EN 131 explained: what the ladder safety standard really means
The ReachMaster Team
What EN 131 is
EN 131 is the harmonised European standard that sets the safety and performance requirements for portable ladders. A ladder that carries the mark has been tested for strength, stability, slip resistance and durability. It is the baseline you should expect from any ladder used for work, and it is referenced by UK health and safety guidance for working at height.
EN 131 Professional vs Non-Professional
Since 2018 the standard separates ladders into two classes. EN 131 Professional ladders are built and tested for frequent trade use; Non-Professional ladders are intended for occasional domestic use. Every ReachMaster telescopic ladder meets the professional requirements and is rated to a 150 kg maximum load.
What the tests cover
- Strength: the ladder must withstand repeated loading without permanent deformation.
- Slip resistance: feet and rungs are tested so they grip rather than slide.
- Durability: the locking mechanism is cycled thousands of times to confirm it keeps holding.
Why it matters for you
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers and self-employed tradespeople must use suitable, well-maintained equipment. Choosing an EN 131 Professional ladder is a straightforward way to show your kit is fit for the job — and to keep yourself safe.
Beyond the standard: safe use
Certification only protects you if the ladder is used correctly. Keep three points of contact, do not overreach, set the ladder on firm level ground, and never stand on the top two rungs. See our pre-use safety checklist before every job.