According to the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV), there were 23,700 cases of accident related to working on ladders. The new EU standards are aimed at reducing this number in the long term. A clear effort in improving safety: according to the German Ordinance of Industrial Safety and Health, companies are urged to use only state-of-the-art equipment. Companies therefore face the challenge of updating their "fleet" of ladders.gewährleisten.
Standards put retailers in centre stage
Specialist retailers function as a central link between ladder manufacturers and users. That is why many companies expect increased transparency with regard to the standards compliance of products being marketed. As "resellers", retailers likewise have obligations according to the new standards. "Section 6 of the German Product Safety Act obliges manufacturers as well as retailers to take a responsible approach towards ladders," explains Simone Harrer, ZARGES Product Manager. Retailers are therefore asked to supply ladders that users can purchase and use without worry. In addition, a company's decision makers should only buy products that meet the new requirements to ensure the highest level of safety.
Goods already manufactured may continue to be sold
Nevertheless, the new regulations do not mean that ladders made before the standards came into effect may no longer be put up for sale. Clear labelling is much more important here. In order to establish a uniform standard on the market as quickly as possible, ZARGES recommends that you examine remaining stocks and upgrade ladders that do not comply with the new standard. It is often possible to do so with an inexpensive upgrade kit from the manufacturer. For example, single ladders with a length of three metres and above can be retrofitted with a horizontal stabiliser bar, but only in compliance with part one of the standard. Even such little amount of effort can help ensure safety and implement the new standard in the entire Company.
Things have changed for manufacturers and retailers
- EN 131-1+2 came into force on 1 January 2018: Since the start of the year, manufacturers may only supply ladders that comply with the DIN EN 131-1+2 standards. Retailers should sell old ladder models as quickly as possible. However, retailers have to declare them as such beforehand. It is likewise possible to retrofit single ladders with a horizontal stabiliser bar.
- Managers can be held liable in case of accident: If an incident occurs at work because of a ladder that no longer conforms to the current regulations, the company may be held liable for it.
- German Product Safety Act: according to Section 6 of the act, retailers shall contribute to making only safe products available on the market.
Presse contact
Lewis Communications GmbH
Rabea Roos
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40476 Düsseldorf
+49 211 8824 7600
zarges@teamlewis.com