Finding a fire-rated loft ladder suitable for a ceiling height of four metres is challenging enough, but what if it also needs to be electrically operated? These were the primary requirements for this project – part of the renovation work on Stretford Public Hall in Manchester. Premier Loft Ladders worked with the project’s main contractor, Rosslee Construction, to specify the perfect ladder for the task.
The specification required 30-minutes of fire protection, with a heavy-duty ladder for use by the public hall staff and third party contractors. What made this project particularly challenging was the very high ceiling of almost four metres. As such, an electric loft ladder was deemed best suited for ease of access into the loft space.
The electrically operated Supreme with a 30-minute fire-rated steel hatch was quickly identified as the best solution for this challenging project. The fire-resistant electric loft ladder can achieve a height of 4m. It also features a high-strength concertina ladder assembled from cast aluminium components with a load-rating of 200kg per tread. Furthermore, the ladder is operated by a low-noise electric motor, featuring a battery back-up power supply and manual override.
Security enhancements
Because the ladder is fitted within a public hall, enhancements to security were also requested. A cylinder lock was originally included as part of the ladder specification, but a key-operated switch was adopted instead, which provides the required protection from unauthorised access without compromising ease-of-use.
Rosslee Construction installed the fire-rated electric loft ladder to a particularly high-standard, with decorative architrave around the hatch box to provide a finish that complements the period features of the Hall. Also, the underside of the hatch was painted white to match the ceiling.
The upper-level guardrail supplied with the ladder was replaced with a custom railing that better suited the positioning of the roof timbers and the entry/exit point of the ladder. In addition, the electric control unit and operating switch are conveniently positioned adjacent to the ladder. Therefore, they are easily accessible for servicing, such as routine replacement of the back-up battery.
Ian Johnson, Contracts Manager – Rosslee Construction Ltd, comments: “Premier loft ladders were very helpful in understanding the unique requirements for our project, putting forward a suitable proposal to incorporate all of our requirements. Manufacture times and deliveries were clearly communicated, and once installed the post-installation information and support from the team have been very useful.”
To learn more about our fire-rated loft ladders, visit premierloftladders.co.uk/product-range/fire-resistant-loft-ladders/, call 0345 9000 195 or email sales@premierloftladders.co.uk to discuss your project.
