WHY CHOOSE A PODIUM - OVER A STEP LADDER OR SCAFFOLD TOWER?

A podium step is a single-user access product, typically designed to provide a self-supported, strong and stable work area within a fully enclosed and secure working platform. Podium steps benefit the user by allowing a convenient, safe and elevated space, which is more secure than a normal step ladder, yet less cumbersome than a low-level tower.

Most podiums on the market fold away when not in use for simple storage. This also allows them to be manoeuvred into places more easily too.

Working from a step ladder requires the workperson to keep three points of contact at all times, which can limit the workers’ ability to complete their tasks safely. However, with a podium step, thanks to a 360-degree platform and high guardrail environment, the operator can find themselves within a safe area where the usual 3 points of contact will not be required. Also, by having deployable stabilisers (outriggers), the stability of the work platform of a podium step is increased over a traditional step ladder. Anti-surf feet and locking castors add to the solid feel and improved performance too.

NEW PRODUCT. MEET THE PRO PODIUM.

The British-made LFI PRo Podium Step is a BS 8620 certified podium step and comes available in a choice of six platform heights. Created for trade and commercial use, the PRo Podium Step has been manufactured from a heavy-duty, yet lightweight aluminium tube frame which fits neatly between a standard UK door frame. The PRo Podium Step features a large non-slip platform, which is secured by the fully surrounded perimeter guardrail system, slip-resistant feet, oversized and lockable swivel castors, stabilisers (outriggers), a self-closing gate and anti-surf. When you're done, its compact, fold-away footprint makes storage and transportation a breeze.

The PRo Podium Step is ideal for working at low-level work sites, warehouses and storerooms. Plus, with a 5 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty included, the PRo Podium Step is a safe choice when working at heights of up to 2m.

PODIUM STEP SAFETY STANDARDS

The currently recognised standard for a podium is BS 8620. This standard refers to low-level work platforms that are for single-person use, give side protection, and have a single platform no higher than 2.5m.

The BS 8620 podium step test has many elements. These include; dimensions, strength and rigidity, overturning, resistance to sliding, stability when access/egressing and material/component strength, deflection and retention.

The tests carried out are strenuous and specific to this kind of equipment, in particular platform strength, side-loading and anti-skid ensure an item will be safe for use within any environment. Whether it’s painting a ceiling, servicing a duct or drilling into a structure, the podium is designed and tested to ensure the operator has the safest and most suitable product available to them.

The LFI PRo PoDIUM has been tested and certified to BS 8620 by the Test & Research Centre and is adorned with their T&RGETMARK.

LFI-PRo-Podium-Step-certified-to-BS-8620

LFI-PRo-Podium-Step-being-tested-to-BS-8620

WHEN TO USE A PODIUM STEP VS. A STEP LADDER?

Wall-mounted fixtures

Wall-mounted fixtures are a very common sight in domestic homes, commercial and industrial spaces, plus retail environments. If you are unable to reach the fixtures safely, you’ll need a podium step. An extendable ladder or large step ladder is not a smart choice - both options present a risk of fall, and damage to the surrounding area.

Ceiling-mounted fixtures

Attached to the ceiling, or suspended from a wire, ceiling-mounted fixtures require a different approach to wall-mounted fixtures. In buildings such as commercial offices, warehouses and factories, ceiling heights can be far greater than a standard room height. Here, we’d recommend a podium step or a mobile scaffold tower, depending on the height you need to reach safely.

Podium steps and mobile scaffold towers are both available in many different widths, working heights and platform heights. These two choices offer extreme levels of stability, security and safety over ladders and step ladders for climbing to a working height. With stabilisers which increase the contact surface area with the ground, and locking castor wheels, to stop any unwanted movement, or ‘surf’, either make an excellent choice for working with ceiling-mounted fixtures.

Indoors or outdoors?

Your worksite can dictate the choice of access equipment you need. Completing a task outdoors presents significantly different risks from working at height indoors. An indoor work environment is usually, far more predictable than an outdoor work environment. Factors such as surrounding space, machinery or furniture, weather, floor surface conditions and the weight you will be carrying to the working height need to be taken into account.

For instance, working indoors, is generally a lower working height task, with no variable weather conditions,a smoother and stable floor surface, and predictable movement from people and machinery. An outdoor worksite can be the exact opposite of all the risks an indoor worksite poses. With changing weather, uneven surfaces, and variable dry or wet conditions, a busy work site presents a safety challenge that must be overcome before starting any task. Plus, you must also consider the load you shall be carried to the working height. Does your equipment, plus yourself, exceed the maximum loads classified by BS EN131 which are 175kg, 150kg and 125kg respectively?

Podium steps are generally built to a much higher load rating. The reinforced aluminium tube structure that they are manufactured from allows the to spread a significantly higher working load, and with their added stability, makes them a perfect solution for a wider range of worksite situations indoors, or outdoors.

Can a podium topple over?

With a self-supporting frame, made from heavy-duty aluminium, locking castors and stabilisers (outriggers), a podium step offers a safer alternative to using a step ladder and reduces the risk of toppling or falling. It also offers a more stable working platform to complete tasks.

Do I need to be PASMA certified to use a podium?

Anyone working at height is required by the Work at Height Regulations to be competent and able to demonstrate competence in the use of any equipment.

If you are working with a low-level podium, or mobile access tower, PASMA offers a wide range of training courses to ensure users are following best practice rules and the best possible safety requirements. This includes both scaffold towers and podiums. If you plan to install, remove, adapt, or move a podium or scaffold tower, a PASMA training course is required. A training course is advisable but not required. for anyone who will be only operating from a podium step or scaffold tower.