Ladder facts for kids
A ladder is a tool which is made for people to climb up or down. Ladders have two vertical supports that go along the whole length of the ladder. Between these supports are the horizontal rungs. The rung is what the climber can put his foot on. The climber can use his hands to hold on to the rungs above him, or to the supports at the side.
Ladders can be made of metal, wood or even rope. There are different types of ladders.
Some ladders are made in one piece. They can be carried around and made to lean against something such as the wall of a house. There should be a good distance between the bottom of the ladder and the wall so that the ladder is not too vertical, otherwise the ladder might fall backwards and the climber would fall off. Sometimes these ladders are extension ladders. Extension ladders are made in two or more sections so that the ladder can fold up to make it easier to carry about and to store. To open up the ladder, each section slides up almost to the top of the next section.
Step ladders are useful in the home or the garden to reach things that are not too high, e.g. ceilings or the tops of hedges. They have two parts which are joined together by a hinge, so that they are shaped like an upside down V. There is usually a platform at the top to stand on, but this can be dangerous unless great care is taken that the ladder will not wobble or fall down.
Some ladders are vertical (they go straight up or down). These are fixed onto something. Examples are: ladders in a swimming pool for climbing in and out of the water, small ladders to climb up to a top bunk bed, ladders at the side of a big boat or at the side of a canal lock or of any other high or low construction where workmen may need to get up or down to do repairs.
Fire engines always have ladders. They often have a turntable ladder which makes it possible for the ladder to be facing in any direction.
Rope ladders can be folded away easily. They may be used for climbing trees or for rock climbing or in caves.
Images for kids
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An extension ladder
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An aluminum stepladder
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Ladder of a fire escape in New York.
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An aluminium ladder being used in Riverbend Cave, 2006
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Skid mark from a faulty ladder.
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Rough ladder instead of stairs, Nako, HP, India, 2010
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On the right hand page are types of ladders from the end of the 15th century in Germany
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A ladder used for ceremonial purposes in Indonesia
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Dogon ladder in Africa
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Photo of a dog and pawl on an extension ladder
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Sketch of Cat Ladder (UK terminology), which aids work on steep roofs
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Sketch of double extension ladder
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Detail of a bamboo ladder, common in China
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A roof ladder, held in place by hooks extending over the ridge
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Lightweight aluminum ladder used in the Khumbu Icefall
See also
In Spanish: Escalera de mano para niños
