Anchor Safe is Australia’s leading provider of aluminium cage ladder access systems, offering comprehensive system design, ladder installation, and height safety certification services. Anchor Safe cage ladders are highly cost-effective, maintenance-free and available across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Albury, and their surrounding regions.
Every Anchor Safe Access System is designed to suit the specific needs of your site by our experienced and highly trained height safety specialists. Our expert team of accredited installers will install and certify your system to ensure you meet all relevant Australian height safety standards. We’re confident in the quality of our work, so all our height safety systems come backed by our 10-year product & installation warranty
For more information on cage ladders or to organise a free quote, contact our friendly team
Australian Designed and Built Aluminum Caged Access Ladders
Anchor Safe are accredited installers of SAYFA height access systems and we use their Katt2 ladder systems for all our cage ladder installations. Katt2 offers seamless integration with ladder cages, landing platforms, roof walkways and guardrails for enhanced safety compliance. These systems are highly adaptable to suit almost any application which ensures our design team can customise the system to suit the unique safety and access needs of any building.
Katt2 ladder systems are modular, lightweight, high-strength and maintenance-free. Designed and manufactured in Australia to Australian Standard AS/NZS 1657:2018, KATT2 Ladders come backed by our 10-year product and installation warranty. By choosing the Katt2 system we ensure our customers can have confidence in the quality, safety, and compliance of our cage ladder systems. View Brochure here
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Types of Cage Ladders Available.
Angled Cage Ladders
Angled cage ladders are suitable for primary access to ceilings & main roof areas between 3.5 and 6.0 meters in height. Warehouses & industrial buildings will often use these systems to enhance the efficiency of access for contractors and maintenance personnel.
The angle of the ladder provides an easier to use & lower-risk access solution compared with vertical cage ladder variants, while providing additional protection and stability for the user through the cage enclosure. This combination ensures enhanced safety and ease of use, particularly when carrying equipment or gear.
Suspended Angled Cage Ladders
Suspended angled cage ladders are suitable as a primary access solution for heights of 3.5 meters or more with a change of direction platform required above 6.0 meters. Suspended ladders are particularly suitable for high-security areas such as large shopping centers where preventing unauthorised access is an important consideration.
Suspended angled cage ladders are typically mounted to an overhead structure, such as a wall, ceiling or roof. The angled design of the ladder provides an easier to use & lower risk access solution compared with vertical cage ladder variants, while providing additional protection and stability for the user through the cage enclosure.
Vertical Ladders
Vertical ladders can bridge up to 6 meters in height before a rest or change of direction platform is required. Anchor Safe will recommend platforms at less than 6-meter intervals depending on the specific risk assessment of the application.
The vertical caged ladder is an ideal choice for cramped spaces where an angled caged ladder may not be appropriate. In addition, it helps maintain a clean and orderly appearance of the building exterior, minimising visual disruptions. Vertical Ladders also require additional fall arrest systems such as a vertical static line to minimize injury if a fall occurs.
Suspended Vertical Cage ladders
Suspended Vertical Cage ladders allow workers to access elevated areas that may not be reachable by traditional floor-mounted ladders. They are especially useful in situations where there are space constraints or obstacles on the ground. The cage enclosure on suspended vertical cage ladders surrounds the ladder rungs, providing an added level of safety, and acting as a physical barrier to prevent falls and enhance stability while climbing or descending.
Cage Ladder with Platform
A cage ladder with a platform is a specialised type of ladder that incorporates a platform or landing area along with a surrounding cage enclosure. These systems are typically used for access solutions over 6.0 meters in height or where a work platform is required at a specific location
The platform on a cage ladder serves as a resting point which is required for heights over 6.0 meters in accordance with the Australian standards. Anchor Safe will recommend platforms at less than 6-meter intervals depending on the specific risk assessment of the application.
Installation and Certification Process
Our experienced team will ensure your cage ladder installation is smooth and hassle-free with minimal impact on the day-to-day operations of your building. Before installation, a thorough assessment of the site and the specific requirements for access is conducted by our dedicated auditing team. This audit will take into account how regularly the ladder(s) will be used, what plant & machinery is on the roof & any specific needs of the client to design a system that meets safety compliance and access needs.
The installation process of the caged ladders, whether it be a vertical, angled, or suspended is streamlined, simple & customisable to suit any site. Our installation teams are all trade-certified and experienced carpenters who have undergone rigorous height safety training, to ensure the highest levels of workmanship and safety.
As a preferred installer for the Katt Ladder systems our clients can rest easy knowing their responsibilities are met and their sites are safe & compliant according to the Australian Standards. Correct installation of caged ladder systems is crucial to ensure their safety and functionality. Anchor Safe provides experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about ladder installation and safety guidelines.
It’s important to note that specific regulations and standards may vary depending on the region, or industry. Regular maintenance and periodic inspections of the caged ladder are essential to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.
Alternatives to Cage Ladders
Vertical Ladder with Fall Arrest System
A vertical ladder with fall arrest is a specialised ladder designed for accessing elevated areas, combined with a fall arrest system. The fall arrest system typically includes a harness, lanyard, and a vertical static line providing an added layer of protection to prevent falls or limit their consequences if they occur.
Vertical ladders with fall arrest systems provide an active fall protection system, offering continuous protection to the user but this comes with the need for specialised safety gear and training. Cage ladders offer only passive protection through their cage enclosure but may ‘funnel’ the fall to the base of the ladder, causing serious injury.
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Roof Access Stairs
Roof Access Stairs are designed to provide safest and easiest possible access to rooftops, elevated platforms, or other elevated areas without the need to use a harnesses while also allowing the user to carry equipment on the roof easily and safely.
Roof access stairs carry the lowest safety risk of all access systems due to their continuous and gradual ascent and enhanced safety from guardrails. Access stairways are suitable for locations with frequent traffic or carrying heavy loads. The choice between roof access stairs and cage ladders depends on specific site needs, available space, and safety requirements of the workplace.
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Step-Type Ladders
Step-type ladders are generally used where less frequent access is required. A step-type ladder is generally easier to climb than a rung type caged ladder however operators will need to face the ladder when ascending or descending. This can pose a risk especially when descending the ladder as the angle can sometimes confuse the operator on which way to descend the ladder. A warning notice must be shown at the top of the ladder warning the user to face the ladder when descending.
Cage Ladder FAQ
Why do ladders have cages?
Caged ladders provide enhanced safety during vertical ascent and descent. Caged ladders provide passive fall protection via the physical barrier of the cage which can be necessary for regulatory compliance. They also offer additional points of contact and an increased sense of security and comfort for the user. A ladder with a cage also enables the ladder to be locked to prevent unauthorised access.
When does a ladder require a cage?
WAHA industry code states that where the height is greater than 3.5 meters vertical distance between landings, fall protection must be provided by one of the following means: a cage or fall arrest system.
Each Australian state will have specific requirements for when a cage is required on a ladder. It should be noted that some States do not accept cages as a form of fall protection. Speak to our expert team for advice on your specific situation.
What Australian standards apply to cage ladders?
The Australian standards that apply to cage ladders are AS 1657:2018 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders – Design, construction, and installation. This standard provides guidelines for the design, construction, and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders, including cage ladders, to ensure safety in industrial and commercial settings.
How often should cage ladders be inspected?
Inspection and certification are required every 12 months by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements of Australian Standards AS/NZS 1891 and AS/NZS 5532.
How high can a cage ladder be before a rest platform is required?
A caged ladder can extend up to 6m between platforms. Considerations for rest platforms less than 6m intervals should be considered in relation to risk and tasks being done.
Do I need specific training to use a cage ladder?
Yes, specific training is necessary to use a cage ladder safely. Proper training helps users understand ladder safety, climbing techniques, and how to navigate the cage enclosure correctly, ensuring safe and effective use of the ladder.
How do I choose the right cage ladder for my workplace?
To choose the right cage ladder for your workplace, consider factors such as the required height, weight capacity, material, compliance with safety standards, and the specific environment where the ladder will be used. Conduct a risk assessment and speak to Anchor Safe for expert advice to ensure the ladder meets your workplace’s safety requirements.
Summary
Anchor Safe’s cage ladders are designed to ensure the safety and efficiency of vertical access, offering a safe access solution for all those that work at heights. The installation and certification process ensures that our cage ladder systems meet all relevant Australian standards, providing peace of mind for businesses and workers alike. The Katt2 cage ladders are built with high-quality materials, and the cage enclosure offers an added layer of protection to prevent falls and enhance user safety.
Upgrade your site’s roof access before it’s too late. Reach out to us now for expert advice, tailored designs, and reliable installation services. Elevate your access experience with us!
