Newly published Italian standard UNI 11962:2024 provides technical guidelines redefining the design, production and installation requirements for permanent vertical ladders. The aim is to elevate safety, construction quality and ergonomic design standards by introducing clearcut parameters shared at national level.
A new phase is opening up for the construction and system engineering sectors, whereby attention shall be paid not solely to geometry and materials, but also to user safety during the use and maintenance of vertical staircases.
Standard UNI 11962:2024 defines an updated regulatory framework for fixed vertical ladders, with or without protective cages, mainly used for technical and maintenance works in residential, industrial and mixed-use premises. This standard fills a regulatory gap by providing detailed requirements for the geometric and structural characteristics of the ladders (such as rung dimensions, distance between rungs, material strength) and for safety conditions during use.
One of the most important aspects concerns protection against falls from a height, with specific requirements such as the presence of guardrails, handrails and non-slip edges, as well as, where applicable, protective cages. An innovative feature is the integration of safety systems dedicated to maintenance, in line with regulations already in force in the industrial and public sectors.
Moreover, the standard underscores the importance of proper installation and periodic and post-installation checks to ensure that safety conditions continue to be implemented over time. Besides designers and manufacturers, UNI 11962:2024 is also aimed at installers and maintenance technicians. It creates a common technical language and establishes mandatory minimum standards for the safety of permanent vertical ladders in different settings.
In this regulatory framework, where safety at height is recognised as an essential design element, CABLOC™ by 3M stands out as a certified vertical fall arrest system, the ideal solution for installation on vertical ladders or similar structures
Designed for use in industrial and civil buildings or technical systems, CABLOC™ offers:
CABLOC™ fully complies with UNI 11962 requirements, in particular with regard to anchoring systems and safety devices for access to and use of fixed vertical ladders. Thanks to 3M technology and experience in the field of safety at height, CABLOC™ constitutes a solid investment for those who want to combine protection, durability and regulatory compliance in every project.
For ladder manufacturers, installers and building contractors, standard UNI 11962 and the adoption of devices such as CABLOC™ open up new opportunities. By integrating certified solutions they can:
For architects, engineers and interior designers, UNI 11962 is a valuable ally in integrated design. When combined with highly effective vertical solutions, the guidelines set out in the standard make it possible to:
UNI 11962 is not just a technical standard: it is a new beginning to design and manufacture fixed vertical ladders in keeping with safety and quality criteria. In this connection, CABLOC™ by 3M stands out as the ideal system for satisfying the new requirements, offering professionals a dependable ally in the transition towards safer, more efficient and compliant construction practices.
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