At Balmore, we design, fabricate and test heavy-duty fixed ladder and vertical access systems that provide secure transition loops to elevated industrial platforms, plant rooms, and high-level roofs.
Based in Glasgow, we deploy customised vertical cat ladders, companionway stairs, hooped access units, and vertical fall-arrest tracking rails tailored for industrial installations and complex building envelopes across Scotland.
Industrial Cat Ladders, Safety Cages, & Fall-Arrest Vertical Line
Vertical climbs require robust engineering layouts. Our fixed steel and aluminium cat ladders are built to handle heavy use while shrugging off the worst of the coastal Scottish elements. For vertical structures taller than 3 meters, we build safety hoops and protective containment cages in strict accordance with BS 4211, blocking accidental falls away from the ladder frame.
Where protective hoops are impractical due to restricted space or narrow configurations, we mount permanent vertical safety wire lines or structural guiding rails directly down the centre of the rungs. Operatives hook on using a mobile guided fall-arrest slider, giving them continuous, hands-free fall protection from the bottom to the top.
Companionway Ladders & Industrial Access Stairs
Where vertical climbs are too steep for daily maintenance or heavy tool transport, but floor space limits a standard staircase, companionway ladders offer an ideal solution. Positioned at comfortable inclines between 60 and 75 degrees, these heavy-duty units feature flat, deep non-slip steps and continuous wrap-around handrails, making it easy to carry toolkits or testing equipment up to plant rooms and roof levels.
Every cat ladder and step system is manufactured using heavy galvanised steel, marine-grade aluminium, or non-conductive FRP materials designed for chemical setups and electrical substation zones.
Mandatory Inspection, Rest Platforms, & Security Barriers
Under UK regulations, fixed vertical ladders are classified as permanent safety assets and must undergo structural engineering inspections every 12 months. Our checking crews inspect stringer anchor connections, verify weld integrity, check for rust fatigue, and confirm fixings hold fast against building substrates.
To block unauthorised trespassers and children from climbing high-risk structures, we design custom lockable ladder guards and bottom security blockers. For long climbs, we integrate intermediate landing rest platforms and structural flip-down steps, keeping your facilities safe, efficient, and fully compliant with UK building regulations.
Your Trusted Partner for Height Safety Across Scotland
From initial custom fabrication to precise site installation and mandatory annual inspections, Balmore Group delivers a true turnkey service for your building’s vertical access needs. We combine heavy-duty materials, strict British Standards compliance, and robust security features to protect your workforce and your liability.
Quotes & Enquiries
At Balmore, we offer the expertise of four decades in difficult access works including roofing, rope access, industrial cleaning and drone inspection services. Our one stop shop approach to inspection, repair and cleaning has grown through our desire to constantly exceed our clients expectations and offer a service that is far superior to our competitors.
Please fill in the form outlining your requirements and our contract team will be able to provide you with a bespoke quotation for your inspection, repair or cleaning needs.
