Multi hinge-joint ladder report released

Following on from our previous two Telescopic Ladder Market Surveillance Reports, our ‘Step Up to Safe Ladders’ campaign continues with the release of our third report – this time on Multi Hinge-Joint (multipurpose) ladders!

Our latest report, ‘Consumer Safety – It all Hinges on Safe Products’, saw us again partner with the Test & Research Centre to put our samples through their paces in a series of safety critical tests to determine if the ladders conformed to the product standard (EN 131-4).

In this study we tested the ‘Top Ten’ multi hinge-joint ladders we found via Google search using the search term ‘multipurpose ladder’ – the most likely search any consumer would carry out online to search for that product.

Our samples included the top 3 products listed on Amazon and eBay – an accurate reflection of how these products reach the market.

See the full story at the Ladder Association

Call for Safety Focus as Solar Panel Fire Numbers Increase

A renewed emphasis on installation quality, regular maintenance and system inspections is being called for as the number of solar panel fire incidents continues to climb alongside the rapid expansion of renewable energy technology. Fire and safety specialists say that while solar power remains a safe and effective energy source, poorly installed equipment, faulty components

Safety notice: GEC VMX High Voltage Switchgear

HSE has published a safety notice following the failure of a GEC VMX high voltage vacuum circuit breaker, which resulted in electrical arcing and fire within a substation. HSE’s investigation identified partial discharge activity as the most likely cause, with previous warning signs having been detected but not acted upon. The notice applies to GEC

Company and director prosecuted after worker injury

A company and its director have been prosecuted after a worker suffered life-changing injuries during the dismantling of a steel frame structure in Surrey. The incident occurred when a steel beam weighing more than 100kg fell after a ratchet strap, not designed for lifting operations, failed. [press.hse.gov.uk], [hse-network.com] The worker sustained multiple fractures to the

Network Rail fined £1.2m over wall collapse

Network Rail has been fined £1.2 million after a boundary wall at Rugby railway station collapsed and seriously injured 81-year-old Edward Hanlon in September 2022. Investigators found the wall had been omitted from inspection records after boundary changes were incorrectly documented, meaning its deteriorating condition went unnoticed. [orr.gov.uk], [yahoo.com] The incident left Mr Hanlon with