One ladder for all eventualities and guaranteed safety at work: the stand-out features of the new three-section multi-purpose ladder with steps from Günzburger Steigtechnik. The innovation from the Bavarian quality products manufacturer is the first multi-purpose ladder featuring steps, thereby conforming to the tighter German Occupational Health and Safety Technical Regulations – specifically TRBS 2121 Part 2. Great for users: this innovation from Günzburg is a veritable all-round piece of equipment and can be used as a step ladder, straight ladder or also as a push-up extension ladder. It therefore adds an ultra-flexible and safe solution to the Günzburger Steigtechnik TRBS-compliant product range, and has also already been included in the work safety bonus programme run by the German Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention for the Building Industry (BG BAU).
'We are systematically expanding our range of TRBS-compliant solutions. Some 90 percent of our relevant product range meets the more stringent regulations. And the fact that we are the first manufacturer to market a multi-purpose ladder fitted only with steps underlines once again our aim to be an innovation and technology leader for access solutions. Our name is synonymous with “Made in Germany” safety, explains Ferdinand Munk, Managing Director of Günzburger Steigtechnik GmbH.
Step ladder, straight ladder or push-up extension ladder
The new multi-purpose ladder with steps can be used as a step ladder, straight ladder or push-up extension ladder. It is available in three sizes up to 6.9 metres in length and stands out on account of its ease of handling and enhanced safety at work. The innovation features 80 mm deep steps, which create extra-wide standing areas some 170 mm deep at the overlapping areas of the three ladder sections, ensuring optimum safety when standing. This is also enhanced by the nivello® stabiliser, which features the new generation of nivello® ladder shoe. Thanks to the patented 2-axis inclination technology in the joint, it ensures the very best possible contact with the ground and also comes with interchangeable base plates. Users can quickly and simply swap the base plates, depending on the ground or in the event of wear. For instance, the claw base plate for planted ground is a totally new feature.
Safety at work and ergonomics
The Günzburger Steigtechnik ‘roll-bar’ retrofit kit can also be fitted to the stabiliser of the multi-purpose ladder with steps for added ergonomic working. It delivers significant ergonomic benefits when transporting the ladder in line with the company’s “wheel don’t carry” approach. The ladder is also easier to handle due to the quick and simple height adjustment of the ladder sections, thanks to insertion hooks with automatic lifting lock. Wall wheels on the upper ladder also assist with convenient handling, at the same time protecting the wall and façade.
On request, the multi-purpose ladder with steps is also available with Günzburger Steigtechnik slip-resistant clip-step R13 padding. This meets the strict requirements of the highest rating group for R13 slip resistance, ensuring a secure footing and comfortable stance even in wet, oil-smeared and dusty work areas. A further benefit: with this version, the lowest steps of each ladder section feature yellow padding, which further improves the signal effect and safety when stepping onto the ladder – crucial particularly in the area where particular care is needed.
Funding by the Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention for the Building Industry (BG BAU)
Thanks to its many additional features that ensure maximum safety at work, the version of the multi-purpose ladder with steps featuring clip-step R13 padding has already been included in the work safety bonus programme run by the Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention for the Building Industry (BG BAU). Users can therefore receive subsidies when purchasing this ladder: the German Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention for the Building Industry (BG BAU) will fund 50 percent of the procurement cost up to a maximum capped figure.
TRBS-compliant product range
The new development is an attractive addition to the extensive range of TRBS-compliant solutions offered by Günzburger Steigtechnik – the range includes other new products, such as the innovative and push-fit platform ladder, the pit ladder, two-section step push-up extension ladder, and the step window cleaner’s ladder. All these products have been developed to comply with the more stringent Technical Regulation TRBS 2121 Part 2. The push-up extension ladder and the step window cleaner’s ladder also received a special award at the BG BAU EuroTest Awards, confirming the company’s development spirit, innovative prowess and total commitment to accident prevention.
Buyers can once again rely on “Made in Germany” safety with the new multi-purpose ladder with steps. The family-run company manufactures solely in its home district of Günzburg and also offers a 15-year Quality Guarantee on this innovation.
About the Technical Regulations for Safety at Work
The more stringent Technical Regulation TRBS 2121 Part 2 has explicitly called for the use of steps instead of rungs when ladders are used for ascent and also as workplaces. Independently of this, the new version also restricts the access height of ladders and the standing height when working on ladders to a maximum of five metres. Exceptions are only permitted in the event of infrequent access or when working in specifically justified exceptional cases, for instance in narrow shafts. The tougher regulations therefore apply to all sectors and workplaces.
