As a supporter of No Falls Week, we are proud to highlight our range of BS certified steps, to promote safe Working at Height practices.
This initiative aims to enhance safety protocols for working at heights, acknowledging that falls from elevation remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, contributing to 30% of all workplace deaths.
At Redhill, we are passionate about manufacturing quality products, to the highest standards of excellence. Our British Standard Kitemarked Steps are no exception.
If you’re wondering what exactly the British Standard Kitemark is, you’re in the right place. It is a mark of quality, safety, and trust, that assures customers that a product has undergone rigorous testing and meets the strict criteria set by the British Standards Institution (BSI).
What is BS EN 131-7:2013?
The European Standard defines the general design characteristics of mobile ladders with platform.
• Mobile ladders with a working platform, maximum of 1m2
• Maximum platform height of 5000mm
• For single person use
• Maximum load of 150kg – a combined load of the user and any tools
BS EN 131-7:2013 is the only standard that applies to mobile ladders with platform. Parts 1-6 do not apply to mobile ladders although testing, user instructions and marking refers.
Why does your customer need a Kitemarked step?
A leading cause of injury, death and absence within the workplace, employers should take significant care to mitigate the risk and dangers for employees working at height.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, falls from height are the third highest cause of fatal accidents in the workplace. It is estimated that more than 200 absences of 3 or more days are caused by fall from height injuries each year.
The kitemark stipulates the minimum handrail and toe guard height, to prevent falls from the platform. The tread depth, height and spacing is a key element of the Kitemark, to ensure the step is safe to ascend and descend. Full detail about the requirements can be found here.
Redhill manufactures a range of tread types, suitable for different applications. Punched treads, for example, work well in environments where surfaces are wet or oily. Anti-Slip treads offer a great all-round tread type for a variety of industries.
Reduce absence and injury in the workplace by keeping employees safe when working at height, choose the right step and tread type for your environment.
How do I know if my step is Kitemarked?
Firstly, the step should be advertised with the full accreditation “BS EN 131-7”. Some manufacturers will advertise their step as ‘designed to conform’ when they do not hold the accreditation. These steps have not been through the rigorous testing and certification process as Kitemarked steps.
One requirement of the Kitemark is to mark the steps as BS certified – the steps must be supplied with user and safety instructions, which will show the BSI ‘Mark of Trust’ shown below
BSI – Mark of Trust logo
If you are ever unsure, ask the supplier or manufacturer to provide a copy of their Kitemark Certificate and ensure it is valid. If the certificate is for BS EN 131-7, and is valid, you can rest assured the supplier is authorised to supply Kitemarked steps.
BSI Kitemark VS. UKCA/CE markings – are they the same?
No, they are not the same and the CE Mark cannot replace the BSI Kitemark for mobile steps. CE Marking indicates compliance with EU regulations, and mobile steps do not require CE Marking. The British Standard Kitemark specifically addresses the safety of design and use of mobile steps with a platform.
Where can I buy a step with this Kitemark?
Redhill Manufacturing Ltd are the only manufacturer in the United Kingdom to achieve British Standard Kitemark certification on their Warehouse Steps. Since 2014, following stringent testing and development, Redhill have taken their range of BS Steps to market, improving the availability of safe working-at-height solutions for all.
To find out how to order our BS Range of mobile steps, please call +44 (0)1527 529002 or email sales@redhill.co.uk
To conclude, BS EN 131-7:2013 is a crucial standard for ensuring the safety and reliability of mobile ladders with platforms. With falls from height being a significant cause of injury or even death in the workplace, the British Standard Kitemark will help you mitigate risks when working at height. Additional information about best practices and training can be found via the Ladder Association.
Prioritise safety by choosing British Standard Kitemarked steps.
