How Safe is a Telescopic Ladder?
Author: The Website Owner
Safety rules apply to all ladders, so let us find out how safe is a Telescopic Ladder? Well, generally speaking, a Telescopic Ladder will be safe to use, but it is important that you read all instructions that come with it and you follow all the ladder safety rules.
An informative article we have already posted called Safety when working at Heights on a Telescoping Ladder, covers some areas of interest and the rules of using ladders. What we would like to do in this article, is cover the safety in more detail.
Let’s talk about some important points that you will find helpful once you have a Telescopic Ladder.
How Do You Operate a Telescopic Ladder – The Basics
Telescopic ladders are not all created equal. As such, it is important to get to know them well and as mentioned earlier, follow any instructions. This will certainly help you to get things moving quickly and avoid any mishaps.
First of all, do not move too fast when opening, closing or extending Telescopic Ladders. This can cause damage to the mechanisms and compromise the ladder’s safety. It may also result in you trapping your fingers, so caution and concentration are the key here.
Make sure the ladder is properly aligned and your feet are supported against a firm surface before you climb up onto it. You should not lock the mechanisms while they’re in use.
Telescoping Ladders offer a convenient, portable, and versatile alternative to the traditional ladder. They are more versatile than the traditional extend ladders or adjustable ones. They also use patented technology that extends and locks by the foot as you reach your desired height.
Retracting the Telescopic Ladder
After you are done using the ladder, it will need to be collapsed for storage. You must be careful to avoid injury when you do this task. Avoid placing your hands between the rungs when retracting the Telescopic Ladder. Follow these steps to fold your telescopic ladder once you have finished using it. (If it has the mechanical locking mechanisms as a feature).
Place the ladder by the couplings below the rungs. Make sure that the latches are engaged.
Place your thumb under the coupling and rest your hand on the lock buttons that you wish to exclude. (It is possible for the locking mechanism to become stuck if you place your other hand on it).
When the upper stage is finished, press simultaneously the lock buttons within (one after the other).
Repeat this process for each step until the rungs are all gone.
After the ladder is retracted, attach it to a strap and make sure it is securely fastened.
To avoid injury or damage to the ladder, you should keep your hand on its outside or use any attached carrying handle.
Obviously, this is a general procedure, but as we have already discussed, always read the instructions that come with your ladder and ensure to follow that specific procedure.
What are the Safety Feature Considerations for a Telescoping Ladder?
You should look for durability features that will make the ladder safe to use. You want to make sure that the ladder has strong locking mechanisms and sturdy plastic rings around the rungs. These are important features that can make or break safety on ladders.
You should also consider the type of feet on the ladder. You want something that is non-slip and preferably has non-slip feet capping, but also looks out for stabilization bars if the ladder length you want is going to be one of the longer length types.
Are Weight and Portability Important Factors?
Yes, it is! If you are considering a Telescopic Ladder, then it is possible that you are looking for a lightweight and portable ladder.
Telescopic ladders are so useful because of this! They are easy to store because they can be collapsed and they are a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight option that can fit in a small garage or trunk.
This is where weight consideration comes into it, aluminum ladders are all lightweight, but it should be said, they are not as light as fiberglass ladders.
How to Use a Telescoping Ladder Correctly?
No matter which type of ladder you are using, it is important to follow standard ladder protocol. Make sure the ground where you place it is secure and stable. A spotter or someone who can stabilize the ladder from below is a must. Make sure the ladder is secured to the surface on which you are working.
The lock mechanism is what makes a telescopic ladder different from regular ladders. Before you place your weight on a telescopic ladder, make sure it is secure and locked in.
If you have never used a Telescopic Ladder before, it may require some practice and trial-and-error. It is important to practice the process and become familiar with it before you can use it at its maximum height.
Last, make sure you don’t pinch yourself when you retract the ladder. This is the most difficult part of using a Telescoping Ladder if you have never done it before.
We recommend that you select a ladder with an anti-pinch mechanism, and (ideally) one-touch release mechanisms. This will save you lots of pain when learning how to use telescopic extension ladders.
We have completed a review covering a Telescoping ladder with such a safety mechanism, please check it out here – Augtarlion Aluminum Telescoping Ladder 10.5 FT.
Hey! By the way, before we proceed… any links on this page that lead to products on Amazon are affiliate links and I earn a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance – I really appreciate it!
How Do You Choose the Right Telescoping Ladder for you?
Now that you’ve learned about the safety features of using a Telescopic Ladder you may be wondering how to choose the right ladder for you.
Before you decide on a Telescoping Ladder, consider these key factors:
How high can this ladder be extended? You can determine this by looking at the jobs you require it for – Do you need to reach the attic or get up to high shelves or cupboard, or do you need access to the roof outside or tall branches on trees. Think about this before deciding on a length.
Do you want a lightweight ladder or a sturdy ladder? Well, most Telescoping Retractable ladders are both lightweight, sturdy, and portable, so this will be an easy question to answer.
What is the maximum weight the ladder can support (or load capacity)? An extendable ladder such as the collapsible ladders we have reviewed on this website can all in the main take a maximum weight load from 300 – 350 pounds, so again this requirement is covered.
Which type of ladder (multipurpose foldable ladder or extension ladder) will best suit your needs? The extendable aluminum ladders are telescopic, in other words, designed to retract to around a quarter of their full height, and can be stored in most areas where there is little space.
Are you using it professionally? If you are a professional, one with the correct safety certification is important, one such that appears to meet the ANSI/OSHA standards for safety compliance is the Luisladders Telescoping ladder 6.5FT. It might be worth looking into that as a starting point.
If you want to see the Luisladders Telescoping Ladder 6.5FT on Amazon.com, please check it out here…
All of These Factors are Important, but Which of These 5 Factors is Most Important?
If you are looking for something professional that can fit in your truck and be portable enough to take to different sites, then as we have said above, perhaps consider the Luisladders Telescoping Ladder 6.5FT.
If you are a DIY enthusiast looking for a multi-purpose ladder that can be used around your home, the height and weight of the ladder will matter more to you – So take a look at our Top 10 Telescoping Ladders, which should give you a good starting point to choose from.
When choosing a ladder that suits your long-term needs, you must balance these five factors, as each one has its own merits.
Hopefully; you now have a better idea of what to look out for, which ladders to choose, and what safety features you should look out for. Good luck!
Having mentioned the safety standards that some professions might need, Let us give a short explanation about what they are.
What If a Telescopic Ladder Meets the EN131-6 Standards – So What?
If you purchase a Telescopic Ladder that has been certified to EN131, it means it is very safe. A conformity certificate should be available from any seller if you purchase an EN131 ladder. (Part 6 is the latest Telescopic Ladder standard as of the time of writing).
This is the Important Criteria That Applies to a Telescoping Ladder That Has Achieved the EN131-6 Standards
For maximum comfort and grip, rungs should be at least 50% larger than standard Telescopic Ladders.
A new safety closure system slows down the ladder’s descent to protect your hands from injury.
Each rung is equipped with a visual lock and release indicator that will show when it is safe to climb.
For comfort and ease of operation, the locking mechanism is ergonomically designed.
To maximize grip and ground contact, the feet are molded with tough synthetic rubber.
According to the new regulations, any extension ladder that exceeds 3 meters must have a stabilizer bar.
We hope that enlightens you on the safety standards which applies generally to ladders being used professionally.