What is the difference between a Platform Step and a Swingback (Builders) Step?
A. Notoriously difficult to explain in text, but easy with the steps in front of you. At its simplest – a Platform Step has a platform and a Swingback (Builders) Step doesn’t! The important point though, is that e.g. a 7 tread Platform Step is not the same height as a 7 tread Swingback Step and cannot be used to reach the same height. The number of treads stated with a Platform Step includes the platform – this is normally the highest safe standing position because the top rail extends above the platform and gives a bracing point for the lower legs. The highest bracing point on a Swingback Step will be the topmost tread, (tread 7 in our example) so users should always stand several treads lower. Although frequently ignored, to comply with H&S regulations users should actually never stand beyond the point at which they can take a secure hand-hold of the steps.
