Special Purpose Ladders

Special purpose ladders modify or combine the features from general purpose ladders. These types of ladders are often used for specific tasks. It is important to carefully read the manufacturer's label and recommendations because these ladders often have unique specifications.

A few of the more common special purpose ladders are described in this course.

Trestle Ladder

A trestle ladder is a self-supporting, portable ladder that has two equal sections hinged at the top. The rails must have spreaders or locking devices to keep the ladder in place. Trestle ladders are beneficial because workers can climb on each side of the ladder at the same time.

Combination Ladder

A combination ladder is a portable ladder that is capable of being used as a stepladder or as a single or extension ladder. Some models are even capable of being used as a trestle ladder. Combination ladders provide a lot of flexibility for unique job tasks. They can be designed with steps or rungs. If steps are used, the ladder should be set up so that the steps are horizontal.

When a combination ladder is used in a stepladder configuration, the size can range from 4 feet to 10 feet, measured along the side rail. The maximum length in extension ladder configuration will be marked on the identification label. The label also provides illustrations of all approved configurations.

Extension Trestle Ladder

An extension trestle ladder is a self-supporting, portable ladder that is adjustable in length. It consists of a trestle ladder base, similar to a stepladder, and a vertically adjustable extension section with a means of locking the two ladder sections together. An extension trestle ladder base ranges up to 20 feet in length, measured along the side rail. The extension section length may not exceed the base section length, and it must overlap at least 3-6 feet into the base section, depending on the size of the ladder.

Extension trestle ladders are often used in pairs to support a scaffold plank.

Tripod Ladder

A tripod ladder is a portable, self-supporting ladder. Tripod ladders are similar to stepladders, but they have three legs instead of four. The three-legged design provides more stability on uneven surfaces where a stepladder could not be used. A common type of tripod ladder is an orchard ladder. These ladders are used in tree fruit harvesting.

Articulated Ladder

An articulated ladder is a portable ladder with one or more pairs of locking hinges. These hinges allow the ladder to be set up in several configurations, including a single ladder, extension ladder, stepladder, trestle ladder, scaffold, and more.

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