How do you transport ladders and scaffolding safely? Roof rack, straps and carrying

A ladder is long, stiff and awkward. It often does not fit in a car, it slides easily on the roof, and on a building site or a narrow path it catches on everything. A ladder that comes loose while driving is extremely dangerous for you and for others on the road. This blog explains how to carry and transport a ladder and scaffold parts safely, and when to leave it to a professional.

👷 Calling in a professional is never superfluous. Scaffold parts, extension ladders and mobile towers are heavy, long and made up of many components. Erecting scaffolding is a trade and strict rules apply to working at height. Leave the transport, erection and inspection of scaffolding to a professional or scaffolder.

Which ladders and scaffolding are you transporting?

• Small step ladders and folding ladders: a slim folding ladder with four steps or double-sided household ladder with platform usually fits in a van, estate car or boot.
• Articulated ladders: a multi-purpose articulated aluminium ladder folds up and is easier to transport than a straight ladder.
• Straight and extension ladders: long and stiff. Usually only transportable on a roof rack or in a van.
• Scaffold parts and mobile towers: many components, a lot of weight. That is often a job for a scaffolder or professional.

Before transporting, always check that the ladder is undamaged: no bent or cracked rungs or rails, no loose parts, no cracks in the legs.

Preparing

1. Measure the length. Does the ladder fit in your vehicle, and how far does it stick out?
2. Remove loose parts. Fold step ladders, slide extension ladders together and lock articulated ladders in their closed position.
3. Clean the ladder. Paint, cement and mud make a ladder slippery and can damage your car's interior or film.
4. Provide protective material. Put blankets or foam between the ladder and the car so your paint or upholstery is not damaged.
5. Choose your transport. Roof rack, van, trailer: choose what suits the length and the weight.
6. Plan your route. Watch for bridges, tunnels, low passages and narrow streets.

Carrying a ladder

• Close to your body. Carry a short ladder on your shoulder with the front slightly raised so you can see where you are walking. Do not carry a long ladder alone, but with two people.
• Take hold at the middle. That keeps it balanced.
• Watch your surroundings. Overhead cables, lamp posts, branches and people are hazards for a ladder. Always keep away from electricity cables.
• Wear gloves. Aluminium can be sharp and a ladder can get slippery. With work gloves with nitrile coating you have more grip.
• Do not lift too heavy. A long aluminium ladder or a wooden ladder can weigh more than 25 kilos. Then lift with two people.

Want to know how to lift safely? Read our blog on lifting heavy materials safely.

Transporting a ladder on a roof rack

1. Use a good roof rack. Check the maximum load of the bars and the roof.
2. Lay the ladder flat and lengthwise. Secure it with the rungs down or with the flat side on the bars.
3. Use a strap with double hook, set of straps with double hook or straps with steel hook. Secure the ladder at at least two points, front and rear, and tighten the straps firmly. Do not use an elastic strap: it will not hold a ladder.
4. Secure the ends too. A ladder that overhangs must be secured at the front and rear so that it does not whip about.
5. Protect your car. Put soft layers between the ladder and the roof.
6. Check after a few kilometres. Straps can loosen. Stop in a safe place and tighten them if necessary.
7. Watch the overhang. Rules apply to loads that stick out far, such as a red flag or sign. In doubt? Have the ladder delivered.

⚠️ Never tie a strap with a knot or a half turn, and make sure the strap does not chafe on a sharp edge. A ladder that comes loose can cause a fatal accident.

In a van or trailer

• Put the ladder low in the load space, against the side, with the foot forward.
• Secure it with straps at the anchor points so it does not slide forward in an emergency stop.
• Keep the ladder away from the rear doors so that it does not fall out when you open them.
• Do not put anything heavy on the ladder and do not leave parts loose.
• With a trailer: check the load and the lights. An impregnated tarpaulin, 4 x 6 metres can cover small parts, but is no substitute for securing.

Transporting scaffold parts

• Pack small parts such as couplers and floor boards in crates or bundles.
• Secure tubes and planks with straps and use an anti-slip tape or anti-slip mat to prevent sliding.
• Lift heavy parts such as frames and braces with two people.
• Erecting and inspecting scaffolding is a trade. Do not do it yourself if you are not trained for it.

Read also: How to transport tiles and slabs safely and How to paint a ceiling: step-by-step guide

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