Introduction (Target Audience, Challenges, Key Points)
Lifting equipment is indispensable in a variety of fields, including construction, manufacturing, logistics, and equipment maintenance. EN131 is the international standard that specifies the safety requirements for this equipment. Since its revision in 2017, it has been divided into Professional (for business use) and Non-professional (for home use) categories based on application, with a clear difference in maximum total load: 150 kg for the former and 125 kg for the latter. The stability tests and rung strength are also more stringent for the professional specifications, making them suitable for frequent use and heavy-duty work. On the other hand, selecting the wrong standard increases the risk of accidents due to overloading or tipping. This article explains the specification differences in EN131, compares them with domestic Japanese standards, summarizes the key points of the 150 kg total load and stability tests, and provides guidance on how to make the appropriate selection for your worksite.
Challenges and Background
Market Data
The global market for stepladders and ladders continues to grow steadily. In the Southeast Asian region, in particular, demand is expanding due to increased construction needs and the growing number of logistics hubs. In Vietnam, the market has also expanded in recent years, leading to a heightened interest in safety standards. According to international market research, the ladder market in Vietnam grew at an average annual rate of about 5% from 2020 to 2024 (Reference: Statista). Meanwhile, statistics from the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) show that falls from heights are one of the leading causes of fatal industrial accidents, with a certain percentage of these involving the use of stepladders and ladders. In terms of market penetration by standard, EN131-compliant products are on the rise in urban areas, but products based on JIS or Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) notifications, as well as non-standardized products, are still in circulation in rural areas and at small to medium-sized worksites.
Risk Presentation
One common cause of accidents seen at worksites is rung damage or structural deformation leading to falls, caused by exceeding the load capacity. This is especially true in cases where non-professional specifications are used for heavy-duty work, leading to failure when the design load is exceeded. Furthermore, with products that do not meet stability test standards, there is a higher risk of workers losing their balance, as these products are less resistant to tilting and lateral sway. Using non-standard or non-compliant products on sites requiring public works contracts or legal compliance carries the risk of being held in breach of contract or violation of safety management obligations. To ensure both safety and compliance, the proper selection of standards is essential.
Products and Services
Features
The EN131 Professional specification has a maximum total load of 150 kg, ensuring a high level of safety that accounts for the worker’s weight plus tools and materials. The stability test conditions are also stricter, providing high resistance to lateral sway and slipping, and high standards for the distributed load and torsional rigidity of the rungs. The Non-professional specification has a maximum total load of 125 kg and is intended for light work and short-term use, but it is not suitable for frequent heavy-duty work. In terms of domestic Japanese standards, different strength criteria exist for various applications; for example, evacuation ladders under FDMA notifications specify a maximum of 13.0 kN for a 10m length (Reference: FDMA Notification Standards), while port facility standards require a load capacity of 1 kN per meter. *Note: The comparison in this article is based primarily on EN131, but applicable standards in Japan vary depending on the use case.
Case Study (Before → Action → After)
Before: In a logistics warehouse, a non-professional stepladder was used for transporting heavy items, resulting in deformation and breakage of the rungs. Work was temporarily suspended, costing time and money to resolve. Action: The company switched to EN131 Professional specification ladders, further adopting Hasegawa’s proprietary reinforced load-bearing design. Safety training was also provided to on-site personnel. After: Work efficiency improved by approximately 15%, and zero accidents have been maintained since. The rollout to other company sites is also in progress.
Hasegawa’s Reliability
Quality Management and Certification
Hasegawa has obtained ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification, demonstrating a commitment to both quality management and environmental consideration. For EN131 certified products, strict standards are applied from manufacturing to inspection. Prior to shipment, all units or a sample batch undergo load and stability tests to confirm compliance with the standard (Reference: EN131 Standard Overview – European Committee for Standardization).
Customization and Support System
We also handle custom-made products, such as FRP ladders and special-order stepladders, tailored to specific site conditions and work requirements. Within Vietnam, we provide prompt delivery through our own distribution network and also offer on-site installation guidance and safety training.
Conclusion (Key Points / CTA / Related Links)
The EN131 Professional specification is optimal for worksites that require frequent use, heavy-duty work, or compliance with safety standards, such as public works projects. The Non-professional specification is suitable for light work and home use, and it is important to differentiate usage based on the application. When making a selection, be conscious of both regulatory compliance and on-site needs, and always check the standard values and test conditions. For detailed product specifications and catalogs, please visit our official website or contact a sales representative.
Data Box
Reference: EN131 Standard Explanation (European Committee for Standardization)