After receiving numerous inquiries about the safety of telescopic ladders, we decided to compile a one-stop resource for the most frequently asked questions about telescopic ladders. This article will focus on the certification for telescopic ladders, what this means and what you need to do to stay safe.
How safe are telescopic ladders?
Telescopic ladders are very safe if you buy one that is certified to EN131 Part 6. Telescopic ladders have been the focus of the Ladder Association recently and the number of third party online market places selling un-safe telescopic ladders are on the rise, more information on their findings can be found in the telescopic ladder testing report. To ensure your telescopic ladder is safe purchase a telescopic ladder to EN131-6 and request the conformity certificate from the seller.
EN131 Part-6 - what do they entail?
There is set criteria of certifying telescopic ladders. They of course need to be tested and pass, however they also need to feature a range of specific requirements. These features and specifications include;
- Rungs must be 50% larger than standard telescopic ladders and angled for maximum grip and comfort.
- To protect hands from injury, a new safety closure system slows the ladder's descent.
- Each rung has a visual lock and releases indicator to indicate when it is safe to climb the ladder.
- An ergonomically designed locking mechanism, for comfort and ease of use,
- Over-moulded feet with tough synthetic rubber to maximise ground contact and grip.
- Any extension ladder longer than 3 meters must be equipped with a stabiliser bar, according to the new regulations. This is also present on extension ladders.
Warning Signs
If the price appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. Telescopic ladders that appear regularly on third party marketplaces at a reduced cost are typically imported from outside of the UK without the necessary certifications, raising safety concerns. Any retailer should be able to confidently provide you with a conformity certificate, if they can't, avoid purchasing.
Popular Telescopic Ladders
How to use telescopic ladders
When extending the telescopic ladder, follow these steps
- Remove the strap that is holding the retracted ladder in place.
- Place the ladder in an upright position, ready for use.
- To keep the ladder firmly in place, step on the bottom rung.
- Using both hands, remove the top rung's connector.
- Before attempting to extend the next rung, pull each rung to its full extension and ensure that the locking mechanism is engaged.
- Continue in this manner for several steps until you reach the desired height.
- The fourth rung down from the top is the highest rung you should step on when using any extension ladder.
Certain things should be avoided while using the telescopic ladder. To begin, never attempt to adjust the rungs while using the ladder because this will tamper with the ladder's locking mechanism. Second, make sure the ladder is resting on a clean floor, and finally, never increase the height of the ladder by placing objects beneath it. Taking these precautions when using your telescopic ladder will help you avoid risks and have a pleasant experience.
Retracting the Telescopic Ladder
When you're finished using the ladder, you'll need to collapse it for storage. This is yet another task in which you must exercise extreme caution in order to avoid injury. When retracting the telescopic ladder, the most common precaution is to avoid placing your hands between the rungs. When folding your telescopic ladder after use, follow the steps below.
- Hold the ladder in place by the couplings beneath the rungs and make sure the latches are engaged.
- With the rest of your hand under the coupling, place your thumb on the lock buttons you want to exclude.
- Putting your other hand over the locking mechanism may cause it to become stuck.
- As the upper stage drops, simultaneously press the lock buttons inside (one another).
- This should be repeated for each step until all of the rungs have collapsed.
- Once the ladder has been retracted, secure it with a strap, making sure it is tightly fastened.
Also, keep your hand on the outside of the ladder to avoid accidentally opening it and injuring the user or damaging the ladder.
Which are the best telescopic ladders?
Always go for quality.
It is often tempting to choose the less expensive option, especially if you are making multiple purchases. When it comes to ladders, however, where you save money usually means sacrificing the safety of its users. Purchasing from reputable suppliers ensures that the product you are purchasing is of the highest quality and has been tested.
At Ladderstore, we offer a comprehensive selection of telescopic ladders from the industry's leading manufacturers, including Zarges, Telesteps, Youngman, and Werner, all of which comply with European EN131 standards. The TB Davies Xtend and Climb, which can reach heights of 3.8m, is a popular choice among our customers.
What should you know before buying a telescoping ladder?
Safety First
Because not all telescopic ladders work the same way, make sure to familiarise yourself with them and read any instructions that come with them. Make sure you get off to a good start and avoid any unnecessary mishaps.
When opening, extending or closing telescopic ladders, take care not to move too quickly as this can damage the mechanisms and jeopardise the ladder's safety.
Before you step onto the ladder, make sure it is at the proper angle and that the feet are stable against a solid surface. It is also critical not to attempt to lock the mechanisms while they are in use.
Taking care of your telescopic ladder
Telescopic ladders should always be stored in a clean, dry place away from extreme weather. The location should be away from anything that could fall onto the ladder.
When it comes to cleaning, a regular wipe down with a clean, dry cloth is usually all that is required. Moisture should be avoided unless your instructions state otherwise, as it can be debilitating to the mechanisms.
Ladderstore provides an excellent ladder inspection service, which we can perform onsite at your location, giving you peace of mind that your ladders have been thoroughly inspected by experts.
If you are still unsure about how a telescopic ladder can help you meet your needs, or if you have any additional questions, please contact our expert team on 01204 590 232 or email customerservices@ladderstore.com.