( Reaffirmed 1996 )

IS : 4435 - 1967

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
WOODEN LADDERS AND TRESTLES

Timber Stores Sectional Committee, BDC 33

Chairman Re@senting

DR A. N. NAYER Department of Defence Production ( DGI ) ( Ministry

of Defence )

Members

SHRI S. K, CHANDA The Industrial Wood Works (Private) Ltd,

Calcutta
SHRI S. N. DHIR Directorate General Ordnance Factories ( Ministry
of Defence ) , Calcutta
SHRI L. N. DOKANIA Plywood Manufacturers’ Association of India,
Calcutta
SHRI G. L. KEDIA ( Alternate)
SHRI HARID~S GORDHANDAS South Indian Plywood Manufacturers’ Association,
Calicut
SHRI V. J. NEDUNGADI( Alternate )
SHRI G. L. KEDIA Jay Shree Tea & Industries Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI R. G. SIKCHI ( Alternate )
DR S. KRISHNAS~AMY Railway Board ( Ministry of Railways )
SHRI J. S. MATHARU Directorate General of Technical Development
SHRI T. A. K. NAIR Tata Oil Mills Co Ltd, Bombay
OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, PRESERVA- Forest Research Institute & Colleges, Dehra Dun
TIONBRANCH
SHRI A. C. SEKHAR Forest Research Institute & Colleges, Dehra Dun
SHRI C. SESHACHALAM Curzon & Co, Madras
SHRI M. SWARUP Paharpur Timbers Private Ltd, Calcutta
SHRI R. NAGARAJAN, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-o&o Member )
Director ( Civ Engg )

Secretary
SHRI .J. VENKATARAMAN
Assistant Director ( Civ Engg ), IS1

INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 1
IS : 4435- 1967

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
WOODEN LADDERS AND TRESTLES

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 7 December 1967, after the draft finalized by the Timber Stores Sectional
Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.
0.2 A wooden ladder may consist either of a single unit intended for use
as such or it may consist of two or more sections to provide for sliding
extensions, or swing back members to make the ladder self-supporting and
having a working platform. A trestle may be foldable and may consist of
an arrangement of two frames hinged together, each fitted with cross bearers,
suitable for supporting a working platform. Wooden ladders and trestles
are largely used in building industry and also in libraries and shops to gain
access to shelving.
0.3 This standard lays down the necessary principles for the construction
of ladders and trestles in order to eliminate waste in cutting timber and also
to enable the production and supply of reasonably light and standardized
ladders particularly with reference to the material and the spacing of the
stiles and rungs.
0.4 In the formulation of this standard due weightage has been given to
international co-ordination among the standards and practices prevailing in
different countries in addition to relating it to the practices in the field in
this country.
0.5 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the linal value, observed or calculated, expressing
the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS : 2-1960”. The number of significant places retained in the rounded off
value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

1. SCOPE

1.1 This standard covers the requirements of wooden ladders and trestles
of the following types:
a) Single-section ladders ( standing ladders and step ladders ),
b) Extending ladders,

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( retised ).

2
 IS : 4435 - 1967

c) Steps ( swing back ), and

d) Folding trestles.

2. TERMINOLOGY

2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in IS : 707.1958*
and the following shall apply.

2.1 Single-Section Ladder-A ladder constructed as a single unit and

intended for use as such.
2.1.1 Standing Ladder - A single-section ladder constructed with rec-
tangular stiles and rectangular or cylindrical rungs.
2.1.2 Step Ladder - A single-section ladder with rectangular stiles and
flat treads which are horizontal when the ladder is in standing position.
2.2 Extending Ladder-A ladder consisting of two or more sections
( each similar to a standing ladder except for the inclusion of couplings )
constructed so as to vary the height by a relative sliding movement of the
sections.

2.3 Steps Swing Back - A step ladder, with a swing back to make the
ladder self-supporting and having a working platform forming the top tread.

2.4 Trestles - A foldable arrangement of two frames hinged together,

each fitted with cross bearers suitable for supporting a working platform.

2.5 Stiles - The side members to which the rungs, treads or cross bearers,
are fixed.
2.6 Spacing - The relative distance between positions of successive rungs,
treads or cross bearers measured along the longitudinal axis of the stile.

3. MATERIALS, TIMBER AND ITS REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Any of the species of timber given in Appendix A shall be used.

3.1.1 All timber shall be free from any kind of decay and insect attack
and shall have a moisture content of 12-16 percent at the time of manu-
facture. Kiln dried timber shall be free from case-hardening and honey-
combing. Pieces abnormally light in weight shall be excluded and all like
components, for example, stiles and rungs shall be reasonably matched.
Edges of sawn faces shall be smooth finished and there shall be no rough
surfaces which might constitute a hazard to the user.

3.1.2 Rungs of standing ladders and extending ladders, shall be free

from knots and of uniform shape in each finished ladders.
*Glossary of terms applicable to timber, plywood and joinery.
IS : 4435 - 1967

3.2 Other Permissible Defects - The limits of other permissible defects

shall be as specified below separately for the various components.

3.2.1 Stiles of Standing and Extending Ladders

3.2.1.1 Knots - Sound knots not over 6 mm in their maximum diameter

and not more than one for every O-5 m may be present, provided that they
occur within the middle half of the wider faces of stiles.
3.2.1.2 Surface checks - Surface checks not extending 50 mm in length
and 1 mm in width may be present provided that no check shall extend to any
edge or joint.
3.2.1.3 Resin pockets-These shall not be permitted on the narrow
face. On the wider face, no pocket over 100 mm long or 2 mm wide shall
be permissible.
3.2.1.4 Slope of grain - Where cross grain or diagonal grain occurs,
on any one face, it shall not be steeper than 1 in 8. When the diagonal
grain occurs on two adjacent surfaces the combined slope of grain shall not
be steeper than 1 in 8, when the following formula is used:

Combined slope of grain =

2/(i)+&)
where
a and b are the slopes on the surfaces.

Figure 1 gives a ready method of finding out the criteria of acceptance

when slopes are given on both the faces.
3.2.1.5 Selection and testing of stiles -After machining and finishing
to the sizes specified in Tables 1 and 2 ( see page 6 and 8 ), each stile shall be
subjected to a deflection test. The stile shall be supported on the narrowest
face 150 mm from the ends and a load of 25 kg is applied at the centre of
the span. The deflection measured at the centre shall not exceed one
percent of the span length.

3.2.2 Component Parts Other than Stiles

3.2.2.1 Knots - One sound knot not over 6 mm in its maximum dia-
meter may be present in any position in each of the components, provided
that each such knot is not nearer than 15 mm to any edge, and not nearer
to any joint than 25 mm. No knots shall occur below the last tread and no
knots shall be closer together than 25 mm measured along the grain.
3.2.2.2 Surface checks - Surface checks not exceeding 25 mm in length
and 1.0 mm in width may be present provided no check shall extend to any
edge or joint.

4
 8 10 15 20 25
SLOPE OF GRAIN ON FLAT SAWN FACE -1 IN x
FIG. 1 ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF SLOPE OF GRAIN ON ADJACENT SURFACES

3.2.2.3 Slopb of grain - On parts other than treads where diagonal

grain occurs on the faces or edges only, the slope of grain shall not be steeper
than 1 in 8. When diagonal grain occurs on two adjacent surfaces the
slope OF grain shall satisfy 3.2.1.4. On treads of step ladders, steps and
platform steps, the slope of grain on any face shall not be steeper than 1 in 20.

4. COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS OTHER THAN TIMBER

4.1 Tie Rods - Tie rods shall be of mild steel of not less than 6 mm dia-
meter. The ends shall be passed through mild steel washers of 18 mm
outside diameter and not less than 1.5 mm in thickness and shall be securely
fixed.

4.2 Ladder Buttons - Ladder buttons shall be of malleable cast iron or

pressed steel.

4.3 Reinforcing Wire - Reinforcing wire for rung reinforcement shall

consist of galvanized mild steel wire of 4 mm cross-section.

5
IS : 4435 - 1967

4.4 Adhesives - Adhesives used shall be synthetic resins of the phenolic

and aminoplastic type conforming to IS : S51-1957*.

4.5 Nails - Nails for securing treads of steps and the top of swing-back
steps shall be of 2.6 to 4.00 mm diameter and not less than 75 mm in length
conforming to IS : 723-1961 t.

4.6 Screws - Screws shall be of countersunk headed steel type conforming

to IS : 1365-19621.

5. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

5.1 Dimensions and Tolerances - The sizes specified in this standard

shall be subject to the following tolerances:
a) Overall length of ladder section:
1) h25 mm for sections up to and including 4 m,
2) &50 mm for sections over 4 m and up to 6 m, and
3) 175 mm for sections over 6 m.
b) Cross-sectional dimensions of stiles 52 mm for all sizes.
c) Cross-sectional dimensions of rungs &l mm for all sizes.

5.2 Standing Ladders

5.2.1 The finishes sizes of the members shall be as given in Table 1.

TABLE ,l FINISHED SIZES OF TIMBER FOR STANDING LADDERS

(Clauses 3.2.1.5 and 5.2.1 )

LEXGTH OF STAND- MINIMUMCROSS- MINIMUMSIZE FORRUNGS

ING LADDER SECTIONOF c--- -_-- -p-
STILES Rectangular Circular Dia, mm,
m mm mm at Centre

up to4 70 x 30 40 x 25 30
over 4 to 5 75 x 30 40 x 25 30

Over 5 ,, 6 80 x 30 40 x 25 30

Over 6 ,, 8 85 x 40 40 x 25 30

*Specification for synthetic resin adhesives for construction work in wood.

$Specification for mild steel wire nails ( revised ) .
$Specification for slotted countersunk head machine screws ( 1.6 to 20 mm ).

6
 IS : 4435 - 1967

5.2.2 Rectangular rungs shall be housed full section 6 mm into the stiles,
through-tenoned and double-wedged joints. The tenons shall be the full
depth of the rungs and not less than 12 mm thick.
5.2.3 Circular rungs may be tapered, cylindrical or shouldered provided
that:
a) a tapered end shall have diameter at the point of entry into the
stile of between 25 mm and 28 mm and reduce to between 12 mm
and 18 mm at its end.
b) a cylindrical end shall have a diameter at the point of entry
into the stile, between 25 mm and 28 mm and shall butt against
the end of a blind hole terminating at not less than 10 mm and
not more than 12 mm from the outer face of the stile.
c) a shouldered end shall have a diameter at the point of entry into
the stile between 28 mm and 35 mm and house between 6 mm and
8 mm in full section into the stile reducing thereafter to between
15 mm and 20 mm. In no case shall a shoulder closely butt against
the inner face of the stile without tight housing in the same.
d) tapered and shouldered ends of rungs shall be finished flush with
the outer surfaces of the stiles, or if in blind holes, shall terminate
between 10 and 12 mm of the outer surface and shall be fitted
snugly in their respective holes.
5.2.4 The ends of the rungs and the holes in the stiles shall be thoroughly
coated immediately before assembly with white lead paint conforming to
IS : 103-1962*, and secured against rotating by additional mechanical means,
wherever necessary.
5.2.5 Rungs shall be spaced at intervals of 250 mm except at the very
ends of the ladder where the distance from the end of the stile to the centre of
the nearest rung may be between 50 and 250 mm. .
5.2.6 The width in mm between the inner faces of the stiles at any point
shall be not less than that determined by the formula:
L
lo+ 225
where
L = the measurement between the point and the top of the
ladder in cm.
NOTE- This formula can be applied whether the ladders have parageor tapered
sides. For example, the minimum width of a 5 m parallel ladder will be 1. + 225 =
275 mm. A tapered ladder of the sam;Oength shall be at least 225 mm, at the top;
250
1. + 225 = 250 mm at the middle and x+ 225 = 275 at the bottom.

*Specification for ready mixed paint, brushing, white lead, for priming and general
purposes ( revised).

7
IS : 4435 - 1967

5.2.7 Wherever required the ladders shall be provided with tie rods or
reinforcing wires. Tie rods shall be fitted immediately below the second
rung from each end of the ladder and below intermediate rungs at points not
more than 150 cm apart. There shall be no projection of the rods or washers
beyond the outer surface of the stiles. Reinforcing wires, if used, shall be
fitted adjacent to an underneath each rung centrally in the width of the stile.
Such wires shall be properly tensioned and anchored into the stile or retained
by suitable devices or buttons in their respective positions. The ends of
such devices or buttons and any projections of tie rods or washers above the
surfaces of the stiles shall be smoothened off to prevent injury to users.
5.2.8 Stiles of standing ladders of 5 m and over in length may be provcded
with such further reinforcements to the stiles as may be mutually agreed
between the user and the supplier.

5.3 Extending Ladders

5.3.1 The finished sizes of the various members shall be as given in
Table 2.

TABLE 2 SIZES OF MEMBERS FOR EXTENDING LADDERS

( Claws 3.2.1.5 and 5.3.1 )
LENGTH OF LADDER MINIMUM CROSS-SECTION GALVANIZED STEEL WIRE
( CLOSED ) OF STILES ( ~-WIRE STRAND ) FOR
REINFORCEMENT

(1) (2) (3)

m mm mm

Doubles:
i) Ropeless:
up to 3 65 x 28 -
Over 3 to 5 70 x 32 -
ii) \\‘ith ropes:
up to4 70 x 32 -
Over 4 to 5 75 x 32 -
Over 5 ,, 6 80 X 321Wire 5.4
Over 6 ,, 8 90 x 35 I reinforced 5.9
Trebles:
i) Ropeless:
Upto 70 x 32 -
ii) With ropes:
Upto 70 x 32 -
Over 3 to 4 5.4
Over 4 ,, 5 5.9
Over 5 ,, 6 6.4
Over 6 ,, 8 6.4
 IS : 4435- 1967

5.3.2 Rungs may be rectangular or circular in cross-section. Rectangular

rungs shall be not less than 40 mm x 125 mm in cross-section and circular
rungs shall be not less than 30 mm in diameter at the centre. Rectangular
rungs shall be housed full section 6 mm into the stiles, through tenoned and
double wedged joints and the tenons shall be the full depth of the rungs and
not less than 12 mm thick.

5.3.3 Circular rungs may be cylindrical, tapered or shouldered provided

that:
a) a tapered end shall have diameter at the point. of entry into the
stile of between 25 mm and 28 mm and reduce to between 12 mm
and 18 mm, at its end.
b) a cylindrical end shall have a diameter at the point of entry into
the stile between 25 and 28 mm and shall butt against the end
of a blind hole terminating at not less than 10 mm and not more
than 12 mm from the outer surface of the stile.
c) a shouldered end shall have a diameter at the point of entry into
the stile between 28 mm and 35 mm, and shall be housed between
6 mm and 8 mm in full section into the stile reducing thereafter to
between 15 and 20 mm. In no case shall a shoulder closely butt
against the inner face of stile without tight hqusing in the same.
d) tapered and shouldered ends of the rungs shall be finished flush
with the outer surfaces of the stiles, or if in blind holes, shall
terminate between 10 and 12 mm of the outer surface and shall be
fitted snugly in their respective holes.

5.3.4 The ends of the rungs or the holes in the stiles, or both shall be
thoroughly coated immediately before assembly, with white lead paint
conforming to IS : 103-1962*, and secured against rotating by additional
mechanical means.

5.3.5 Rungs shall be spaced at uniform intervals of 250 mm apart, which

may be positioned at a distance of between 50 and 200 mm measured from
the ends of the stiles to the centre of the nearest rung.

5.3.6 The width between inner surfaces of the stiles at the top section shall
not be less than 225 mm.

5.3.7 Wherever required ladders shall be provided with tie rods or rein-
forcing wire. Tie rods shall be fitted immediately below the second rung
from each end of the ladder and below intermediate rungs at points not more
than 2 m apart, and there shall be no projection of the rods or washers above
the outer surfaces of the stiles. If reinforcing wires are used, they shall be
fitted adjacent to and underneath each rung centrally in the width of the stile.

*Specification for ready mixed paint, brushing, white lead, for priming and general
purposes ( revised).

9
IS : 4435 - 1967

They shall be properly tensioned and anchored into the stiles or retained in
position by buttons or other suitable tensioning devices. Any projections
of tie rods or washers above the surface of the stiles shall be smoothed off to
prevent injury to users.

5.3.8 The ladders shall be fitted with back reinforcement consisting of a

7-wire stand of the size specified in Table 2, or a single strand galvanized
wire of at least equal strength, fitted under tension, into grooves in the
stiles and properly secured in position. The wires shall pass through the
stiles beyond the end rungs not less than 100 mm from its end.
5.3.9 The ladder shall be so designed that when fully extended, the
minimum section to section overlap shall be as shown in Fig. 2.
WIDE BRACKET

0
I

2A CLOSED LENGTH UPTO AND INCLUDING 5m

GUIDE BRACKET

0
I
26 CLOSED LENGTH OVER 5m UPTO AND INCLUDING 6m

GUIDE BRACKET

2C CLOSED LENGTH OVER 6m

FIG. 2 TYPICAL EXTENDING LADDER OVERLAPS

5.3.10 All metal fittings shall be of steel, or wrought iron or malleable

cast iron and shall be well finished and securely fitted. On rope operated
ladders the pulley wheel may be of cast iron. All bearing and rubbing
surfaces of the hooks shall be finished smooth in order to prevent any possi-
bility of indentation of the stiles or rungs, by sharp edges.

5.3.11 Other fittings supplied with the ladders shall conform to 5.3.11.1
and 5.3.11.2.

5.3.11.1 Latching hooks shall be so designed as to bear evenly over a

length of not less than 12 mm along each end of the engaged rung.
5.3.11.2 Guide brackets shall be of steel at least 32 mm wide and at
least 6 mm in thickness, and shall be properly finished with no sources of

10
 IS:443!5- 1967

weakness. They shall be provided on each section other than the top sec-
tion. Each shall enclose one side and the back of the stile and secured either
by two countersunk head rivets or bolts passing through the stile or by one
countersunk head rivet or bolt passing through the stile together with two
countersunk, wood screws in the return and of the brackets. The guide
brackets shall not have any sharp corners. They shall provide a bearing
surface on the sliding stile for a length of not less than 32 mm.
5.3.12 Other Design Aspects - Pulleys provided on rope operated extend-
ing ladders shall be either the cased type or the saddle type. In the cased
type the bearing pin shall be solid, of not less than 6 mm diameter and shall
pass through the front and back of the pulley casing and be securely riveted in
position. In addition to any wood screws there shall be at least one bolt
having a plain shank of not less than 6 mm diameter to secure each pulley
assembly to the ladder stile. In the saddle type a malleable iron or mild
steel saddle type casing shall partly enclose one face of the pulley wheel.
The casing shall be attached to the stile by means of a bolt having a plain
shank of not less than 6 mm in diameter which also forms the bearing pin
and passes through the stile and in addition by a wood screws at each end of
the casing.
5.3.13 Where a guide groove is employed the opening formed by the
cut-away poition section shall be suitably protected by a galvanized or other
rust proof mild steel plate to facilitate always easy removal of the upper
section from the lower section.
5.3.14 The design of the latching devices in ladders of the rope operated
type shall be such that in the event of the rope breaking or being released
accidentally the descent of the ladder section is arrested safely.
5.3.15 For rope operated type of ladders the strength of each rope and its
attachments shall be such as to provide for a safety factor of not less than 8.

5.4 Step Ladders

5.4.1 Stiles shall consist of rectangular sections of timber of minimum

sizes 72 x 28 mm for ladders not exceeding 2 m long or of minimum sizes
72 x 32 mm for ladders not exceeding 4 m long.
5.4.2 The width between the inner surfaces of the stiles shall be not less
than 250 mm. When the stiles are not parallel, the distance between them
at any point on the ladder shall be not less than 250 mm, plus 6 mm for each
tread between such a point and the top of the ladder.
5.4.3 Treads shall consist of timber whose finished size shall be not less
than 90 mm x 25 mm in cross-section. They shall be housed 6 mm full
section into the stiles and shall be secured in position at each end by two
nails. l

11
IS : 4435 - 1967

5.4.4 Step ladders shall be so designed that when the treads are horizontal
the ladder is inclined at an angle of 65” to 75” to the horizontal.

5.4.5 All treads shall be spaced uniformly at intervals of 250 mm; the
bottom tread may be positioned at a distance of 100 to 250 mm from the
ends of the stiles.

5.4.6 Tie rods shall be fitted immediately below the second tread from the
bottom of the ladder and below other treads at intervals of not more than
4 treads.

5.4.7 No projection of rods or washers above the outer surfaces of the

stiles shall be visible.

5.5 Steps ( Swing Back )

5.5.1 Front stiles shall consist of finished timber whose cross-section-shall
be rectangular subject to a minimum of 70 x 30 mm for steps not more than
2 m long and a minimum of 70 x 35 mm for steps more than 4 m long.
_ 5.5.2 The width between the inner surfaces of the front stiles shall not be
less than 250 mm at the top of the steps. The width at any other point on the
steps shall be not less than 250 mm plus 25 mm for every tread between the
point and the top of the steps.
5.5.3 Treads shall consist of timber members with a minimum cross-
section of 90 mm x 25 mm. They shall be housed full section 6 mm into
the stiles, and shall be secured in position at each end by two nails. The
steps shall be designed in such a way that the treads are horizontal when the
ladder is inclined at an angle of 65” to 75”.

5.5.4 The top of the steps shall count as a tread.

5.5.5 All treads shall be spaced at regular intervals of 250 mm except in
the case of bottom tread which may be fixed between 100 and 250 mm from
the ends of the stiles.

5.5.6 Tie rods shall be fitted immediately below the second tread from the
bottom of the steps and below other treads at intervals of not more than 4.

5.5.7 No projection of rods or washers above the outer surfaces of the

stiles shall be visible.

5.5.8 A back hanging board 140 mm wide and of the same thickness as
the back stiles shall be securely fixed to each front stile by one 6-mm bolt and
at least one countersunk head steel screw of not less than 50 mm length and
3.35 mm.
5.5.9 The front stile shall be housed 6 mm full section into a top, not less
than 140 mm wide and 28 mm thick, and the top shall be securely fixed to
each stile and the back hanging board by at least two nails.

12
 IS : 4435- 1967

5.5.10 The back shall consist of stiles 70 x 30 mm for steps not exceeding
2 m in length or 70 x 35 mm for steps not exceeding 4 m in length. The
length of the back stiles shall be such that when the steps are fully opened
the front stiles are inclined at an angle to the horizontal of 65” to 70” for
heights up to l-7 m and 65” to 75” for heights over l-7 m. At the same time
the back shall be inclined at an angle to the horizontal of not less than 72”
and not more than 80”.
5.5.11 A top rail 140 mm wide and of the same thickness as the back stile /
shall be through tenoned and haunched into the back stile and double
wedged. The tenons shall be 10 mm thick.
5.5.12 Step ladders not exceeding 2 m long shall be equipped with one
lower rail and those from 2 to 4 m long shall have two lower rails. Lower
rails shall be 70 mm wide of the same thickness as the back stile and housed
into the back stile, the housing not exceeding 5 mm in depth in the back stile. /
Each joint shall be secured by thoroughly coating the interfaces before
assembly with a gap filling resin adhesive, and after assembly by means
of suitably arranged countersunk screws of 3.35 mm.
5.5.13 The back shall be hinged to the back hanging board by two mild
steel flaps or strap hinges having not less than 50 mm ofjoint and each hinge
flap shall be secured adequately with suitable bolts or screws of sufficient
length.
t 5.5.14 The steps shall be fitted with two plaited or braided cords not less
than 10 mm in dia. The length of the cords shall be SOadjusted that when
fully extended the angles laid in 5.5.10 are accommodated within the
provisions. Cords shall also be fixed by passing them through the sides of ,
the stiles and the back of the ladder and knotting them tightly at each end.

5.6 Folding Tiesitles

5.6.1 The minimum cross-sectional dimensions of the finished timber for
stiles up to 3 m in length shall be 70 x 35 mm, and for stiles over 3 m and
up to 4.5 m in length, they shall be 75 x 35 mm.
5.6.2 The cross bearers shall consist of finished timber members with a
minimum cross-section of 60 x 30 mm. They shall be housed full section
6 mm into the stiles. The tenons shall be not less than 13 mm nor more
than 16 mm thick and of the full width of the cross bearers. The ends of the
cross bearers and the corresponding holes in the stiles shall be thoroughly
coated immediately before assembly with white lead paint conforming to
IS : 103-1962*.
5.6.3 The top of the the cross bearer on each half of the trestle shall be not
less than 114 mm from the top of the stiles. The other corss bearers shall be
*Specification for ready mixed paint, brushing, white lead, for priming and general
purposes( revised).

13
IS:4435-1967
so spaced that those on one half of the trestle lie midway between those on
the other half of the trestle. Except for the spacing of the top two cross
bearers on one half, the spacing for the cross bearers on each half of the
trestle shall be between 450 and 500 mm, unless otherwise specified.

5.6.4 The width between the inner surfaces of the stiles at the level of the
top cross bearers shall be not less than 500 mm. The width at any other
point shall be not less than 500 mm plus 50 mm for each cross bearer between
such a point and the top of the cross bearer, this width being taken on the
half of the trestle where the top two cross bearers are not less than 450 mm
and not more than 500 mm apart. The taper on the two halves of the
trestles shall be identical.

5.6.5 The angle subtended by the two halves of the trestles shall be not
less than 25” and not more than 40’ when fully opened.

5.6.6 Tie rods of not less than 6 mm diameter shall be fitted, two on each
half of the trestles with stile length under 3 m and three on each half of the
trestles with stile length of 3 m and over. The tie rods shall be fitted
immediately below the second cross bearer from the top and the second cross
bearer from the bottom. Where fitted, the third tie rod shall be immedia-
tely below the cross bearer nearest to the centre of the length of the stile.

5.6.7 The two halves of the trestles shall be connected by means of

shouldered or lipped hinges made of steel, wrought iron or malleable cast
iron, and of a design to limit the extent of the angles as provided in 5.6.5.

5.6.7.1 The minimum requirements of the hinges and fixtures shall be

as follows:
Stile Length Hinge No. of “No._of
Length Screws Bolts
m mm

Upto 205 2 1
Over 2 and up to and including 2.5 255 2 1
Over 2.5 and up to and including 4 305 2 2
Over 4 and up to and including 5 385 2 2

5.6.8 Check blocks of suitable design shall be fitted to the stile in order
to relieve the hinges of strain when the folded trestles are moved. Each
check block shall be securely fixed to the stile by means of one bolt and one
countersunk headed screw.
5.7 For providing guidance, suggestions for inspection, acceptance and use
of ladders and trestles are given in Appendix B.

14
 IS : 4435 - 1967

6. MARKING

6.1 Each ladder and trestle shall be legibly and indelibly marked with the
following information:
a) Manufacturer’s name, initials, or trade-mark if any;
b) Month and year of manufacture;
c) Species of timbers by symbol; and
d) Type of ladder.
6.1.1 Each ladder of trestle may also be marked with the IS1 Certification
Mark.
NOTE -The use of the IS1 Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the
Indian Standards Institution ( Certification Marks ) Act, and the Rules and Regulations
made thereunder. Presence of this mark on products covered by an Indian Standard
conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the requirements
of that standard, under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and quality control
during production. This system, which is devised and supervised by IS1 and operated by
the producer, has the further safeguard that the products as actually marketed are
continuously checked by IS1 for conformity to the standard. Details of conditions, under
which a licence for the use of the IS1 Certification Mark may be granted to manufac-
turers or processors, may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

APPENDIX A
( Clause 3.1 )
SPECIES OF TIMBERS SUITABLE FOR LADDERS

A-l. Species of timber suitable for stiles and rungs are given below:
BOTANICAL NAME TRADE NAME ABBREVIATION
Acrocarpus fraxiniflius Mundani MUN
Artocarpus chaplasha Chaplash CHP
Artocarpus hirsutus Aini AIN
Artocarpus integrifolius Kathal KAT
Calophyllum sp. Poon PO0
Cedrus deodara Deodar DE0
Fraxinus sp. Ash ASH
Lagerstroemia lanceolata Benteak BEN
Morus sp. Mulberry MUL
Palaquium ellipticurn Pali PAL

15
IS : 4435 - 1967

A-l.1 The following additional species are considered suitable for rungs
only :
BOTANICALNAME TRADE NAME ABBREVIATION
Acacia QrUbiCQ Babul BAB
Albitia odoratissima Kala-Siris KS1
Anogeissus latiflia Axlewood AXL
Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo SIS
Diospyros melanoxylon Ebony EBO
Grewia sp. Dhamaa DHA
Peterocarjus marsupium Bijasal BIJ
Terminalia paniculuta Kindal KIN
Terminal&2 tomentosa Laurel LAU

APPENDIX B
( ch.4se 5.7 )
SUGGESTIONS FOR INSPECTION, ACCEPTANCE
AND USE

B-l. VISUAL INSPECTION

B-l.1 Ladders should be subjected to a critical visual inspection immediately

after manufacture and inspections should be conducted periodically to en-
sure that all fittings and joints are in good condition for service. Fittings
should be checked for security. All movable parts should be checked to
ensure smooth operation without any undue binding or play. Metal bear-
ings of pulleys, hinges, etc, should be frequently lubricated and any broken
or worn out parts should be replaced promptly.

B-1.2 If a ladder has fallen or has received a heavy blow it should

be carefully examined immediately and all damages repaired before
further use.

B-l.3 In order to assist visual inspection each ladder or each ladder section
may be simply supported in a horizontal position at a distance of 300 mm
from each end and a load of 50 kg should be applied gradually in increments
of 10 kg on a board placed across the stiles at the centre of the span. This
load should be allowed to remain for at least 30 minutes and any defects
developed should be carefully noted.

16
 IS:4435-1967

B-2. USE

B-2.1 At the time of ordering it is desirable to indicate the conditions in

which the ladder is to be used in order to ensure that attention is drawn
to any specific types of loading that may be received.

B-2.2 Slope of grain ( see 3.2.1.4 ) should be ascertained on both faces and
edges of a member over its entire length disregarding any slight local de-
viations. Surface checks when present indicate slope of grain. However,
a suitable scribe may also be used to measure the slope of grain to a good
degree of accuracy.

17
 I

INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION

The Indian Standards Institution ( ISI ), which started functioning
in 1947, Is the national standards organization for India. Its
principal object is to prepare standards on national and inter-
national basis and promote their general adoption.

The overall control of ISI, which is run and financed jointly as

a non-profit making body by the Government and private
enterprise, is exercised by the General Council, composed of
representatives of Central and State Governments: leading trade,
scientific and technological organizations: and subscribing
members. The Union Minister of Industry is the ex-officio President
of ISI.
The present technical activity of ISI Is carried out through
8 Division Councils for Agricultural and Food Products:
Chemical: Civil Engineering: Consumer Products: Electrotechnical;
Mechanical Engineering: Structural and Metals: and Textile.
All technical work relating to the formulation and revision of
standards Is done by committees appointed by and under the
direction of their respective Division Councils. These committees
consist of experts drawn from manufacturing units, technical
institutions, purchase organizations and other concerned bodies,

To make available benefits of Indian Standards to the common

man, ISI has introduced its Certification Marks Scheme under the
lndion Standards Institution ( Certification Marks) Act, 1952, as
amended by the Amendment Act, 1961. According to this Act,
quality goods conforming to Indian Standards can carry the ISI
Certification Mark. This Mark is a third-party guarantee of
quality of marked goods. Licences to use the ISI Certification
Mark are granted to manufacturers using reliable methods of
quality control subject to overall inspection by ISI.
In the international field, ISI represents India on the Inter-
national Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission ( IEC). IS0 and IEC
respectively link 54 and 40 countries, and function through I I8 and
58 technical committees: ISI participates in 83 technical
committees of IS0 and all the technical committees of IEC. The
committees and subcommittees of IEC and IS0 for which ISI holds
the secretariat deal with: Electric Fans, Lac, Mica, Pictorial
Markings for Handling of Goods, Liquid Flow Measurements in Open
Channels, Procedures for Inter-conversion of Values, Spices and
Condiments, and Stimulant Foods.