Author: Jouth Zhao, Senior Engineer, Dengtai Staircase Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Slip resistance on ladder rungs and platforms is a safety requirement under all major standards, but the specific requirements vary. This article explains the slip resistance standards for OSHA, EN, AS, and BS compliance, and what surface treatments are available for different environments.
Standards Requirements Summary
| Standard | Rung Requirement | Platform Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA 1910.23 | Rungs must be “slip-resistant” (no quantitative test specified) | Walking surfaces must be slip-resistant |
| EN ISO 14122-4 | Rungs must have slip-resistant surface; testing per EN 14122-4 Annex A | Platform surfaces per EN 14122-2 |
| AS 1657 | Rungs must be slip-resistant; serrated or profiled surface | Platform surfaces must have slip-resistant finish |
| BS 4211 | Rungs must provide adequate grip under expected conditions | Platform surface slip resistance specified |
Anti-Slip Treatment Options
| Treatment | Best For | Not For | Cost Adder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard round bar (as-supplied) | Indoor, dry environments | Outdoor, wet, oily | No adder |
| Serrated rung (machined grooves) | General outdoor; wet conditions | Food processing (cleaning difficulty) | +15-20% |
| Grit-coated rung (epoxy + aluminum oxide grit) | Maximum grip; oily platforms | HDG ladders (applied after galvanizing) | +10-15% |
| Chequer plate (platform) | General industrial platforms | Cleanroom (particle trap) | Standard |
| Open grating (platform) | Outdoor; self-draining; maximum slip resistance | Areas below (debris fall-through) | +5-10% |
| Perforated plate (platform) | Food/pharma; drainage + smoothness | Heavy debris environments | +15-20% |
Related Resources
- Difference Between Ladder Rung and Step
- Specifications & Technical Data
- Fixed Ladder Selection Guide
FAQ
Q: Are serrated rungs required by OSHA?
No. OSHA requires rungs to be “slip-resistant” but does not specify a particular treatment. Serrated, grit-coated, or profiled surfaces all satisfy this requirement. Smooth round bar may satisfy it in dry indoor environments.
Q: Does anti-slip treatment wear off over time?
Grit-coated surfaces can wear with heavy use (thousands of climbs per year). Serrated surfaces are permanent — the profile is machined into the metal. For high-traffic ladders, serrated rungs are preferred.
Q: What is the best anti-slip for oily environments?
Grit-coated rungs with epoxy binder are most effective in oil-exposed environments. The aluminum oxide grit maintains grip even when coated with oil film. Standard metal surfaces (even serrated) become slippery when oil-coated.
</script>