DIN EN 131

Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders satisfy all the requirements of the latest versions of DIN EN 131-1, 131-2 and 131-3. The European standards DIN EN 131-1, DIN EN 131-2 and DIN EN 131-3, which govern the construction, types, tests, identification and instructions of use, have undergone a comprehensive revision.

The classification of ladders into two groups is fundamentally new:

"Beruflicher Gebrauch" or "Professional" denotes ladders that are designed for use in workplaces
"Nicht beruflicher Gebrauch" or "Non-professional" applies to ladders that may only be used for non-business-related purposes

The classification of "Beruflicher Gebrauch" or "Professional" imposes stricter requirements in terms of stability and service life. All DIN EN 131-compliant ladders in our portfolio are tested and and labelled according to the "Beruflicher Gebrauch" or "Professional" ladder classes.

Compliant with the law

Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders represent the current state of the art and satisfy the requirements of the German Health & Safety Act and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health. They comply with the "Beruflicher Gebrauch" or "Professional" class of ladders.

Safety at work

The stricter new tests confirm the following: The declared stability and non-slip properties of Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders ensure even better avoidance and reduction of work accidents.

Safety in Europe

The new editions of DIN EN 131-1, DIN EN 131-2 and DIN EN 131-3 apply across the whole of Europe. In other words, no matter which country you are working in within Europe, you can always use Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders.

Safe and long-term investment

By purchasing our products, you are always on the safe side, as they meet all current standards.

Published in February 2016
Transitional period until 31.12.2017 (extended by the European standards organisation CEN – originally 31.10.2016)
Reason for the extension – delayed change to EN 131-2 – both parts of the standard are to be implemented as a package.
Principal change – straight ladders with an overall length longer than 3.0 metres must have a larger standing width. Implementation, for example through stabiliser bar or conical design.
With sliding and multi-purpose ladders, the push-up extension ladder parts can no longer be separated if they are longer than 3.0 metres and are designed without stabiliser bars.
All relevant Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders are offered with the "Steigtechnik Guidebook" in compliance with the standard.
Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders that are already in use can be easily and inexpensively brought up to the standardised level of safety with our retrofit kits.
As previously, the relevant products can also be purchased without stabiliser bars from 01.01.2018, provided they are only used in accordance with their designated correct use, i.e. if the top end of the ladder is secured with a hook or lashing strap, for example, or if the ladder is part of a fixed installation.

The standard in brief

Published in April 2017
Definition of new tests for ladders:
- Stability test for ladders in position of use
- Torsional test for double-sided ladders
- Durability test for step ladders
- Slip resistance for straight ladders test
- Twisting test for straight ladders
- Stability test for stabilising devices (supports)
Introduction of ladder classes
"Beruflicher Gebrauch" (German) or
"Professional" (English) and
"Nicht beruflicher Gebrauch" (German) or
"Non-Professional" (English).
All relevant Günzburger Steigtechnik ladders
have been tested according to the requirements for
"Beruflicher Gebrauch" / "Professional" use.

The standard in brief

Amended standard with European agreement accepted in September 2017
Published at the start of 2018
Compared to the standard issue dated 2007, the following amendments were made
- Fundamental revision with a now clear distinction between the definitions for safety labels
  (symbols) on ladders and in instructions for use.
- Definition of general safety symbols according to ISO 3864-2 and additional safety information symbols
- Addition of requirements for multi-purpose ladders, push-up extension ladders, hinged ladders, telescopic ladders and mobile platform ladders.
- The manufacturer must provide instructions for use with each ladder.
- The previous ruling, "User information can also be provided on the manufacturer's website", was removed.
- The instructions for use must provide binding information regarding the ladder components to be tested, as well as information on maintenance and storage.

Technically and editorially revised standard
Published in June 2020
The standard applies in conjunction with EN 131-1, EN 131-2 and EN 131-3 and specifies requirements, inspection and marking of multi-purpose ladders with one or more articulated joints
The standard does not apply to articulated joints of multi-purpose ladders and double-sided ladders according to DIN EN 131-1
Introduction of modified or new manufacturer's tests to introduce the ladder classes "professional" and "non-professional" use
Adaptation to the current EN 131-1, i.e. for ladder lengths > 3.0 m, straight ladders must have a larger lower ladder width
New requirement: if multiple hinge-joint ladders can be used in a platform position, the platform element must be supplied with the product to conform to the standard
The changes due to the new DIN EN 131-4 have been taken into account for the respective products in our range

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Standards at a glance