Flexible sided ladders

Made in the UK for over 40 years

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What are flexible sided ladders...

Originally developed for cavers, Lyon flexible sided

ladders are now widely used in:

• Eventsrigging(accesstolightingtrusses)

• Theatres

• Confinedspacesiloaccess

(includingcleaningglasscoatedvessels)

• Manholeandseweraccess

• Marine/pleasureboats

• Military

• Climbingwalls(trainingaids)

Lyon flexible sided ladders...

• Providecosteffectivetemporaryaccess

• Arelightandeasytotransport

• Arequicktorig

• Canbeusedinconfinedspaces

• Canbejoinedtoincreaselength(exclFibrelight)

• Requireminimaltrainingbeforeuse

Lyon Equipment is the leading manufacturer of flexible sided

ladders. Our expertise draws on over 40 years experience of

ladder production. Made in the UK and supplied worldwide, our

handmade high quality ladders are used extensively in industry and

for outdoors sports.

Lyon Equipment flexible sided ladders

Please Note:Flexible sided ladders and their accessories are not Personal Protective Equipment.Flexible sided ladders must always be used with a separate fall protection system.Flexible sided ladders are not suitable for emergency escapes. It is extremely difficult to use these ladders safely if you are in any way incapacitated.

Flexible sided ladders have rigid rungs and flexible sides - normally

made from polyester or wire rope. Plainly, this means that unlike a

rigid sided ladder, they must be suspended from a fixed point rather

than leant against a structure, but it also means they can be rolled

for transport or storage - they weigh much less than a rigid sided

ladder of similar length and can be used in confined locations where

conventional ladders could not be deployed.

Ladder construction

Lyon Equipment can produce ladders to suit individual needs and

environments. To achieve this, we offer a choice of rung types, side materials

and connections.

RUNg TyPEs

Used on regular and lightweight ladders. Available in 2

diameters - 12.5mm (compact ladders only) and 25mm (wide

rung only).

For low visibility in military, security or theatrical applications.

The additional protection from corrosion given by the anodising

process makes these rungs more suitable for use in corrosive

environments such as marine facilities and chemical plants.

Available in 2 diameters -12.5mm (compact ladders only) and

25mm (wide rung only).

Knurled finish for extra grip (compact ladder only)

Chunky rungs which are easier to grip. GRP (Glass reinforced

Plastic) rungs also have the advantage that they are least likely

to scratch any surface they contact.

sidE MaTERiaLs

Galvanised steel wire rope Used on regular ladders (4mm) and lightweight ladders (3mm)

galvanised wire rope is ideal for most applications offering high

strength and durability.

Stainless steel wire rope Where a corrosive atmosphere might reduce the life span

of galvanised wire rope, this stainless steel wire rope gives

additional strength and durability.

Polyester rope 8mm rope for use on Wide rung GRP ladders only. May be

suitable for use in environments where electric shock

is a risk.

Aluminium alloy - plain

Aluminium alloy -

black anodised

High grip knurled

High grip 34mm fluted GRP

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COMPaCT

general purpose ladders, for applications

such as manhole entry, access to lighting

truss and sport caving.

Made from aluminium alloy rungs and flexible wire

rope sides, COMPACT ladders are 150mm wide

(wide enough for one foot) and are ideal when

you need to keep weight down without reducing

loading capacity.

COMPaCT ladders come in two versions:

Regular – the most popular style – durable and

versatile. Recommended for frequent use.

Uses 4mm wire.

Lightweight – for situations where weight is more

important than durability. Only recommended for

infrequent use. Uses 3mm wire.

and with three rung options:

Plain alloy rung – self-coloured alloy rung. The

standard for most applications.

Black anodised rung – fitted on stainless steel

wire rope sides – for where corrosion is a risk i.e.

marine environments. Also useful for theatres and

military applications where a less bright finish is

required. (Regular ladder only)

Black High grip rung – as above, but with a

knurled finish for better grip. (Regular ladder only)

Key COMPaCT features:

• Compactdesignallowseasystorageandtransport

• Availableintwoversions

• Availablewiththreedifferentrungoptions

• Choiceoftworungspacings–25or30cm

• 5or10metresstandardlengths

• Lengthsofupto20metrestospecialorder

• Easilyjoinedtogetherifnecessary

Lyon Equipment produce flexible sided ladders in a choice of three basic styles:COMPaCT, WidE and FiBRELigHT

WidE

Easy to handle ladders, for applications

such as silo access for inspection and

cleaning and for use over sloping structures

(such as vessels).

Wide ladders are made from either aluminium alloy

or glass reinforced plastic (GRP) rungs with flexible

wire or textile rope sides, WIDE ladders are 270mm

wide allowing the climber to place both feet on one

rung.

WidE ladders are only manufactured in one

version:

Regular - This specification is durable and versatile,

ideal for the intended use.

WidE ladders are available with

four rung options:

Plain alloy rung – self-coloured alloy rung, the

standard for most applications.

Black anodised rung – fitted on stainless

steel wire rope sides – for where corrosion is a

risk i.e. marine environments. Also useful for

theatres and military applications where a less bright

finish is required.

gRP wire – Glass reinforced plastic rungs with

stainless steel wire rope sides – easy to clean, used

by the food and pharmaceutical industries.

gRP rope – Glass reinforced plastic rungs with

polyester rope sides – may be more suitable where

electric shock is a potential hazard. Heavily fluted

rungs are easier to grip, so this ladder is better for

muddy / slippery environments

Key WidE features:

• Wideenoughtofitbothfeetsidebyside

• Largediameterrungsaremoreeasytohandle

andmorecomfortabletostandon

• Easycleanmaterialsoptions

• Availablewithfourdifferentrungoptions

• Choiceoftworungspacings–25or30cm

• Madetoorderinlengthsofupto15metres

Connections

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Key features:

• Easytorig

• Compactforeasystorage

• Nonmetallicladder–

nopartstocorrode

• Completewithbagand

stainlesssteelconnector

• LighterthanourCompactor

WideRungladders

• Canbeorderedbythemetre

(upto20metres)

• 30cmrungspacing

• Black,yellowandredtapeavailable

NOTE: For lightweight use only. For heavy and / or regular use, we recommend our Compact or Wide Rung ladders.

Ladder length Weight

5m 1.18kg

10m 2.35kg

15m 3.53kg

20m 4.70kg

WEigHTs

(Including bag and Maillon Rapide connector)

FiBRELigHT

Wide enough for a single foot, these

specialist ladders are lightweight, and make

virtually no noise when deployed. They are

an alternative to wire sided or wooden rope

ladders. Constructed from textile sides and

carbon fibre rungs they are ideally suited to

wet environments.

Ladder type Rung Sides

Dia (mm)

Width (mm)

Material Material Max rated load

Rung spacing

Fibrelight 10 150 Solid carbon fibre rods inside a polyester tape sleeve

20 mm wide polyester tape 120 kg 30cm

FiBRELigHT LaddER sPECiFiCaTiONs

JOiNiNg FiBRELigHT LaddERs

Standard Fibrelight ladders are supplied with a

single anchor point and Maillon Rapide at the head

making them unsuitable for connection to increase

the length. Fibrelight ladders are always made to

customers specified lengths. If you require Fibrelight

ladders which can be joined, please call.

LaddER LENgTH

We usually make ladders of either 5m or 10m lengths but can make longer on

request. If ladders will be de-rigged for transport or storage, or if there is a risk

of damage, it is usually better to join several shorter lengths rather than use one

continuous unit. By selecting one of the connecting options it is possible to make a

continuous ladder with even rung spacing across the joints.

CONNECTiON OPTiONs

If two or more ladders are to be joined, use of one of the following connection

methods will ensure that spacing between rungs is consistent across the join.

swaged eyelets only

Unless specified, ladders will be supplied with a swaged eyelet on the end of each

side wire. They can then be connected with a removable Maillon Rapide. (See

accessories section).

• MaillonRapidesarelightweightscrew-linkconnectorswithhighstrength

• MaillonRapidesareeasilyfittedorreplacedbytheuser

swaged eyelets and fixed C-Links

• Permanentlyfixedtotheladderduringmanufacturetopreventloss.Requestatthe

timeoforderingasthesecannotbefittedaftermanufacture

• Easytoconnecttogether,evenwithcoldwethands

• Lightweight–recommendedforsportcavinguseonly

• ForuseonCOMPACTREGULARandCOMPACTLIGHTWEIGHTladdersonly

‘Eyelet’ Maillon Rapides

• Lightweightscrew-linkconnectorswithhighstrength

• Permanentlyfixedtotheladderduringmanufacturetopreventloss.Requestatthe

timeoforderingasthesecannotbefittedaftermanufacture

• Idealforindustrialuse,canbeusedonmanytypesofanchor

NOTE: Eyelet Maillon Rapides are only available in galvanised steel and are not suitable for ladders with stainless steel wire or rope sides.

Maillon Rapide connectorMaillon Rapide connectors can be used to connect ladders supplied with swaged eyes.

gRP LaddersUnless requested eyes are not fitted to the bottom.

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Fixing Compact ladders to anchor points

Fixing Wide ladders to anchor points

Wire ladder attachment strop

accessories

Ladders can be suspended from a wide variety of anchor points. One important point to note is that, to reduce wear and excessive loading, the wire sides must not be distorted beyond an angle of 20º from vertical.

y sPREadERs

If a ladder will be fixed to a single

point, a Y spreader should be used.

Y spreaders are available in

4 different types to match ladder

connection types.

The length from the top rung to the eye is always

300mm - Wide spreaders not required.

sTORagE & RaPid

dEPLOyMENT POUCH

Allows ladders to be stored

at the point of use ready for

immediate deployment.

sTaNd OFFs

Suitable for GRP fluted rung

ladders only, this item keeps

ladders away from a wall

allowing easier climbing. A

pair of stand offs is applied to

every third rung of the ladder

for vertical hangs. More maybe

required if the ladder rests on an

inclined/curved surface.

Code Description Connector

LO 4 4mm galvanised spreader with swaged eyes Swaged eyes

LM 4 4mm galvanised spreader with eyelet Maillon Rapide Maillon Rapide

LC 4 4mm galvanised spreader with C-links C-links

LO 4YS 4mm s/steel spreader with swaged eyes Swaged eyes

4mm wire code Length Termination Breaking Load (kN)

LO 41 1m Swaged eyes 10

LO 415 1.5m

LO 42 2m

LO 43 3m

LC 41 1m C-links 2.5

LC 415 1.5m

LC 42 2m

LC 43 3m

A B C

Testing and specifications

Ladder type Rung Sides Breaking Loads (kN) Weight (kg) per 10m length‡

Dia (mm)

Width (mm)

Material A Rungs

B Slip

C Side

25cm spacing

30cm spacing

Compact Regular 12.5 150 Dural aluminium alloy 4mm 7x19 galvanised steel wire rope 2 4 10 2.6 2.4

Compact Lightweight 12.5 150 Dural aluminium alloy 3mm 7x7 galvanised steel wire rope 2 4 6 2.0 1.8

Compact Black Rung 12.5 150 Black anodised Dural aluminium alloy 4mm 7x19 316 stainless steel wire rope 2 4 10 2.6 2.4

Wide Regular 25 270 Dural aluminium alloy 4mm 7x19 galvanised steel wire rope 5 8 10 7.5 6.2

Wide Black Rung 25 270 Black anodised Dural aluminium alloy 4mm 7x19 316 stainless steel wire rope 5 8 10 7.5 6.2

GRP Wire 34 270 Fluted glass reinforced plastic (GRP) 4mm 7x19 316 stainless steel wire rope 5 5 10 9.5 8.0

GRP Rope 34 270 Fluted glass reinforced plastic (GRP) 8mm braided polyester rope 5 5 8 N/A 10.6

Ladder specifications

TestingIn order to determine the breaking loads, sample

ladders were tested to destruction.

a - RUNg BENdiNg LOad

This test simulates the load of hands or feet.

Connections narrower than 18mm may result in

lower values being achieved. This is the reason why

karabiners, slings and ropes should not be used to

suspend loads or climbers from rungs.

The figure we state is the point beyond which the

rung will bend. It is worth noting that the rung will

not break at the figure quoted - it deforms, and can

still be climbed, but the ladder must be retired.

B - RUNg sLiPPagE

Another key loading limit is reached when rung

slippage occurs. This is the point at which rungs slip

along the wire sides. Our tests indicate the earliest

stage at which this may occur. In the event of rung

slippage the ladder must be retired.

C - WiRE sidE BREaKagE

Side wires are tested independently to

produce figure C.

WiRE LaddER

aTTaCHMENT sTROP

Wire ladder attachment

strop can be used to achieve

a suitable anchor when

wrapped around fixed

structures.

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Ladder ordering information

We have a range of ‘off the shelf ’ ladders available.

To order a tailor made Compact or Wide ladder the

following information will help you.

Codes for our COMPACT and WIDE ladders are made

up of several parts, which signify the various features of

the ladder.

Example: Ordering an LO 4 10 25 SA will give you a

COMPACT BLACK RUNG ladder with 4mm stainless

steel wire rope sides, swaged eye ends, 10m long with

25cm black anodised rungs.

Speak to your stockist to discuss your exact

requirements.

Example:

LO 4 10 25 SA

Extra information about ladder:

SA = anodised rungs/stainless steel wire rope

WA = wide alloy rungs

WSA = wide anodised rungs/stainless steel wire rope

WG = wide glass fibre rungs

HG = High Grip

Rung Spacing: 25 or 30cm

Ladder length: standard lengths are 5 & 10 metres

Diameter of sides: 3mm or 4mm wire rope, or 8mm polyester rope

Ladder terminations: LO = swaged eye with thimble

LM = swaged eye with thimble plus Maillon Rapide (screw link terminator)

LC = swaged eye with thimble plus ‘C’ link

international Ladder stockists

ORdERiNg iNFORMaTiON

All flexible ladders manufactured by Lyon Equipment

Limited are available through selected stockists

throughout the UK.

Please go to our Stockists page on our website to

see a complete list of Lyon ladder stockists.

If you wish to buy ladders outside the UK please

contact us directly at work.rescue@lyon.co.uk or

through our international stockist list.

Lyon Equipment office hours are:

Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm

Friday 9am - 1pm

www.lyon.co.uk/stockists

Lyon Equipment LimitedJunction 38, M6, Tebay, Cumbria, CA10 3SS, UKTel +44(0)15396 26250, Fax +44(0)15396 24857Email work.rescue@lyon.co.uk

www.lyon.co.ukMarch 2011