Understanding the Non-Conductive Nature of Glassfibre Ladders

May 15, 2025

When it comes to working at height in electrical environments, safety is absolutely critical. That’s where glassfibre ladders – often referred to as fibre glass ladders – come into their own. Known for their non-conductive properties, glassfibre ladders have become the trusted choice for electricians, utilities, and facilities maintenance teams across the UK.


However, it's important to recognise that not all glassfibre ladders offer the same level of electrical protection.

Why Glassfibre?

Glassfibre is widely used in ladders because it is an excellent insulator. Unlike aluminium or steel, it doesn’t conduct electricity, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock when working near live sources.


But just because a ladder is made of glassfibre doesn't automatically mean it has been properlydielectric tested or certified for high-voltage environments. Many cheaper glassfibre ladders available in the market are designed for general trade use and are not tested to EN131 Professional standards, sometimes offering only basic non-conductive properties.


What to Watch Out For

While some ladders are simply described as "fibre glass" or "non-conductive," they may not be tested to withstand the voltage exposure required for work near live electricity.


For example:

  • Some imported fibreglass ladders on the market are only tested to low-voltage scenarios.
  • Others may not be formally tested at all, relying purely on the natural insulating properties of the material without independent certification.

For Health & Safety Managers and procurement teams, assuming all fibre glass ladders offer equal protection could expose workers to serious risks.


Always look for dielectric testing certification and EN131 Professional compliance when sourcing ladders for electrical work.

  • Electrician using the GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder to fix electrical wiring while working at height

    GFLCL

    GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder

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  • Maintenance worker climbing the Lyte Professional Combination Ladder in an extension ladder position

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    GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder - Extension Position

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  • Maintenance worker climbing the Lyte Professional Combination Ladder in an stairwell

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    GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder - Stairwell Position

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  • GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder

    GFLCL

    GFLCL Glassfibre Combination Ladder

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  • GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder rung lock to prevent accidental movement of the three ladder sections

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    GFLCL Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder - Rung Lock

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Setting the Standard: Lyte's Glass Fibre Professional Combination Ladder

At Lyte, we believe safety shouldn’t be left to chance.


Our new Glass Fibre Professional Combination Ladder (GFLCL range) is:

  • Certified to EN131 Professional Standard, ensuring strength, durability, and stability for frequent, intensive use.
  • Independently Dielectric Tested by BSI confirm safe use around live electrical sources.
  • Manufactured in the UK using high-quality, heavy-duty glassfibre to withstand tough site conditions.


Designed specifically with trade professionals in mind, the GFLCL ladder offers certified non-conductive protection, meaning you can be confident your team is using equipment designed for the task.


You can learn more about the GFLCL range here:
 Glassfibre Professional Combination Ladder


Key Takeaways for Buyers and Specifiers

  • Always check for dielectric testing certification.
  • Look for EN131 Professional compliance to ensure strength and durability.
  • Choose reputable UK manufacturers who meet or exceed recognised standards.

When it comes to protecting workers near live electricity, the right ladder isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s a must.


At Lyte, we don’t take shortcuts on safety. You can rely on us to provide the safest access equipment to meet your working at height requirements.


Maintenance worker using the Boxing Ring Tower to access the roof of a portable building
February 2, 2026
Working on flat roofs and elevated workspaces is a common requirement across construction, transport, facilities management and utilities. Yet it remains one of the most challenging areas to manage safely. Whether accessing the roof of a bus, a welfare unit, a container, a substation or a commercial building, safety at the point of access, plus edge protection on the roof itself is critical. The challenge of accessing flat roofs safely Flat roofs and elevated workspaces are widely used for: Plant and equipment maintenance Vehicle and fleet servicing Inspections and surveys Installation and repair work While the work itself may be straightforward, getting safely onto the roof and working hands-free when in the workspace is often where problems arise. Common issues include: Limited or no edge protection Unsafe transitions from access equipment to roof Increased risk of falls during access and egress In many environments, these risks are difficult to eliminate using standard ladders or basic access equipment. Introducing the Lyte Boxing Ring Tower (BRT) The Lyte Boxing Ring Tower (BRT) provides a fully enclosed overhead workspace that creates true 360-degree fall protection around the work area. This unique “boxing ring” design removes the need to install temporary edge protection before stepping onto the flat roof surface, offering a safer, faster setup for a wide range of elevated tasks. The BRT integrates with Lyte’s HiLyte Tower System and uses a transition deck to allow operatives to step safely onto the roof or elevated surface. The overhead frame extends out from the tower, allowing safe access to work areas where conventional towers cannot reach. This is especially suited to rail, transport, utilities and site accommodation applications. Key features include: 360-degree fall protection barriers around the workspace area Controlled transition from tower to roof Secure, stable access for repeated use Designed for flat roofs and elevated workspaces Once on the roof, operatives can work as required, knowing that the most hazardous part of the task, the access and egress, has been properly controlled. The work is carried out on the roof or surface itself , while the Boxing Ring Tower frame provides 360-degree fall protection around the workspace . Applications for the Boxing Ring Tower The BRT delivers a significantly safer method of access for tasks where users must transition from a tower onto a flat work surface. The solution was developed in response to a transport sector requirement for safe roof access on buses, but the same access challenges exist across many industries. The Lyte Boxing Ring Tower is suited to a wide range of real-world applications, including: Buses, coaches and commercial vehicles Trains and rail vehicles Flat roofs and rooftop plant Substations and utilities infrastructure Containers, welfare units and modular buildings The fully enclosed “boxing ring” workspace surrounds the user and provides 360-degree fall protection, significantly reducing risk when transitioning onto elevated structures. Designed and manufactured in the UK The Boxing Ring Tower is designed and manufactured in the UK , ensuring: Consistent quality and durability Clear specifications for professional use Long-term support and availability This makes it suitable not only for end users, but also for hire companies, contractors and facilities teams who need reliable access solutions. Learn more about the Lyte Boxing Ring Tower If you are responsible for working at height on flat roofs or elevated workspaces, and want a safer way to manage access, the Lyte Boxing Ring Tower offers a practical, purpose-built solution. 👉 View the product here: https://www.lyteladders.co.uk/product/lyte-boxing-ring-tower-BRT
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