How do you identify safe, compliant telescopic ladders? And what’s the best advice on ensuring you’re using the ladder safely and keeping it well maintained? Francis Camilleri, Technical Director at T.B. Davies, and Chair of the Ladder Association Technical Committee, has some answers.
Telescopic ladders have become an indispensable part of the electrical professional’s toolkit. Their portability, compact design, and adjustable height make them ideal for navigating tight spaces and tackling diverse tasks. Yet, alongside their rising popularity comes a pressing safety concern: an alarming number of telescopic ladders on the market fail to meet basic safety standards, putting tradespeople at significant risk.
The Ladder Association’s latest safety report highlights the scale of the problem, revealing that over 80% of telescopic ladders tested failed critical safety assessments. Many of these ladders were falsely advertised as compliant with the European standard EN 131, misleading buyers into believing they were purchasing safe and reliable products. This highlights the urgent need for electrical professionals to make informed choices about the equipment they rely on for their work.
Identifying safe and compliant ladders
Choosing a compliant telescopic ladder begins with understanding what makes a product safe. The EN 131-6 standard is the benchmark for safety and reliability, and ladders conforming to this standard have undergone rigorous testing. To be confident that your ladder is compliant, look for EN 131 certification marks displayed clearly on the product, labelling, and accompanying documentation.
A key feature of compliant ladders is their design. For instance, ladders over three meters long must incorporate a wider base to enhance stability. Another critical factor is the locking mechanisms. Certified ladders typically use a locking system at the bottom rung, ensuring all rungs lock securely with minimal risk of user error. By contrast, ladders with individual rung locks may allow the user to space the rungs unevenly, creating a trip hazard and should be avoided.
Be cautious of products that seem suspiciously cheap or bear illegal markings, such as CE or UKCA, which are not valid for ladders. Researching the seller’s reputation and ensuring they have a UK or EU address is equally important. This makes it easier to seek recourse if the product is faulty. Reading customer reviews can offer additional insight, but beware of fake or overly generic feedback.
For added assurance, you could choose to purchase ladders from suppliers affiliated with the Ladder Association. Members commit to selling only compliant, high-quality products. The association’s website provides a directory of reputable sellers, providing a trusted resource for tradespeople navigating the market.
Maintaining and using telescopic ladders safely
Even the safest ladder requires proper care and handling to remain reliable. Regular maintenance and careful usage will extend the ladder’s lifespan and significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Before each use, inspect your ladder for signs of damage, such as cracks in the stiles, worn feet, or malfunctioning locking mechanisms. Telescopic ladders, in particular, have more moving parts than traditional designs, with precision-engineered parts that need to be kept clean to ensure years of reliable service.
Storage conditions also play a crucial role in maintaining a ladder’s integrity. Telescopic ladders should be kept in a clean, dry environment, away from dampness or contaminants that can degrade the materials or mechanisms. Care should be taken when transporting ladders to avoid stacking heavy items on top of them, which can lead to structural damage. Also, avoid getting your ladder dirty, as grit and dirt will jam the mechanism. If your ladder is dirty, clean it thoroughly and lubricate it with silicone-based polish before storing it.
Another crucial aspect of ladder safety is the correct setup. Professionals should always place their ladder on a stable, level surface and position it at a 70- to 75-degree angle when leaning. Before climbing, it is essential to ensure all locking mechanisms are fully engaged. Maintaining three points of contact – such as two hands and one foot – also provides added stability while working at height.
User errors, such as overreaching or improper positioning, are common causes of accidents. Staying centred between the ladder stiles and extending the ladder to an appropriate height for the task can prevent many incidents. Reading the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, particularly for telescopic models, is critical to understanding the proper sequence for extending, locking, and closing the ladder.
The role of telescopic ladders in the electrical professional’s toolkit
Despite safety concerns surrounding substandard products, telescopic ladders remain vital for electrical tradespeople. Their compact design makes them easy to store in vehicles or carry through confined spaces, such as terraced houses or loft hatches. Their portability is complemented by their adjustable height, allowing them to adapt to a wide variety of tasks and environments.
Reputable brands go to great lengths to ensure their telescopic ladders are durable and reliable. For example, high-quality models undergo extensive testing, exceeding that of conventional ladders. This includes 4,000 repetitions of opening and closing cycles to verify the locking mechanisms’ durability. They are also subjected to load tests to ensure they can withstand professional use. Compliant telescopic ladders must hold a quarter of a tonne of weight during testing, providing a safety margin that supports their professional rating of 150 kilograms.
These rigorous standards dispel common misconceptions about telescopic ladders, such as concerns about their stability or durability. While low-quality products have tarnished their reputation, compliant models are designed to be every bit as secure and long-lasting as traditional ladders.
Pushing for change: Making ladder safety a priority
The increasing prevalence of unsafe ladders sold on unregulated platforms highlights the need for more robust market oversight and accountability. Online retailers must also take greater responsibility for the products sold through their platforms. Currently, there is no legal requirement for these marketplaces to verify the safety of items sold by third-party sellers, leaving consumers vulnerable to purchasing dangerous equipment.
Tradespeople also have a role to play by prioritising safety in purchasing decisions and daily practices. You can protect yourself and your colleagues from unnecessary risks by choosing certified ladders, conducting regular maintenance, and following proper usage protocols. Doing so will ensure these versatile tools serve you reliably for years.
