Section 10: Lock Ladder Handles

There is much variation in the design of these, none of which complement the historic appearance of the locks to which they are fitted.
We feel that it is possible to design these handles in a way which is practical and fulfils the safety aspect, and still look attractive and in keeping with the 200 year old structures to which they are fitted.

	The illustration shows the most common design, but the ladder here is placed so that the handle is foul of the beam when the gate is open. This constitutes both a trip and a trap hazard. Since this photo was taken the ladder has been modified to eliminate the trap hazard.
	Ugly and out of proportion handrails which are too thick to grip safely.
	This type found at Bosley on the Macclesfield canal is more functional, having fewer crevices to trap ropes in