QMH Warehouse Solutions & Services
Posted by Mariela Meza on December 22, 2016
Warehouses generally have shelving and racking systems built high up toward the ceiling to best utilize square footage. Rolling stairs, also known as rolling platform ladders, are extremely helpful in navigating large warehouse facilities and reaching materials placed high up on shelves. If your warehouse uses high piled storage and you currently only use A-frame stationary ladders, it’s time to invest in a versatile platform ladder designed for hand picking inventory. Industrial-strength work platform ladders help increase productivity, while allowing for better mobility. Improve the order picking process and employee safety by adding rolling stairs to your fleet of warehouse equipment. Learn more about the benefits of platform ladders and the solutions they could bring to your facility.
Last updated: July 2026. Reviewed by the Quality Material Handling Inc. warehouse equipment team.
Quick answer
Rolling stairs, also called rolling platform ladders, are mobile, wheeled ladder systems designed for safely picking inventory from high shelving without the tip-over risk of an A-frame ladder. They meet Cal/OSHA safety requirements, lock securely in place once weight is applied, and are available in customizable heights and configurations for different warehouse layouts.
Rolling Stairs are Cal/OSHA Compliant
Ladder-related accidents occur far too often in warehouse facilities. One of the benefits of work platform ladders is their design around safety. Rolling stairs are Cal/OSHA compliant, meeting the safety standards required for optimal safety for employees accessing your inventory by ladder. Reduce the chance of ladder-related injuries and accidents in your workplace with a rolling platform ladder.
Rolling Stairs are Customizable
Another benefit of rolling platform ladders is the customization options. Rolling stairs are available in various heights, ranging from 2 to 15 steps. Whether you have an overhead shelf that requires an extra step or a warehouse full of industrial shelving requiring constant access to inventory for order fulfillment, platform ladders simplify accessing hard to reach areas.
Rolling Stairs are Portable
Rolling platform ladders are necessary for navigating large warehouses and reaching inventory stored on high racking and shelves. The lightweight design and rolling feature makes it easy to move these ladders around in your facility. With the ability to customize the height and additional order picking shelves if needed, rolling ladders create a smoother process accessing and moving inventory around your warehouse.
Extremely Sturdy
Rolling stairs are as sturdy as regular stairs you’d find in a home. With a combination of all welded steel construction and “Sure Grip” tread design, industrial rolling warehouse ladders are built to withstand warehouse wear and tear. Heavy duty warehouse ladders have caster wheels designed to last. In addition, their all steel construction features a baked-on finish to provide durability, as well as resistance to scuffs and scratches.
Optimal Security
While mobility is a plus, security is a must. Rolling warehouse ladders are designed and manufactured with a “safety first” mindset. Even though platform ladders roll on wheels to allow for easy mobility, when weight is placed on the ladder the caster wheels retract and the ladder is secured into place. Locking devices are standard on all order picking ladders.
Made in the USA
Our ladders are manufactured in the USA by Ladder Industries, an industry leader with over 60 years of industrial ladder design and manufacturing experience. Warehouse ladders are durable and made to last. Call one of our material handling experts today to talk about customizing rolling platform ladders to find the perfect solution to your warehouse needs.
Choosing the right height and configuration for your rolling stairs
Rolling stairs come in a range of platform heights and step configurations, so measure your typical pick height, including the tallest shelf you regularly access, before choosing a model. Facilities with narrow aisles should also check the ladder’s base footprint and turning clearance to make sure it fits your layout without blocking traffic.
Maintenance and inspection tips for rolling platform ladders
Regularly inspect the caster wheels, locking mechanism, and platform surface for wear, since a rolling ladder that doesn’t lock securely under load defeats its main safety advantage. Most facilities include rolling stairs in the same periodic equipment inspection schedule used for other powered and non-powered warehouse equipment.
Our experience: With over 32 years of experience in material handling, QMH has helped warehouses select and customize rolling stairs and platform ladders for their specific pick heights and layouts, and we’re happy to help you find the right fit.
Learn more about Warehouse Supplies
Talk to a Material Handling Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about rolling stairs and platform ladders for warehouse order picking.
Yes, rolling stairs and platform ladders are designed around safety requirements, including Cal/OSHA compliance, with features like locking caster wheels and secure platforms that reduce the ladder-related accidents common with A-frame stationary ladders.
When weight is placed on the ladder, the caster wheels retract and the ladder locks securely into place. Locking devices are standard on all order picking ladders to prevent movement while someone is on the platform.
Yes, rolling stairs are available in a range of platform heights and step configurations, and can be customized to fit your specific pick heights and aisle layout.
Measure your typical pick height, including the tallest shelf you regularly access, before choosing a model. Facilities with narrow aisles should also check the ladder’s base footprint and turning clearance to make sure it fits without blocking traffic.
Regularly inspect the caster wheels, locking mechanism, and platform surface for wear. Most facilities include rolling stairs in the same periodic equipment inspection schedule used for other warehouse equipment.
For high piled storage and frequent hand picking, rolling stairs are generally safer and more efficient than A-frame stationary ladders because they offer a secure locking platform and easier mobility between pick locations.
