What are podium steps?
Podium steps offer a safe way to work at a low to medium height and are often used in warehouses and store rooms. They’re designed to be more secure than step ladders while being lightweight and made of sturdy aluminium, allowing them to be manoeuvred easily.
Types of podium steps
Podium steps come in a variety of sizes such as:
- 2m podium steps – This is where the platform height is 2m.
- 3m podium steps – This is where the platform height is 3m.
- 4m podium steps – This is where the podium height is 4m.
You can also choose from:
- Aluminium podium steps – These are podium steps that are durable, stable, and safe when used correctly.
- Adjustable podium steps – These have an adjustable platform that can be raised to different heights to better suit different tasks.
- Mobile podium steps – These are easily manoeuvrable and often used in warehouses.
- Narrow podium steps – These are compact forms of podium steps that allow access to items in narrow spaces.
Podium steps checklist
When using podium steps there are a few things you should do to use them safely:
- Make sure all four castors are secure and the fixing bolts are tightened.
- Double check that all four wheel brakes operate and lock the wheel and castor into position.
- Check the tubes and aluminium components of the podium step. There shouldn’t be any cracks or excessive dents or distortion.
- Ensure there is free movement of all hinge points.
- Check that the plywood platform doesn’t have any excessive contamination, cracking, holes or damage. This includes any missing or damaged rivet fixings.
- Determine whether the podium step locking mechanisms are operating and locking correctly. This includes ladder claws and locks, gate claws and locks, the rear folding frame elbow locking joints and the platform locking tabs.
- Ensure the total load (1 person plus tools & materials) is not more than 150kg. All 4 castors must be pointing outwards and the wheel brakes must be locked. The access ladder should also be located correctly.
- Make sure the podium step is on flat, level, dry and firm ground and is positioned correctly to avoid overreaching. The platform must also be at the correct height.
- Shut and lock the safety gate once you’re on the platform.
Can podium steps topple over?
When not used properly, podium ladders can topple over. You should never lean anything against podium steps or climb on the outside of the guardrail as this can cause them to topple. Podium ladders also shouldn’t be repainted as this can hide damage and marks.
Why choose Step and Store?
At Step and Store we care about the quality of your podium steps, which is why our products are BSI and Kitemark Certified. This means our products are top quality and trustworthy, keeping your team safe.
For any queries regarding our podium step ladders for sale, our friendly sales team are here to help. Get in touch today for further guidance.
