Cat ladders are fixed access ladders designed to provide safe, permanent access to roofs, plant areas and elevated working platforms. At DGScott, we specialise in the design, fabrication and installation of custom cat ladders built to meet UK safety standards and site-specific requirements.
Unlike temporary roof ladders sold through trade suppliers, our cat ladders are engineered, structural access systems manufactured in the UK for long-term use. They are commonly installed in commercial buildings, industrial units, warehouses, schools and public sector sites where safe maintenance access is required.
What is a Cat Ladder?
A cat ladder is a fixed vertical access ladder permanently attached to a building or structure to provide safe access to elevated areas.
Cat ladders are typically used for:
- Roof access
- Plant and machinery access
- Maintenance and inspection routes
- Access between different roof levels
Structural features may include:
- Fixed vertical ladder sections
- Safety hoops or cages
- Guardrails at roof level
- Landing platforms
- Walkways for safe transition
It is important to distinguish fixed cat ladders from portable roof ladders, which are temporary and designed for short-term use. DGScott manufactures permanent, professional-grade fixed access ladders that form part of a building’s long-term access and safety strategy.
Applications and Use Cases
Cat ladders are installed across a wide range of sectors. Typical applications include:
- Commercial office buildings – roof maintenance access
- Industrial sites and factories – plant room access and elevated machinery
- Warehouses and distribution centres – inspection routes
- Schools, colleges and public buildings – controlled maintenance access
- Agricultural and rural buildings – access to grain stores or plant
- Flat roofs and pitched roofs – safe roof level entry
- Multi-level roof structures – transitions between height changes
Specifying the correct fixed access ladder ensures maintenance staff and contractors can work safely while reducing reliance on temporary access equipment.
Cat Ladder Types and Features
Fixed Vertical Cat Ladders
Fixed vertical cat ladders provide permanent access between ground level and roof or plant areas.
- Suitable for single or multi-level access
- Manufactured to required height
- Designed with correct rung spacing and clearances
- Securely fixed to structural elements
They are the most specified solution for roof access ladders.
Hooped Cat Ladders
Hooped cat ladders incorporate a safety cage around the climbing section.
- Designed to provide fall protection
- Typically required once ladder height exceeds certain thresholds under UK standards
- Manufactured in accordance with BS EN ISO 14122 guidance
Where fall risk assessment determines additional protection is required, hooped ladders provide an added layer of safety.
Cat Ladders with Guardrails and Platforms
Where access transitions from ladder to roof or between levels, landing platforms and guardrails are often required.
- Intermediate rest platforms
- Roof edge guardrails
- Safe step-through exit design
- Compliant transition from ladder to walking surface
These features are particularly important for commercial and industrial buildings with regular maintenance access.
Fold-down or retractable cat ladders
In areas with limited space or where access needs to be restricted, fold-down or retractable ladders may be considered.
- Suitable for controlled environments
- Space-saving design
- Less common than fixed systems but available where required
Custom-built cat ladders
All DGScott cat ladders can be custom-fabricated to suit:
- Exact building height
- Wall structure and fixing requirements
- Required width and rung specification
- Safety features and platform integration
- Architectural and finish preferences
Each ladder is designed to integrate cleanly with the building structure.
Materials and Finishes
Steel Cat Ladders
Steel cat ladders provide:
- High structural strength
- Robust performance in industrial environments
- Excellent load-bearing capacity
Steel is often selected where maximum durability and impact resistance are required.
Galvanised Finish
Hot dip galvanising provides long-term protection against rust and corrosion.
- Suitable for external use
- Widely specified for exposed industrial environments
- Low-maintenance finish
Powder Coated Finish
Powder coating offers:
- Choice of RAL colours
- Additional protective layer
- Suitable for architectural or branded environments
This finish is commonly used where appearance and integration with building aesthetics are important.
Safety Features and Compliance
Safety is central to the design of any fixed access ladder.
DGScott cat ladders are designed in line with BS EN ISO 14122 standards for fixed access to machinery and elevated areas.
Key safety considerations include:
- Correct rung spacing and slip-resistant rungs
- Adequate clearance behind the ladder
- Proper wall bracket spacing
- Guardrails at roof edge
- Safety cages where required
- Landing platforms for extended climbs
- Secure anchorage and fixing points
- Safe exit and entry configuration
- Optional anti-climb panels to prevent unauthorised access
Unlike many portable ladder suppliers, we assess structural integration, load requirements and risk mitigation during the design stage.
Customisation and Technical Specifications
Each cat ladder can be manufactured to meet site-specific requirements.
Customisation options include:
- Made-to-measure height
- Width options
- Hooped or unhooped configuration
- Intermediate landing platforms
- Guardrails and handrails
- Top exit step-through design
- Bottom entry configuration
- Wall brackets and stand-off supports
- Anti-climb protection panels
- Load rating and structural performance considerations
- Weather-resistant finishes
We ensure the ladder is engineered to suit both building structure and maintenance needs.
Our Design, Fabrication and Installation Process
1. Consultation and Site Assessment
We assess:
- Access point location
- Roof type and structure
- Height and clearance
- Fixing substrate
- Safety requirements
Site measurement ensures accurate fabrication.
2. Design and Engineering
We produce ladder layouts or drawings where required and ensure compliance with UK safety standards. Materials and finishes are confirmed at this stage.
3. Fabrication
Cat ladders are fabricated in the UK by skilled engineers.
- Precision cutting and welding
- Quality control checks
- Finish application (galvanising or powder coating)
4. Installation
Installation includes:
- Secure fixing to structural elements
- Alignment and level checks
- Safety inspection
- Handover guidance and maintenance advice
Benefits of Choosing a Custom Cat Ladder from DG Scott
- Built to exact height and width
- Designed around your building
- Compliant with UK safety standards
- Manufactured in the UK
- Durable, weather-resistant materials
- Long-term fixed solution
- Safer alternative to temporary access equipment
Costs and What Affects Pricing
Cat ladder pricing depends on:
- Overall height
- Ladder width
- Hooped or non-hooped design
- Material choice
- Galvanised or powder-coated finish
- Landing platforms and guardrails
- Installation complexity
- Fixing and bracket requirements
- Site access and transport considerations
For accurate pricing, a site survey or detailed measurements are recommended.
Request a Quote
If you require professionally designed cat ladders or fixed access ladders, contact DGScott to arrange a consultation or site assessment.
We will:
- Review your access requirements
- Assess compliance and safety needs
- Recommend the appropriate ladder type
- Provide a clear, tailored quotation
All ladders are manufactured in the UK and installed with safety and compliance at the forefront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cat ladder?
A fixed vertical access ladder permanently attached to a structure for safe access to elevated areas.
What are cat ladders used for?
Roof access, plant maintenance, inspection routes and safe access between levels.
Do I need a hooped safety cage?
This depends on ladder height and risk assessment under BS EN ISO 14122.
What safety standards apply?
BS EN ISO 14122 governs fixed access ladders in many commercial and industrial settings.
What materials are best for cat ladders?
Steel for strength and industrial durability.
Can you install cat ladders on any building?
Most structures can accommodate fixed access ladders, subject to structural assessment.
How high can a cat ladder be?
They can be manufactured to required height, with platforms or safety features as needed.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, fixed access ladders do not require planning permission, but this depends on building type and location.
How long does installation take?
Timescales vary depending on specification and access conditions.
What maintenance is required?
Periodic inspections, fixings checks and finish maintenance as appropriate.
How much does a cat ladder cost?
Costs vary depending on height, materials, safety features and installation requirements.
Are cat ladders weather-resistant?
Yes, when manufactured in galvanised steel with appropriate finishes.