Angled Fixed Ladders

Easier Climbing Access for Roofs, Platforms, and Equipment Areas

Angled fixed ladders, often referred to as ship ladders, provide a more comfortable climbing angle than a straight vertical ladder while using less space than a full stair system. They are commonly used for rooftop access, equipment platforms, mezzanines, and maintenance areas where workers need safer, more practical access between elevations.

Safety note: Angled ladders can make access easier, but the safest solution depends on the landing conditions, roof edge exposure, available space, and how workers step on and off the ladder. CH Bull can help evaluate the full access point, not just the ladder.

ship ladders

Compare Angled Fixed Ladder Options

Compare angled ladder systems designed for safer, more comfortable access to roofs, platforms, equipment, and elevated work areas.

Kattsafe RL20-RL25 Angled Fixed Ladders

kattsafe-angled-fixed-ladder

Best For: Rooftop-to-rooftop access, loading dock access, and shorter elevation changes.

Highlights:

  • Fixed 75-degree angle
  • Aluminum construction
  • Used for heights up to 16 ft.
  • Grab rail and platform options
  • Designed for OSHA compliance

ErectaStep angled ship ladders

ErectaStep Ship Ladders

Best For: Industrial access where stairs take up too much space.

Highlights:

  • Aluminum construction
  • Prefabricated modular design
  • OSHA-compliant configuration options
  • Bolt-together installation
  • Good fit for maintenance platforms
  • Powder-coated handrails

Wildeck angled ship ladders

Wildeck Ships Ladders

Best For: Heavy-duty industrial platform and facility access.

Highlights:

  • Welded steel construction
  • 65° to 75° angle options
  • Diamond plate steps
  • Optional safety grate treads
  • Hot-dip galvanized option

Not sure which angled ladder fits your facility?

Tell us the access height, available floor space, landing conditions, and how often the ladder will be used. We’ll help you choose the right option.

How to Choose an Angled Fixed Ladder

The right angled ladder depends on the climb height, available space, frequency of use, and how workers will step on and off the ladder.

1

Climbing Angle

Angled ladders are easier to climb than vertical ladders, but the angle must match the application and available space.

2

Available Space

Ship ladders require more room than vertical ladders but less space than a standard stair system.

3

Access Height

Shorter roof, platform, and equipment access points may be good candidates for angled ladder systems.

4

Landing Safety

The top and bottom landing areas should provide enough clearance, handholds, and protection for safe access.

Quick Comparison Guide

Use this table as a starting point to compare angled fixed ladder options. CH Bull can help confirm which system fits your access height, available space, and safety requirements.

SolutionBest ForMaterialBest-Fit Application
Kattsafe RL20Rooftop access, loading dock access, and shorter elevation changesAluminumShorter elevation changes
ErectaStep Ship LadderTight industrial access and maintenance platformsAluminumModular access where stairs do not fit
Wildeck Ship LadderHeavy-traffic areas, daily use, and fabricated work platformsSteelHeavy-duty industrial access

Need help evaluating an angled ladder application?

CH Bull can assess access height, floor space, landing conditions, and safety requirements to recommend the right ladder system.

Common Questions

An angled fixed ladder is a good option when workers need more comfortable access than a vertical ladder provides, but there is not enough room for a full stair system. They are often used for roofs, platforms, mezzanines, and equipment access.

A vertical fixed ladder goes straight up and takes up less space. An angled ladder is installed at a slope, which makes it easier to climb but requires more floor space.

Yes. Because the ladder is set at an angle, workers are not climbing straight up against the ladder. This can reduce strain and make access more comfortable, especially when the ladder is used frequently.

Personal fall protection is not typically required simply because someone is climbing an angled ladder. However, fall protection may be required if the ladder leads to a roof, platform, mezzanine, or other elevated area with an exposed edge.

Yes. Angled ladders can be used for roof access, but the transition at the top must be evaluated. Guardrails, swing gates, grab rails, roof hatches, and landing platforms may be needed depending on the application.

If the access point will be used frequently, stairs may be the better option. If space is limited and the access point is primarily for maintenance, an angled ladder or ship ladder may provide a more practical solution.

Consider access height, available space, climbing angle, frequency of use, landing clearance, worker exposure, and whether the ladder connects to a roof edge, platform, or equipment area.

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Safer Access Starts With the Right Angle

An angled fixed ladder can make elevated access easier, but the safest solution depends on the climb height, available space, landing conditions, and how often workers use the ladder. CH Bull can help evaluate your access point and recommend the right ladder system for your facility.

Or call us directly 800-871-8440