Working at Height in Corrosive Environments

Working at Height in Corrosive Environments: Why Your Ladder Choice Matters

Working at height always carries risk, but those risks increase significantly when the environment itself is working against your equipment.

Whether it's salt spray along the coastline, chemical processing plants, wastewater treatment facilities or heavy industrial sites, corrosive environments can gradually weaken access equipment and compromise worker safety if the wrong materials are used.

Choosing a ladder isn't simply about reaching the required height - it's about ensuring the equipment can withstand the environment it will be exposed to every day.

For safety managers, maintenance teams and procurement professionals, understanding how corrosion affects ladders is essential for protecting both workers and assets.

What Is a Corrosive Environment?

A corrosive environment is any workplace where equipment is exposed to conditions that accelerate material deterioration.

These environments may include:

• Coastal and marine facilities
• Chemical manufacturing plants
• Mining operations
• Water and wastewater treatment plants
• Food processing facilities
• Fertiliser production
• Oil and gas installations
• Industrial manufacturing plants
• Power generation facilities

Corrosion doesn't always happen overnight. In many cases, it develops gradually over months or years, making regular inspection and appropriate equipment selection even more important.

How Corrosion Impacts Access Equipment

Corrosion is more than a cosmetic issue.

Over time it can affect:

• Structural strength
• Surface integrity
• Moving components
• Fasteners and fittings
• Stability
• Overall service life

Even minor deterioration can reduce confidence in equipment and increase maintenance requirements.

When ladders are used frequently, especially in demanding industrial environments, maintaining their integrity becomes critical to workplace safety.

Common Sources of Corrosion

Different industries face different challenges.

Salt Air

Marine and coastal environments expose equipment to airborne salt, which accelerates corrosion.

Examples include:

• Ports
• Harbours
• Naval facilities
• Offshore infrastructure
• Coastal utilities

Chemicals

Chemical vapours, spills and airborne contaminants can affect equipment over time.

Industries include:

• Chemical processing
• Manufacturing
• Laboratories
• Fertiliser plants
• Pharmaceutical facilities

Moisture

Constant exposure to water, humidity and wet conditions can contribute to material degradation.

Common locations include:

• Water treatment plants
• Wastewater facilities
• Pump stations
• Food processing plants

Industrial Contaminants

Dust, acids, alkalis and airborne particles may all influence equipment performance depending on the operating environment.

Why Material Selection Matters

Not all ladders perform equally in harsh environments.

Selecting the appropriate material helps maximise durability while reducing maintenance requirements and supporting long-term workplace safety.

When evaluating access equipment, consider:

• Environmental exposure
• Frequency of use
• Chemical compatibility
• Electrical hazards
• Maintenance requirements
• Expected service life

The operating environment should be one of the first considerations - not an afterthought.

Why Fibreglass Performs in Harsh Industrial Environments

Fibreglass has become a preferred material across many industries because it offers several advantages in demanding workplaces.

These include:

Corrosion Resistance

Unlike metals that can deteriorate under certain environmental conditions, fibreglass is naturally resistant to corrosion caused by moisture and many industrial environments.

Non-Conductive Properties

When clean and dry, fibreglass is non-conductive, making it suitable for applications where electrical hazards may be present.

This makes it widely used by:

• Electrical utilities
• Rail operators
• Telecommunications
• Renewable energy providers

Durability

Fibreglass is engineered to withstand years of industrial use while maintaining structural performance when properly inspected and maintained.

Reduced Maintenance

Equipment designed for corrosive environments generally requires fewer interventions related to corrosion damage, helping reduce downtime and replacement frequency.

Don't Forget Regular Inspections

Even when using corrosion-resistant equipment, inspections remain essential.

Safety managers should ensure ladders are regularly checked for:

• Cracks
• Surface damage
• Loose components
• Damaged feet
• Worn hardware
• Contamination
• Signs of impact damage

Equipment showing signs of damage should be removed from service until it has been assessed in accordance with workplace procedures.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Access Equipment

Before selecting a ladder for a corrosive environment, consider the following:

✔ Will the ladder be exposed to chemicals?

✔ Is the workplace located near the ocean?

✔ Will it be stored outdoors?

✔ Is the ladder used daily?

✔ Are electrical hazards present?

✔ How often will inspections be carried out?

✔ What is the expected service life?

Answering these questions helps ensure the equipment is suitable for its intended application.

Industries Where Corrosion Resistance Matters

Choosing the right ladder is especially important for organisations operating in:

• Utilities
• Mining
• Rail
• Aviation
• Marine infrastructure
• Defence
• Water authorities
• Wastewater treatment
• Chemical manufacturing
• Oil and gas
• Food production

These industries often demand equipment capable of performing reliably under challenging environmental conditions.

Why Branach Designs for Demanding Environments

At Branach, we understand that industrial workplaces place unique demands on access equipment.

Our fibreglass ladders are engineered for industries where durability, safety and reliability are essential. Designed for challenging environments, they provide dependable performance in sectors such as utilities, rail, aviation, defence, mining and heavy industry.

By combining high-quality engineering with materials suited to harsh conditions, Branach helps organisations reduce maintenance demands while supporting safer work at height.

Final Thoughts

Corrosion is an ongoing challenge in many industrial workplaces, but its impact can be managed through informed equipment selection, routine inspections and proactive maintenance.

When choosing a ladder, don't focus solely on height or purchase price. Consider the environment it will operate in, the hazards workers face and the long-term performance required.

The right access equipment is an investment in worker safety, operational reliability and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can corrosion affect ladder safety?

Yes. Corrosion can weaken components, reduce structural integrity and shorten the service life of access equipment. Regular inspections are essential, particularly in harsh industrial environments.

Are fibreglass ladders suitable for corrosive environments?

Fibreglass is naturally resistant to corrosion caused by moisture and many industrial conditions, making it a popular choice for sectors such as utilities, water treatment, marine infrastructure and chemical processing.

How often should ladders be inspected in corrosive environments?

Inspection frequency should follow your organisation's safety procedures and relevant standards. Ladders used in harsh environments often require more frequent inspections due to increased exposure to damaging conditions.