Multipurpose ladders
The failure of multipurpose ladders, such as collapsing when in use, can cause serious injury.
For safety, any multipurpose ladder that is sold in New Zealand must meet a minimum safety standard to ensure it meets the testing requirements for stability, labels that are easy to read and have misuse and electrical hazard warnings.
What is a 'Multipurpose ladder'?
‘Multipurpose ladder’ means any portable ladder that has one or more pairs of articulation joints, which allow the ladder to be rearranged to function as:
- a single ladder, with or without a stand-off
- a single or double sided step ladder
- scaffold or work platform.
‘Articulation joint’ means a hinge which is capable of being locked in one or more positions.
What are the rules?
- The safety standard applies to any new multipurpose ladders that are supplied, offered or advertised for supply.
- Any business or retailer that manufactures, imports, and/or supplies multipurpose ladders in New Zealand must comply with the safety standard.
- All multipurpose ladders need to be marked with:
- the details of the importer or manufacturer
- its working length
- the maximum load it can carry
- the standard number (ie, AS 1892.1.2018).
- Until 1 September 2023, multipurpose ladders may alternatively comply with AS/NZS 1892.1:1996, Portable ladders, Part 1: Metal, as modified by the Regulations.
I have a multipurpose ladder that I want to pass on. Do I need to comply with the product safety standard?
No, not if you are supplying a second-hand multipurpose ladder.
Who sets the product safety standards?
Standards are typically developed by Standards NZ or equivalent overseas agencies. You can purchase a copy of AS 1892.1:2018 from Standards Australiaopen_in_new.
Raise a concern
If you think a multipurpose ladder does not comply with the standard, you can raise a concern with us.