Ladders and stirrups at polar stations in Antarctica

On the planet's southernmost continent, Antarctica, ladders and stepladders are used primarily for scientific, technical and domestic purposes at polar research stations. Due to extreme conditions such as severe frost, storm winds and slippery surfaces, these tools must be particularly robust, reliable and corrosion-resistant.

Main Applications of Ladders and Stepladders in Antarctica

Maintenance of Buildings and Structures

Research stations in Antarctica require regular repairs and maintenance both inside and outside. Ladders and stepladders help to reach roofs, antennas, ventilation systems and solar panels. Repairs to station buildings are also carried out using equipment for height access.

Scientific Research

When studying glaciers, atmospheric and climatic conditions of the coldest continent on Earth, for scientific programs in meteorology and geology, scientists can use ladders to climb ice formations or to install equipment. Ladders allow for the installation of unique equipment, which was manufactured for scientific research, directly on site, i.e. in Antarctica.

Access to containers and warehouses

Polar stations often use sea containers to store supplies, and stepladders help load and unload equipment.

Safety and rescue operations

In case of accidents, ladders may be necessary to evacuate people or access hard-to-reach areas. Snow drifts are a constant problem at Antarctic stations. There were cases when polar explorers had to dig out entrances to the station premises. Then, a ladder helped to overcome the difference between the snow crust and the entrance to the station.

At the Ukrainian polar station Academician Vernadsky, a ladder was used as part of a section during a quest. The polar explorers' daily life is brightened up by holidays with fun competitions. Since improvised means have to be used for quests, the ladder was also used. Participants had to walk along it after several turns on a rotating chair. All members of the expedition were able to sit on the long ladder, which was placed on the barrels, to take a photo as a souvenir.

Due to low temperatures, stepladders and ladders are usually made of aluminum or special frost-resistant materials, since steel becomes brittle in extreme cold.

You can buy aluminum ladders and stepladders of Ukrainian production from us.

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Also read our article "How are aluminum stepladders superior to wooden stepladders?"