Guide to Telescopic Ladders

How to find the best telescopic ladder for your needs

Telescopic ladders can vary widely in price; however you should never compromise safety in an effort to cut costs. If there is a ladder available which is much cheaper than other options, it may be too good to be true. As a reputable supplier, we only provide the highest quality telescopic ladders which have been tested to ensure they meet the strict regulatory requirements.
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In general, the ladder you choose should be able to extend at least 1m above the top of the surface which it will be resting against. It is also worth bearing in mind that the highest step you should stand on will be the third from the top. Whether you are a window cleaner looking for an easy to store ladder or a homeowner searching for a ladder to access your loft, our team can help you find the ideal ladder height.
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In addition to the actual maximum height of the ladder when extended, you will need to consider the foldaway size. In general, the longer the ladder, the larger it will be when folded away. If storage space is a concern, you may need to opt for a shorter ladder rather than the largest from telescopic ladder size options available.
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Another factor which we always advise our customers to consider is the ease of use of potential ladders. The best telescopic ladders are simple and smooth to collapse with easy-to-use lock mechanisms. We also recommend choosing a ladder with a light aluminium frame, as it will be strong yet light enough to carry.
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If the weight-bearing capacity of your ladder is important, you may have to sacrifice the lightness and portability for a stronger design. However, the majority of telescopic ladders are perfectly adequate for supporting average loads. If you do find that the ladder flexes slightly when in use, it is probably because the rungs are slightly narrower than a traditional ladder. However, if in doubt, climb down and reevaluate the situation.

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how do telescopic ladders work?

The actual design of telescopic ladders means they have more moving parts than traditional ladders, so it is important to use the various locks and mechanisms in a safe way. Telescopic ladders are designed to be quick, safe, and easy to use, although not every ladder will function in the same way. It is important to read the specific instructions relating to your ladder, however, in general, the following steps relate to the majority of telescopic ladder setups:

Release the strap which is securing the extendable sections of the ladder.

Position the ladder on a clean floor at the correct angle, so that it is ready to be extended into place.

Stand on the bottom rung to firmly press the ladder into place and remove the connector from the top rung.

Gradually extend each rung to its full reach and secure the individual locking mechanisms as you go.

Repeat step 4 until the ladder is extended to the desired height and avoid stepping on the top rungs. Once the ladder rungs are locked in place you will not be able to adjust the individual rungs, as this will tamper with the overall stability of the ladder.

Before climbing the ladder check for signs of obvious visible damage and ensure that all locking mechanisms are working correctly.

When you have finished using the ladder there are a few steps to follow to ensure it's correct and safe to collapse. Obviously, you will need to be careful not to place your hands between any of the rungs. To avoid injuries the following steps should be followed:

Hold the ladder by the couplings which are located below each rung and use your thumbs to unlock each lock simultaneously.

The upper stage of the ladder will collapse, allowing you to unlock and collapse the next rung.

Once all rungs have collapsed inside themselves the strap can be used to secure the ladder in place.

what positions can telescopic ladders be used on?

This is a very common question, as many customers often wonder whether these ladders have to be fully extended. In general, the better-quality telescopic ladders can be partly extended, so they will be completely flexible to your needs. In addition, there are some telescopic ladders which can be used as A-frame step ladders, which many people are more familiar with.
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You will find that when you browse the available options there are a variety of ladders which support multiple configurations, which are commonly referred to as multi-position ladders. However, these are more expensive, and they are more likely to be found in commercial spaces than smaller home environments where a simpler solution is required.

PRESS RELEASE – 17 May

Consumers at higher risk when buying telescopic ladders from online platforms

Latest research commissioned by the Ladder Association has highlighted the increased risk of accidents for consumers who buy telescopic ladders from online platforms as opposed to physical stores.

The market research study, funded by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) as part of the Ladder Association’s ongoing ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ campaign, found that consumers were up to twice as likely to have an accident after buying telescopic ladders online from Amazon or eBay than those who bought from dedicated DIY retailers such as B&Q, Screwfix, Toolstation and Wickes.

The study also found nearly two thirds (62%) of respondents did not consider product safety or reference to quality marks as one of their top 3 priorities when making their purchasing decision. Instead, an even higher proportion (68%) put price as one of their top 3 priorities, with almost one third of those (29%) buying telescopic ladders on price alone.

With little consideration for product safety during the buying process, it may come as no surprise that almost half of those surveyed (47%) carried out no checks whatsoever before making their purchase. Over one third of those (36%) said they ‘didn’t feel they needed to’ or ‘it didn’t even cross my mind’. This reflects an inherent trust in the product safety system to protect them, and a lack of awareness of the availability of substandard ladders on the UK market today, particularly online.1

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Online marketplaces have surged in popularity in recent years and are used by 9 in 10 adults who use the internet2 and indeed in this study, 1 in 3 people bought their telescopic ladder from an online marketplace.

While the exact cause of the accidents reported in this study is unknown, it is known that online marketplaces selling products supplied by third-party sellers, have no responsibility for preventing unsafe goods being sold on their platforms, and no legal obligation to inform consumers if they have purchased unsafe goods. These platforms have also become increasingly popular with people who sell from home rather than business premises, or from overseas, both of which present challenges for regulators to investigate or take enforcement action.

The Ladder Association’s earlier telescopic ladder market surveillance study found that 80% of the ladders tested, the majority of which were bought from online stores and marketplaces, did not meet the minimum safety requirements of the product standard (EN 131-6) designed to keep users safe.3

Subsequent re-testing found all telescopic ladders in the sample that were bought from Amazon or eBay again failed the safety tests, were non-compliant and dangerous. Worse still, some manufacturers of these unsafe products consciously misled consumers by claiming they did meet the product standard.4

Peter Bennett OBE, Executive Director of the Ladder Association, commented: “Our latest study has shown a distinct correlation between buying from online platforms and accident rate. While we don’t know the exact cause of the accidents reported in this study, we are very much aware of below-standard telescopic ladders being sold via online platforms to unsuspecting consumers.

“Working at height can be risky enough, without the additional danger of unsafe equipment – every 11 minutes in the UK, someone attends A&E after sustaining an injury involving a ladder.5 A fall from height can cause life changing injury, and in some cases, can even be fatal.

“The Ladder Association continues to call for urgent action from the UK Government to make regulatory changes to hold online platforms accountable for ensuring the products they sell are compliant and safe to use. It’s easy to assume that ladders being sold from a recognisable site or store are ‘trustworthy’ and these marketplaces would only sell tried and tested products, but sadly this is not always the case. We’re urging people to take extra care when buying ladders online – do your research; read the reviews and when you get it, check the ladder itself, along with all instruction manuals and labels. And if you think the ladder is unsafe or dangerous don’t use it!”

The Ladder Association is the voice of the industry and promotes the highest standards and competence, while working with major bodies including the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Health and Safety Executive. The Association harnesses its own expertise along with that of its member companies to support technical excellence, safety and best practice in the interests of ladder users everywhere. All Ladder Association members are required to make or supply ladders that meet the current product standard.

For more information on ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ and to view all the reports relating to the campaign, visit www.ladderassociation.org.uk/step-up

Sources:

1 Ladder Association ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ market surveillance studies – https://ladderassociation.org.uk/step-up/

2 Office for National Statistics – Retail sales, Great Britain: June

3 Ladder Association Telescopic Ladder Surveillance Survey, Ver 1, Rev 0, May – https://ladderassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads//05/Telescopic-Ladder-Surveillance-Survey-Report-Version-1-Revision-0-May-.pdf 

4 Ladder Association ‘It’s Time To Step In’ – Telescopic Ladder Surveillance Report, Ver 1, Rev 0, April – https://ladderassociation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads//04/Phase-2-Step-In-Telescopic-Ladder-Surveillance-Survey-Report-Version-1-Revision-0-April-.pdf 

5 National Audit Office – Protecting consumers from unsafe products https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads//02/Protecting-consumers-from-unsafe-products.pdf

ENDS

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Notes to Editors

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