Multipurpose ladders
The failure of a multipurpose ladder, such as collapsing when in use, can lead to serious injury or death.
What is the product safety standard for multipurpose ladders?
The Product Safety Standards (Multipurpose Ladders) Regulations 2023open_in_new (Regulations) mandates AS 1892.1:2018 Portable ladders, Part 1: Performance and geometric requirements (Safety Standard) with amendments as the official product safety standard that suppliers of new multipurpose ladders in New Zealand must comply with.
What is considered a 'multipurpose ladder'?
A multipurpose ladder is defined in the Regulations as a portable ladder that has one or more pairs of articulation joints that allow the ladder to be rearranged to function as all or any of the following:
- a single ladder (with or without a stand-off)
- a single or double-sided step ladder
- a scaffold
- a work platform.
‘Articulation joint’ means a hinge that is capable of being locked in one or more positions.
Who do the rules apply to?
The rules apply to individuals, retailers, manufacturers, importers and distributors.
If you supply, offer for supply or advertise for supply new multipurpose ladders you must comply with the Safety Standard.
This includes the supply of new multipurpose ladders:
- at a shop
- at a garage sale
- at a market
- online.
The supply (or resupply) of a new multipurpose ladder as a gift, exchange, lease or rent is considered an ‘offer for supply’.
What are the rules?
- the name of the New Zealand manufacturer or importer
- its working length
- reference to the Safety Standard, the duty rating and the words ‘This ladder is intended to carry a maximum load of’ and the load rating (in kilograms)
- safety labels that comply with the Safety Standard.
Who is responsible for making sure the new multipurpose ladders I supply are safe?
It is your responsibility to ensure the new multipurpose ladders you supply are safe. The Safety Standard sets out the mandatory requirements for new multipurpose ladders. We recommend that you obtain access to the Safety Standard and the Regulations to ensure you are meeting your obligations. You should not assume that a multipurpose ladder complies with the Safety Standard simply because a supplier has offered to supply it to you. If you have any concern about the safety of a multipurpose ladder you have for sale, do not sell it.
Confirm first with your supplier that the multipurpose ladder complies with the Safety Standard. The best way for your supplier to prove this is by providing you with a copy of independent test results. You can also arrange your own testing.
Complying with the Safety Standard
If you sell a non-compliant multipurpose ladder, you could put the consumer at risk of injury or death. You will also have breached the Fair Trading Act 1986 (Act). It is an offence under section 30 of the Act to supply, offer for supply or advertise for supply a new multipurpose ladder that does not comply with the Safety Standard.
We actively enforce the Act, and may prosecute you in Court if you breach the Safety Standard. Companies can be fined up to $600,000 for each breach of the Act. Individuals can be fined up to $200,000.
You may also have to conduct a recall of any new multipurpose ladders that you supply which do not comply with the Safety Standard. Information on carrying out a product recall is available on the Consumer Protection websiteopen_in_new.
Who sets the product safety standards?
The product safety standards are set by Standards NZ or equivalent overseas agencies. You can purchase the Safety Standard on the Standards Australia websiteopen_in_new.
You can access the Regulationsopen_in_new and the Actopen_in_new online. The information on this website is free.