Accidents involving a fall from a ladder, from a height of 3 to 6 feet, can cause serious injuries or even death.
Ladder safety is therefore of utmost importance to users in the choice of the product for household or industrial use.
The Consumer Council and the Occupational Safety and Health Council have joined forces to evaluate the safety of ladders on the market. Included in the test were 10 aluminium and 2 wooden ladders.
The results of the test, the first ever of its kind, were less than satisfactory and reassuring.
Overall, the samples were rated for their performance on the basis: ease of use (40%), rigidity (25%), design and quality (15%), durability (10%), corrosion resistance (5%), and markings and instruction (5%).
On a 5-point overall performance rating, aluminium ladders were rated better performers than wooden ladders. Aluminium ladders scored 4.5 points in 6 samples, 4 points in 2 samples, 3.5 points in 1 sample, and 3 points in 1 sample; whereas the 2 wooden samples received only 2.5 points and 2 points respectively.
Further, the wooden ladders were not equipped with anti-skid device at the foot to prevent slipping, or any device to secure the two legs of the ladder. When climbing the ladder, the legs may move closer to each other making the ladder unstable.
Second, only 5 out of 12 ladder test samples could pass all the key safety tests in rigidity - with reference to the European Standard EN131. All 5 samples were of an aluminium make.
The remainder samples failed in 1 or more of the 7 safety items in the rigidity test. In the worst case, a wooden ladder could not withstand the test load on its bottom end and was badly damaged, forcing the remaining rigidity tests to be discontinued on the sample.
Ladders of deficient rigidity may pose a real safety hazard. The risk is: a ladder that is not sufficiently rigid and moves when you shift your weight, could be enough to make you fall off.
The Consumer Council has notified the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) of the test findings. The safety of ladders ordinarily supplied for private use (such as aluminium ladders) is regulated by C&ED under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance.
For ladders ordinarily supplied for industrial use (such as wooden ladders), there is at present no specific legislation governing their supply and sale. However, use of ladders for industrial or other work purposes is governed by work safety legislation.
Some buying tips for users:
- Check if the ladder is labeled with safety standard marking.
- Look for the safe working load labeled on the ladder, to ensure that it will not be overloaded when in use.
- Choose the right height that suits your needs.
- Broader steps and higher top handrails would make you feel more secure when standing on the ladder.
Some safety tips for users to observe:
- Ladders are only suitable for works at height below 2 meters from floor.
- Check and confirm it is undamaged before use.
- Place it on a firm and level floor.
- Read and follow its safety instructions.
- Wear shoes with a good grip on soles to avoid slipping.
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