What we found

About our test

We used a lab accredited for ladder-testing. It assessed the Little Giant and the Waku against 10 tough safety, strength and rigidity tests in the Australia/New Zealand standard.

We also looked at ease of setting up each ladder in the following configurations:

• single "A" frame
• extension
• step
• step with one set of legs longer than the other
• as two trestles.

Safety and strength

These ladders rely on the design and strength of a pair of hinged-locking mechanisms to remain in the "A" shape. They don't have the side spreaders or braces commonly found on domestic ladders.

The hinge of the Little Giant worked well. This locks the ladder when it's in the "A" shape, so it can't open beyond its maximum spread or accidentally close itself.

In the "A" shape, the Waku has a lock that was good for preventing over-opening. But it doesn't have a lock to prevent accidental closing - so the ladder could "walk" itself closed or partially closed as you climb it. There's also a risk of squashed fingers as the ladder has a tendency to "close up" when you adjust it.

Failing the standard

Both ladders failed 3 of 10 strength and rigidity tests in the Australia/New Zealand ladder standard. The Waku's Australian agent told us its ladder was approved in Australia, but hasn't provided proof of this.

We were also concerned that spreaders or braces were not supplied for the second of the ladders' two trestle-configurations. This means the trestles are potentially unsafe and don't comply with the ladder standard.

Compulsory standard needed

In our last 3 ladder tests, all or some of the ladders failed parts of the safety tests from the Australia/New Zealand standard.

This just isn't good enough. The standard must be made compulsory in this country, so ladders that fail can't be sold here. It's time for the government to act.

We don't recommend either the Little Giant or the Waku. It's not just because they failed some of the safety and strength tests in the ladders' standard. Our evaluations show homeowners could find them difficult to set up safely.

And their cost might make you think twice about buying them anyway - the Little Giant cost $670 plus freight; and the Waku, $1400 plus freight. The Waku agent (Little Jumbo Ladders) claims the Waku ladder is only intended for tradespeople.