Werner 7160618 Fibreglass Step Ladder (6 Tread)

In-Depth Look

For electricians and anyone working near electrical installations, a fibreglass step ladder is worth considering. Aluminium conducts electricity; fibreglass stiles do not when clean and dry. This reduces risk but does not make live working safe.

EN 131 Professional Certification

The Werner 7160618 is certified to EN 131 Professional, the higher of the two EN 131 classifications. EN 131 Professional is intended for regular trade use.

Fibreglass Stiles, Aluminium Treads

The stiles are fibreglass, which does not conduct electricity when clean and dry. The treads are aluminium with slip-resistant surfaces, giving the durability and grip required for daily professional use. At 8.9kg, the ladder is heavier than an equivalent aluminium model, which is a practical trade-off for operatives carrying ladders regularly.

Inspection and Maintenance

Fibreglass stiles must be kept clean and inspected regularly for surface damage, cracks, or contamination. Compromised fibreglass does not provide reliable insulation performance. Any ladder with damaged stiles should be taken out of service immediately.

Verdict

A fibreglass step ladder for people working near electrical installations. The EN 131 Professional certification and 150kg load rating suit regular trade use.

How It Compares

The Werner 7160618 is a six-tread step ladder with fibreglass stiles (the long side rails) and aluminium treads. The product information lists a platform height of 1.39m, a 150kg load rating, a weight of 8.9kg and EN 131 Professional certification. EN 131 is the European standard for ladders, and the Professional classification is for regular trade use.

Aluminium step ladders from makers such as Youngman and Zarges are generally lighter to carry, and fibreglass ranges from Lyte and Abru sit alongside this one. Ranges and weights change, so compare current data sheets. The product information accepts that this ladder is heavier than aluminium, which is the usual trade-off with fibreglass.

Fibreglass stiles reduce risk near electrics, but they do not make live working safe. Dirt, damp, damage or contamination on the surface can reduce the insulation, so a ladder is only a part of safe working. Do not use it as a reason to work on or near live conductors, and follow site safe systems of work.

A platform step ladder has a top platform and often a guard rail, which can be more comfortable if you spend a lot of time at one height. A standard step ladder is quicker to move around. Choose by the task. HSE guidance says ladders suit short, low-risk tasks, and that other equipment is better for longer or riskier work at height.

Check the platform height against the work, remembering that you should not stand on the top step. If the work is above comfortable reach from the ladder, choose a taller one or a different method.

Common Questions

Is a fibreglass ladder really safe near live electrics? It is safer than aluminium, because fibreglass does not conduct electricity when clean and dry. But it does not make live work safe. Damp, dirt or damage can change that. Avoid working near live conductors where you can, isolate the supply first, and follow your risk assessment and current electrical safety guidance.

What does EN 131 Professional mean? EN 131 is the European standard covering the design, strength and testing of ladders. The Professional classification is intended for regular trade use. Look for the marking on the ladder and in the manufacturer’s information. Check the maximum load, which includes you and anything you carry.

How do I set up a step ladder safely? Place it on firm, level ground, with the spreaders fully locked and all feet in contact. Face the steps and keep three points of contact on the ladder. Keep your belt buckle inside the stiles and do not overreach. Do not use the top step unless the manufacturer says it is designed for that. Read the label on the ladder.

How should I inspect and store a ladder, and when should I retire it? Check before each use for cracks, bent or loose parts, worn feet, damaged treads and dirt on the stiles. Keep it clean and dry and store it flat or supported, out of strong sun. Take any damaged ladder out of use and ask the manufacturer or a competent person whether it can be repaired.