The Chairman of the American Ladder Institute and CEO of Little Giant Ladder Systems, Ryan Moss, uses the analogy, ‘You wouldn’t buy the cheapest parachute to jump out of a plane’, to caution against being tempted by price alone into a ladder purchase you might regret later.
In his address to the Ladder Association annual conference, he reminded the audience that the ladder industry supplies critical safety devices. Well-manufactured ladders that meet the standard’s requirements are designed to keep you safe when used considerately.
Unfortunately, less knowledgeable sellers and marketplaces will likely repeat eye-catching discounts this Black Friday to tempt consumers into buying a new set of ladders. Research conducted by Trading Standards in conjunction with the Test & Research Centre earlier this year discovered that 4 out of 5 ladders in the study failed safety tests.
Francis Camilleri, Director at TB Davies and Chairman of the Ladder Association Technical Committee, said, ‘”As we prepare for Christmas, many of us are looking for a deal this Black Friday so they can put up things like Christmas Lights. We want to make sure that everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely. Our message is simple: look after yourselves by ensuring you invest in a quality ladder that will last many years and that you can trust to keep you safe. If it is too cheap, ask yourself whether this ladder meets the EN131 Standard, as buying on price alone can have devastating consequences, cause life-changing injuries and even cost lives.”
At TB Davies, we urge you not to buy on impulse and to consider whether the ladder meets your needs. Will it get you up high enough without overreaching? Is the ladder strong enough? Does it meet the recognised EN131 standards?
Please visit our ladder sizing guide for some helpful advice on how to select the right ladder this Black Friday.
