topic each month, Jacqui’s advice blogs will be available to view on ERA’s consumer-facing website, and will be shared via the company’s social media platforms. Commenting on the new partnership, Marketing Manager Tania Tams said, “As


a company, we are passionate about promoting best practice when it comes to home security, which is why it is so fantastic to have Jacqui on board. With her help, we will continue to provide consumers with quality, practical advice, as well as leading home security products.” Jacqui added, “I am very much looking forward to working with ERA; It is great


to see a company who are so committed to providing more than just good products. Home security is often something we only think about after an incident has occurred, so I am hopeful that my advice blog will remind us all to take that little bit more care when it comes to keeping our homes safe.” www.eraeverywhere.com


ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 19


Low-level work platforms:


From PAS to British Standard BS 8620:2016, a new product standard for low-level work platforms (LLWPs) - commonly referred to as pulpits and podiums - has replaced the PASMA sponsored PAS (Publicly Available Specification) 250:2012. Prior to PAS 250, designs for LLWPs had been developed in the absence of a


formal specification, and whilst the majority provided a safe solution to low-level access, there were some aspects that could be improved by relevant and specific design criteria which PAS 250 first introduced in 2012. With PAS 250 now converted to BS 8620 by the British Standards Institution


(BSI), safety and performance criteria have been further enhanced with a dimensional change to side protection and modifications to specific tests. The association is quick to point out that the conversion of PAS 250 to a full


British standard does not mean that existing PAS 250 compliant LLWPs are now obsolete. “Far from it,” says the chairman of PASMA’s technical committee, John Darby. “You can continue to employ PAS 250 type-approved podiums and there is no necessity to change product immediately. You can introduce the upgrade when the time comes for replacement.” “BS 8620 compliant product became available from April 2017 and we


encourage users to update their procurement policies accordingly to guarantee that they are purchasing equipment that meets the very latest criteria for strength, access, stability and rigidity.” To assist purchasers and users over this transitional period, PASMA has


introduced an informative fact sheet and FAQ section on its website: www.pasma.co.uk/bs8620.


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