Preface
This is the third edition of CSA Standard Z11, Portable Ladders, (now designated CAN3-Z11). It supersedes CSA Standard Z11-1969, Supplement No. 1 to the 1969 edition published in 1976, and the CSA Tentative Standard Z11-T published in 1967.
In compiling this Standard, the Committee reviewed other existing Standards for ladders and has incorporated those parts that are considered to be desirable.
This edition differs mainly from the previous edition in that all ladders, regardless of the material of construction must meet the same design and performance requirements. Detailed design requirements have been developed for each kind of ladder (e.g., step ladder, extension ladder, etc.) and performance requirements are separated into two groups:
Group 1
single ladders;
extension ladders; and
combination ladders;
Group 2
step ladders;
trestle ladders;
extension trestle ladders;
platform ladders;
step stools; and
combination ladders.
Also included, is an extensive list of safety cautions in words and symbols and two Appendices dealing with proper selection, use, and maintenance of ladders for the average user.
This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Portable Ladders under the jurisdiction of the Standards Steering Committee on Occupational Protective Equipment and Products and was formally approved by these Committees. This Standard has been approved as a National Standard by the Standards Council of Canada.
Scope
1.1
This Standard applies to common types of portable ladders and includes design and performance-related requirements and tests. Guidelines for proper use and care of ladders are included as Appendices A and B.
1.2
Ladders covered by this Standard are intended for use by only one person at a time under normal conditions of usage, excepting only trestle ladders designed for use by two persons at the same time.
1.3
It is not the purpose of this Standard to specify details of design and construction of portable ladders. The requirements listed herein are intended to specify certain minimum characteristics of strength and stability deemed necessary for the safe use of portable ladders.
1.4
This Standard covers single-section ladders, multiple-section, and combination ladders but does not cover special-purpose ladders or ladder accessories such as ladder levelers, ladder stabilizers or stand-off devices, ladder jacks, or ladder straps or hooks, that may be installed on, or used in conjunction with ladders.
1.5
Metric units of measurement in this Standard are in accordance with the International System of Units (SI). If a value for measurement as given in this Standard is followed by an equivalent value in other units, the first stated is to be regarded as the requirement. A given equivalent value may be approximate.
