General FAQ
What information is needed to get an accurate quote?
Here are some examples of questions we might ask when providing a quote on LifeLadders®:
- How many ladders do you need? Higher volume = Discounts
- What length of ladders do you need? LifeLadders® come in modules of 30 cm. They shall project down to 1,0 m below the lowest water level to be
expected. - Do you want LightUnits for your LifeLadders®?
- Do you prefer to install ladders with or without handholds?
- When would you need the LifeLadders® delivered?
To better help you, we might ask additional questions:
- What is the construction of your quay? Do you have challenges with unsupported lower part of ladders?
- How many and what kind of ladders do you have today?
- Are your current ladders installed in niches or protected by fenders?
- How many ladders do you replace every year?
- What is the estimated lifetime for your current ladders?
Please feel free to contact us with any inquiry.
Construction
How is the LifeLadder® constructed?
Yellow modules of reinforced polyamide (PA6IM GF30) are tied together by static ropes of Dyneema® fibers (Ø5 mm, SK78, Breaking strength >2,0 t) and held apart by rubber spacers (EPDM Shore A85), resulting in a stiff yet slightly flexible construction, perfect for climbing.
What is the expected lifetime of a LifeLadder®?
The lifetime of a LifeLadder® is expected to be +20 years.
The Danish Technological Institute, the plastic manufacturer and the plastic compound supplier have assisted in validating this lifetime expectancy.
Traditional galvanized steel ladders typically have a lifetime of approximately 12-18 years, depending on salinity etc. in the environment.
How low temperatures can the LifeLadder® withstand?
The materials used in the LifeLadder® construction will endure temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F).
Is the LifeLadder® UV resistant?
The UV weathering resistance of the color is 6,5 on a 1-8 scale, which is very high for a highly visible bright color. Should the color change over time from exposure to sunlight, it will fade slightly towards white and remain visible against the darker waterfront.
Will the ropes stretch over time, resulting in a loose construction?
No. The ropes of Dyneema® fibres are static and will not stretch. During assembly of a LifeLadder®, knots and splices on the ropes will tighten, creating a bit of excess rope. Please follow the Assembly Guide for optimum assembly.
Will a module break if ice builds up inside it?
Freeze tests show that ice inside the modules will not cause the plastic to break.
Will marine growth affect the LifeLadder®?
Marine growth is expected to have same impact as on ladders of other materials. LifeLadder®’s visibility will be maintained above water, continuously providing a superior level of safety.
Would the components of the LifeLadder® float or sink if the ladder breaks up?
The Modules and Spacers will sink, avoiding damages to ship screws.
Can the ladder components be recycled?
Yes.
Could the spacers be swallowed by children or fish?
Due to their size (4x4x4 cm), the spacers do not pose a risk of being swallowed.
Will the ropes deteriorate or rot in seawater, causing pollution or environmental problems?
No. The ropes are of Dyneema® SK78, developed for marine and off shore environments and are used worldwide for fishfarms, mooring of large vessels etc.
Dyneema® is a super-strong fiber made from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE).
Could the components degrade in the water causing damage to water purity or marine life?
Despite the long lifetime of +20 years, the components of the LifeLadder® will eventually degrade.
Installation
Where can the LifeLadder® be installed?
The LifeLadder® can be installed on almost any waterfront structure of wood, concrete, stone, sheet pile, etc. It can also be mounted on pontoons and bridges.
Who installs the LifeLadders®?
Most of our customers prefer to handle the installation of LifeLadders® themselves or leave the installation process to an external maintenance team.
We at Port-Safety do not perform installations, but we will be happy to help you get in contact with a professional installation team.
What should I know when installing a LifeLadder®?
Assembly and Installation guides are included with the LifeLadders®.
Please contact us if you have any questions before or during installation.
How is the ladder attached to the quay wall?
The bracket for mounting is made from 316 stainless steel. Bolts are not included, as they depend on the material of the quay wall. The bracket is prepared with extra holes for the bolts to allow flexibility in the mounting.
Will the Brackets cause galvanic corrosion if installed on a steel structure?
No. galvanic corrosion is expected as the surface of the 316 A4 stainless steel Brackets (cathode) is very small in comparison to the steel surface of the sheet pile quay (anode).
Please refer to the report of EuroInox, page 8 pt. 3.4: Stainless Steel in Contact with Other Metallic Materials
What is the maximum acceptable distance from the lowest bracket to the lowest tidal level?
The recommended maximum distance of unsupported lower end of LifeLadder® is 1,6 meters. The LifeLadder® should go 1,0 meter below lowest tide, making distance from the lowest bracket to the water surface at lowest tide 0,6 meters.
LightUnit
How does the LightUnit work?
At night, the LightUnit’s two LEDs illuminate the rungs and side rails of the ladder, providing a clear direction to safety. To download a Technical Data Sheet on the LightUnit, click below.
Are there different LightUnit versions?
Yes, we offer two versions: Solar Powered and Grid Powered. The Solar Powered version functions autonomously without connection to the power grid. It can be installed in most locations where it receives sunlight.
The Grid Powered version must be connected to the power grid. It is the best choice in dark/shady locations and in geographies with long winters.
Will the Solar Powered LightUnit function during winter time?
The Solar Powered LightUnit is designed to function all year round up to 60°N, as long as the solar panel is in a fully exposed position with no disturbing shadows from buildings, trees etc. A built-in algorithm optimizes energy consumption by adjusting the light level dynamically.
Ice or dirt covers the solar panel. Will the LightUnit function?
A partly covered solar panel will result in a reduced ability to charge the battery. If a solar panel is completely prevented from receiving sunlight, the batteries will not be charged. The LightUnit will continue functioning until the energy stored in the battery is used up.
Does the LightUnit require maintenance?
No. The LightUnit is an autonomous system that needs no taken care of. In dirty environments, the solar panel may need occasional cleaning. Expected Battery lifetime is 10 years
Can a person stand on the LightUnit?
Yes. The LightUnit is made of reinforced polyamide and the solar panel is made of hardened glass – designed to withstand the weight of a person.
Is the LightUnit slippery?
The solar panel’s smooth glass surface is enclosed by a protruding anti-slip frame of reinforced plastic.
Is the LightUnit waterproof?
Yes. The LightUnit is waterproof rated IP68. The transparent lid is equipped with an IP68-rated valve that ensures pressure equalization in the electronics compartment.
Is the LightUnit certified?
The LightUnit is CE-marked and is currently undergoing TÜV-certification.
Design
Where is the LifeLadder® made?
The LifeLadder® is Danish Design, manufactured in Denmark.
Can I get my LifeLadder® in another color?
The plastic resin is colored during production. The standard yellow color (RAL 1016) is chosen for its great visibility even in low light conditions. Color customization is an option that we can offer at an additional charge. Please contact us for further information.
How does LifeLadder® prevent slipping?
The rungs are designed for anti-slip: The profile of the LifeLadder® rung combines the traditional shape of a steel ladder’s tilted square shaped rung profile with a more ergonomic circular shaped profile.
Damages
What possible mechanical damages could I expect?
Should a LifeLadder® be impacted by e.g. a vessel, one or more plastic parts might break and should be replaced. The intact plastic parts of the LifeLadder® can be reused. Broken parts can be recycled.
Will damages be visible?
Yes. The ropes inside the LifeLadders® are made of Dyneema® fibers and are very strong (Breaking strength >2.0 t).
The ladder’s plastic parts will break before the ropes do, and thus will any damages be visible and easy to inspect.
My LifeLadder® is damaged. What do I do?
If your LifeLadder® has been damaged, the broken part(s) should be replaced: You will need a Repair Set. Please contact us with a description of the length of the broken ladder, and we will help you acquire a suitable Repair Set.
What is in a Repair Set?
1x Module, 4x Tightening Mechanism, 4x Rope with Top-plug, 1x Splice Needle.
Please indicate the length of the broken LifeLadder® when ordering a Repair Set.
How to repair a LifeLadder®?
Loosen the Clamps and pull the LifeLadder® up on the quay.
If you have a Repair Set, you are ready to perform the repair.
Repair time is around 15 minutes, depending on the length of LifeLadder®.
Rules & Recommendations
Is the LifeLadder® design based on a set of rules?
Yes. LifeLadder® is designed to comply with European Standard EN 14329. This standard applies for all 34 CEN member countries including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
What does the International Standards say about safety ladders?
European Standard EN 14329 recommends safety ladders to be installed no more than 30 m apart. EN 14329 also describes the recommended dimensions of a safety ladder, which LifeLadder® of course complies with. The design meets the EN14329 and ILO recommendations for Safety and Health in Ports; among others 40 cm wide rungs and minimum 15 cm from mid rung to quay wall.