FAQs

What makes Branach ladders unique?
Branach’s box section design makes the ladder much stronger and stiffer. It reduces sagging and swaying and provides a feeling of security while working on the ladder that must be experienced to be understood fully.
Why are Branach ladders so expensive?
Branach ladders are hand-crafted in small quantities by skilled technicians. Due to the many options and accessories available, each ladder is custom-built. There are very few efficiencies of scale. As many loyal customers who have been using Branach ladders for decades can attest, Branach ladders are the best value ladder one can buy. It is not unusual for ladders to be still in use after 20+ years. With proper care and timely repair (contact us for any spare part needs) Branach ladder will outlast just about any other ladder.
Is the fibreglass electrically safe?
The AC dielectric strength as per AS/NZ 1892.3.1996 quotes a minimum of 25kV. Actual test values are of the order of 70kV. Current breakage according to the standard must be less than 90mA. The actual current breakage obtained is of the order of 2 mA.
Are all Branach ladders corrosion-proof?
For harsh environments (offshore platforms, some mine sites and processing plants) Branach has developed a special corrosion-proof ladder series. These ladders differ from the standard range in that all metal parts are made from marine grade 316 stainless steel. The aluminium rungs are replaced by fibreglass rungs.
Can I use Branach ladders in a data centre?
Yes, Branach ladders have been in use in data centres for years. Due to the tight spaces for maintenance in data centres, a mix of platform ladders and Fall Control ladders are in use.
Are Branach ladders intrinsically safe?
Branach ladders are used in nuclear power plants, mines and other challenging environments. However, Branach does not have external certification for use where intrinsic safety is a requirement.
Can I use Branach ladders in food manufacturing?
Many food companies use Branach ladders in their daily operation or for maintenance. If chemical cleaning of the ladders is required, the best fit would be the Branach corrosion-proof series.
What is the safest ladder Branach produces?
All Branach ladders have electrically safe fibreglass rails (called stiles) and have the unique Branach box design that ensures minimal sagging and swaying. This is a safe option.
Most Branach extension and platform ladders can be equipped with TerrainMaster legs. The TerrainMaster legs stop the ladder from falling sideways and are adjustable to accommodate slopes in the terrain. It is a safer option than standard ladders without TerrainMaster legs.
The Fall control ladder has the TerrainMaster legs and additionally an integrated tethering kit, a rescue device and a lifeline to keep the ladder upright and the user on the ladder. This is by far the safest option.
What is the difference between a PowerMaster and Fall Control ladder?
Terrain Master legs – provides adaptability to sloping terrain and large feet for secure positioning.
Tethering kit – the tethers are integrated in the ladder for easy access and once attached to a pole or tethering point the ladder is secured against slipping and sideways falls.
Integrated lifeline – slips can happen. The user attaches the rope grab to his/her harness and ascends the ladder. The rope grab runs up and down freely, however, if the user slips the rope grab arrests the fall and the user can climb back onto the ladder.
Rescue device – the ladder has an integrated descender that allows an incapacitated user to be rescued by a second person from the ground.
Does the Fall Control ladder come with a rescue device?
The Fall Control ladder has an integrated lifeline that runs through a descender. The descender allows an incapacitated user to be rescued by a second person from the ground.
Do I need an anchor point for the tethering kit?
No, there is no requirement for a certified anchor point, however, an anchor point can be used if available. Any structure such as a power pole, fence post, tie-down ring on a truck or the Branach soft ground anchor kit will suffice. Please see the user instructions or contact us for questions regarding your specific application.
What advantage is there in using a portable step platform compared with the other access equipment?
The step platforms are generally inexpensive compared with most mechanical devices which people tend to hire rather than buy. Multiple hiring works out to be expensive.
Sometimes floor space access is a problem, you can’t always get a mechanical device into the space.
Compared to scaffold they are easy to erect. Carry or wheel the unit to the work and unfold it. No special certificates or qualifications are required to use or erect the platforms.
What is the tallest ladder Branach manufactures?
Contact us if you require a custom ladder.
Platform ladders start from 0.6m and go to 3.6m measure at platform height. Sizes increase in 300 mm increments and any size can be produced between 0.6m and 3.6m with 1.8m and 2.4m heights the most popular options.
Extension ladders start at 3.0m and go up to 9.8m. Standard lengths are 3.0m, 4.0m, 5.2m, 6.4m, 7.6m, 8.8m, 9.4m and 9.8m.
Single ladders are available at standard heights of 2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.8m, 5.5m 6.0m.
Can a Branach platform ladder be repaired?
The platforms have a modular build. All the major components, front section, rear section, platform, and struts are bolted together so any piece can be easily replaced. Further, the lower splayed legs are riveted to the main sections so they can be removed and replaced individually if damaged.
Does Branach ladders come with a warranty?
Yes, Three years on materials and workmanship.
Excluded is damage caused by mishandling, misadventure, transit damage (unless pre-delivery) etc. See the Branach Warranty document for details.
Are Branach ladders Australian Made?
100% Australian designed and manufactured.
Do Branach ladders comply with any standards?
In general, Branach ladders comply with the Standard for Portable Plastic ladders AS/NZS 1892.3 / ANSI 14.5 / EN131-1. See TDS for details.
Do I need a fall protection system or harness when working on a step platform?
No. The regulations require three points of contact be maintained at all times. This can be maintained as the user climbs or descends. Note: It also means you cannot safely climb or descend while carrying something that requires 2 hands.
This has implications when the platforms are used as order pickers. We recommend that anything that requires 2 hands be either passed down to someone or some other device is required to lower or elevate the goods.
Shouldn’t the climbing side of the step platform have a handrail to hold onto as you climb?
A handrail is not necessary. The pitch of the climbing side is such that the rail (or side) of the platform is the ideal distance away from the body of the user for the user to hold onto it as he/she climbs. A handrail would be too close to the user causing them to be cramped as they climb. There is no legal requirement for this type of handrail.
How high is the handrail above the platform?
900 mm as per the Australian standard.
Why the change from spring-loaded castors to manual castors after 1.8m?
Spring-loaded castors are used on the 0.6 to 1.8 m platform heights and not on the taller platforms because the spring force required to lift the larger platforms becomes too large and can result in the uncomfortable feeling of un-weighting the platform if the user leans out while on the platform. The manual castor system (lever-actuated) solves this problem.
Why can’t I have spring-loaded castors on the platform if I have a front split rail?
The front split rail is designed to allow the user to step off or onto the platform from another surface such as a truck tray. If the unit has spring-loaded castors, as the user steps on or off the platform the springs will activate the castors and the platform may roll away from the user. Manual castors can be fitted to these platforms if castors are required.
Can I have manually operated castors fitted on sizes below 1.8m?
We can fit the manual castors to any size of platform. The price is the same as the manual castors fitted to the larger platforms.
How do I choose the correct platform height?
Measure the height of the work area. This dimension is A.
Measure the height of the height of the user and deduct 0.3m. This dimension is B.
Height of the platform (C) = A – B
Example: Work area is 3.2m high (A). The user is 1.8m tall. Deduct 0.3m from 1.8 equals 1.5m (B).
Platform height required (C) = 3.2m – 1.5m = 1.7m. The closest standard platform is a 1.8m platform ladder.
Check that the users head will not hit the ceiling if there is one.
D – Measure the ceiling height
E – Measure the users height
Maximum platform height C = D – E
Choose the platform height which allows the user to stand erect without hitting his or her head.
What is the maximum load for Branach ladders?
Branach ladders have the highest load ratings available in Australia. 160kg rating for the 3.0m to the 7.6 m, 150kg for 8.8m, 140 kg for 9.4 and 120kg for the 9.8.
The load rating reduction in the larger sizes is due to the deflection criteria in the Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1892.3 1996. The longer ladders will support 160kg but deflect beyond the criteria in the standard when under load.
What is a Branach latch?
The latch, also known as the clutch, engages the upper or fly section on the lower or base section when the ladder is extended. The customer can choose between the “Branach” latch which sits at the top of the base section and allows the fly section to pass through it or a “conventional” latch which is the older style of latch.
The Branach latch is preferred by many for its ease of use. The fly ratchets through the latch and locks when tension is released from the haul rope. To lower the fly, the rope is placed under a tab at the side of the latch and tension disengages the latch allowing the fly section to be lowered. One hand is generally free to stabilize the ladder.
The conventional latch is attached to the lower end of the fly section and travels with it over the base section rungs. The conventional latch was preferred by many who are used to its operation, especially in the Power industry where traditions change slowly. However, even these companies are moving to the superior Branach latch. Prices are the same for both latch options.
What is the difference between a Branach latch and a conventional latch?
Branach designed by Branach –with the operators’ safety in mind.
The Branach latch is Black, and located toward the top of the ladder & provides additional safety as the rope system is designed to always run down the side of the ladder – it never intrudes into the climbing path.
The Conventional latch is as the name suggests the traditional latch used on extension ladders around the world.
It’s Silver and located at the base of the ladder. The Haul rope is connected to the latch. As the ladder is extended the rope can move into the climbing path.
Can you produce a custom ladder for my unique requirements?
Branach loves nothing more than working closely with our customers to solve their working-at-height challenges. After assessing the situation our engineers can recommend a solution, including the development of a custom ladder. We have developed custom ladders for customers in the mining, water, manufacturing, oil & gas and infrastructure/construction industries.