What is a Fibreglass Ladder and Why Are They Useful

Date Posted:19 March 2025

Fibreglass ladders provide unmatched electrical safety and durability. Find out why professionals in construction, utilities and trades rely on them.

What is a Fibreglass Ladder?

Fibreglass ladders have become increasingly popular in industrial settings due to their superior safety and durability.

Unlike aluminium ladders, fibreglass is non-conductive, making it ideal for electrical and utility work where safety around live wires is crucial. This feature significantly reduces the risk of electrical hazards, providing peace of mind to workers and employers alike.

Additionally, fibreglass ladders offer excellent resistance to weather, chemicals, and extreme temperatures. Their robust construction ensures they remain stable and reliable, even in harsh conditions.

Although they are typically heavier than aluminium ladders, their enhanced safety benefits and long-term durability make them a worthwhile investment for industrial workplaces.

At Verdex, they are available in two options - fibreglass industrial platform ladders and fibreglass mobile platform ladders.

The Origin of Fibreglass Material Ladders

Fibreglass, a composite material made from glass fibres embedded in resin, was first developed in the 1930s. Initially used in automotive and aviation industries for its lightweight and durable properties, fibreglass quickly gained attention for its unique non-conductive qualities. These safety benefits made it an ideal material for ladder manufacturing, particularly in industries where electrical hazards were a concern.

Before the introduction of fibreglass, most ladders were made of wood or metal. While wooden ladders provided insulation, they were heavy, prone to weather damage, and had limited durability. Metal ladders, particularly aluminium, offered strength and lightweight advantages but were conductive, posing serious risks when working near electrical sources. Fibreglass ladders emerged as the perfect solution, combining durability, weather resistance, and non-conductivity.

The rise of fibreglass ladders in the market was driven by growing workplace safety standards and regulations, especially in industries such as construction, electrical work, and maintenance. Fibreglass not only provided a safer alternative but also enhanced reliability in harsh conditions, including extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals.

Today, they are widely used in industrial and commercial settings, offering a trusted solution where ladders and access equipment safety and performance are critical.

Pros and Cons of Other Materials Used to Create Ladders

Ladders are essential tools for both professional and domestic use, with different materials offering unique benefits and drawbacks. The most common materials used for different types of ladders include aluminium, steel, and wood.

Understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you choose the right ladder for your specific needs.

Aluminium Ladders

Pros:

Lightweight: Aluminium ladders are easy to carry and manoeuvre, making them ideal for tasks that require frequent movement.
Durable and Rust-Resistant: Aluminium is resistant to rust and corrosion, allowing the ladder to withstand exposure to the elements, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep and can be easily cleaned.
Versatile: Available in a wide range of styles and sizes, including step ladders, extension ladders, and platform ladders.

Cons:

Conductive: Aluminium conducts electricity, making it unsafe for electrical work or environments with live wires.
Heat Conductivity: Aluminium ladders can become extremely hot in direct sunlight, which may pose a safety risk during use.
Less Sturdy for Heavy Loads: While generally strong, aluminium ladders may not support extremely heavy weights as well as steel ladders.

Steel Ladders

Pros:

Strength and Stability: Steel ladders offer excellent strength and are capable of handling heavy loads, making them ideal for industrial and commercial use.
Durable: Steel is highly durable and resistant to damage, offering a long lifespan with proper care.
Non-Slip Design: Many steel ladders come with non-slip steps and features to enhance safety.

Cons:

Heavy: Steel ladders are significantly heavier than aluminium and wooden ladders, which may make them difficult to transport and position.
Prone to Rust: While galvanised steel ladders are resistant to corrosion, untreated steel ladders can rust if exposed to moisture over time.
Conductive: Like aluminium, steel ladders conduct electricity and are unsuitable for electrical work.

Wooden Ladders

Pros:

Non-Conductive: Wooden ladders are naturally non-conductive, making them safe for electrical work if they are dry and well-maintained.
Stability: Wooden ladders provide a sturdy and solid platform, particularly useful for painting, construction, and electrical tasks.
Affordable: Generally more cost-effective than other materials, making them a good option for light-duty tasks.

Cons:

Heavy and Bulky: Wooden ladders can be difficult to handle and transport, particularly longer versions.
Maintenance Required: Wood is susceptible to rot, splintering, and insect damage. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure safety.
Not Ideal for Outdoor Use: Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage wooden ladders, reducing their lifespan and safety.

Which Ladder Material is Right for You?

When selecting a ladder, consider the specific tasks and environments where it will be used. For general-purpose use, an aluminium ladder offers versatility and convenience. Steel ladders are best suited for heavy-duty industrial tasks, particularly when durability and load-bearing capacity are important. Wooden ladders are a good choice for light-duty indoor work, especially for electricians.

For tasks that require working at shorter heights or distances, step stools can be a more cost-effective and practical alternative. If you need to reach greater heights, work platforms and crane cages provide a safer and more stable solution

Choosing the right ladder material is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability in your workplace or home. Whether you need the lightweight convenience of aluminium, the robust strength of steel, or the electrical safety of fibreglass, each material offers distinct advantages for specific use cases.

At Verdex, we stock a wide range of high-quality ladders that meet the Australian Standard, helping you find the perfect solution for your needs.

If you need expert advice or want to explore our ladder range, get in touch with us or call us on 1800 750 500 today. We're here to help you make safe and informed choices!

FAQs

What are the different parts of a ladder?

A ladder typically consists of rungs (steps), rails (sides), a top cap (for step ladders), spreaders (to stabilise the ladder when open), and feet or slip-resistant pads. Extension ladders also include locks, pulleys, and fly sections to enable height adjustments and stability during use.

What is the best material for a ladder?

The best ladder material depends on your needs. Aluminium is lightweight and rust-resistant, ideal for general use. Steel offers heavy-duty strength for industrial tasks. Wooden ladders are great for electrical work due to their non-conductive nature, provided they are dry and well-maintained.

What is a Fibreglass Ladder?

What is a Fibreglass Ladder?

The Origin of Fibreglass Material Ladders