Home & leisure
Multifunction ladders
Introduction
Around 30,000 people a year have a ladder accident - and too often it's fatal. So we've tested the safety and strength of multifunction ladders.
Ladder accidents are the commonest and costliest DIY accident that ACC pays claims on. We've carried out tests on a number of different types of ladders over the last few of years. In this report we look at multifunctional articulated ladders.
Ladders we tested
This year we tested a new style of ladder: multifunctional articulated ladders. You may have seen the Little Giant (Model 22) advertised on TV. We also tested the Waku Telescopic (Model 102).
The Little Giant and the Waku are similar in size to the combination ladders we tested in 2007. Both are available directly from importers.
What are multifunction ladders?
These heavy ladders have a hinged inner section that can either lock the ladder into an "A" shape (as pictured) or be straightened out so it becomes an extension ladder.
Outer sliding sections, each with two spring locks, allow either or both of the front and back legs to be extended by varying amounts to deal with uneven ground levels. The two sections can also be separated to form two trestles.
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.
Our view
- We can't recommend these ladders - they failed parts of the standard (see What we found). We repeat our call for the Australia/New Zealand standard to be made compulsory, so that only those ladders that comply with it can be sold here.
- These ladders are heavy, so manipulating them requires a good deal of strength or is a two-person operation.
- This style of ladder is versatile, but it's no safer to use than more common step or extension ladders. And its very versatility may encourage use (on stairs or uneven surfaces) where it's not really safe to do so.
- Our comments may also apply to other ladders of this type.
Top 7 tips for ladder safety
- Keep your feet at least three rungs from the top - your waist shouldn't be above the top of the ladder.
- Angle the ladder "one space out and four up". Most ladders have a guide to the correct angle.
- Make sure the ladder is secure, and on a level and non-slip surface.
- Have someone hold the ladder - or use sandbags or something heavy on the bottom rung to weigh it down.
- Keep the rungs free of clutter.
- Don't overreach. Shift the ladder instead.
- Tie the top of the ladder to something secure if you can, to prevent it moving sideways or backwards.
More information
- DIY Safety advice: www.consumerbuild.org.nz
- Advice on ladder use and safety: www.acc.co.nz
- Preventing injuries at home or at work: www.acc.co.nz
More from consumer.org.nz
Report by Peter Rankin