Abstract: A ladder, especially for use in manholes, where the rungs are mounted in double-walled sidepieces via respective sleeves. Each sleeve has a body wall that, to uniformly support introduced forces, extends through both walls of a sidepiece and, especially from the outside, is arrested by connections between the rung and sleeve on the one hand and the sleeve and sidepiece on the other hand. At the same time, an outwardly directed base of the sleeve protects not only the rung but also the outer wall of the sidepiece.

Abstract: A fitting for a joint for two ladder sections, which in all angle positions is adapted to lock automatically. This fitting includes a first and a second fitting part which are respectively connectable to the ends of two side pieces of a ladder section and are pivotable about a common axis. The first fitting part has associated therewith a locking unit or element movable parallel to the axis of the joint against the thrust of a return spring from a locking position into an unlocking position and vice versa, while in the second fitting part for each selectable angle position there is provided a bore for receiving the locking unit in its locking position. The locking unit is held by means of a locking mechanism first in its locked position and subsequently, after one fitting part has pivoted relative to the other fitting part, is held by arc sections between the bores of the second fitting part in its unlocked position.