STEP 2: SELECT PERFORMANCELadders are designed and constructed to safely hold up to aspecific amount of weight. Werner ladders come in five different Duty Ratings, identified by their grade and type. The Duty Rating, is defined as the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person’s fully clothed weight plus the weight of any tools andmaterials that are carried onto the ladder must be less than the duty rating.Ladders are also built to handle the demands of variousapplications. For example, a ladder used frequently on aconstruction site by rugged workers should typically be stronger and have a corresponding higher Duty Rating than a ladder used by a lighter person for light chores around the home.Workers should be advised to consider both the weight, which will be on the ladder and the work application, and to select the proper grade of ladder, which is designed to handle anticipated usage.The terminology of ladder Grades, Duty Ratings, and Types may initially be confusing to some customers. Remember that the Duty Rating is the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. DutyRatings are described in terms of pounds, such as a 300 lb. Duty-Rated Type IA ladder which is designed for extra heavy duty professional use where the total weight on the ladder does not exceed 300 pounds.