NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 51

22 MAY 2014

1. (i) the name and address of the importer, or the manufacturer; and
   (ii) the make and model number of the multipurpose ladder; and
   (iii) the date of the test and the results of the test; or

2. (b) a statement that the multipurpose ladder complies with AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders that sets out:
   (i) the name and address of the supplier; and
   (ii) the make and model number of the multipurpose ladder; and
   (iii) the date of the statement; and
   (iv) the statement that: "The statement above is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I am aware that a false statement may be a breach of the Fair Trading Act 1986 and may lead to a penalty of up to $60,000.00 for an individual and up to $200,000.00 for a company"; and
   (v) the signature of the supplier.

Schedule 1

For the purposes of clause 6 of Unsafe Goods (Multipurpose Ladders) Indefinite Prohibition Notice 2014, Schedule 1 modifies the tests described in AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders accordingly:

1. Clause 2.6.2(b) Spacing

Clause 2.6.2 (b) Spacing of AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders is replaced with the following:

(b) Treads and rungs shall be uniformly spaced at a distance between centres within the range 248 ±2mm to 306 ±2mm as measured along the stiles of the ladder (all measurements between the centres of the tops of treads and rungs).

2. Clause 2.7(a) Marking

Clause 2.7(a) Marking of AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders is replaced with the following:

(a) The name of the New Zealand manufacturer or importer (whether the ladder has been made for sale or otherwise).

3. Appendix W: Stepladder Walking Test

Appendix W of AS/NZS 1892.1:1996 Portable ladders is replaced with the following:

STEPLADDER WALKING TEST
(NORMATIVE)

W1 SCOPE
This Appendix sets out a method for determining the resistance of a stepladder, trestle ladder or other ladder of equivalent configuration to movement relative to the supporting surface, when subjected to the fluctuating forces associated with normal use.

W2 PRINCIPLE
A ladder is loaded with a specified mass and a lateral load (sufficient to lift the feet on one side just clear of the test surface) is applied alternately to each side of the top cap. Any resulting movement of the point of contact of the stile feet with the test surface is measured.

W3 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:

(a) A horizontal, flat, rigid, smooth, dry and unwaxed vinyl tiled test surface.
(b) A means of applying the setting force equivalent to the load rating of the ladder.
(c) A 10kg mass (to apply a static load).
(d) A means of measuring the walking distance to an accuracy of ±1mm.

W4 PROCEDURE
The procedure shall be as follows (see Figure W1):

(a) Place the ladder in the fully open position and with any spreaders fully set, on the test surface. (See Note 1)
(b) Apply the setting force appropriate to the load rating of the ladder directly to the top cap or platform.
(c) Remove the setting force.
(d) Measure the length of one stile and thus determine the midpoint of the ladder.
(e) Apply the 10kg mass on to the centre of the upper surface of the tread immediately below the midpoint of the ladder.
(f) Mark the position of both the left- and right-hand stile feet on the test surface.
(g) Apply a horizontal sideways force by hand and without shock, to the right-hand side of the top cap or platform, sufficient to lift both the right-hand stile foot and right-hand back leg foot clear of the test surface by at least 5mm.
(h) Gently remove the horizontal force.
(i) Apply a horizontal sideways force by hand and without shock, to the left-hand side of the top cap or platform, sufficient to lift both the left-hand stile foot and left-hand back leg foot clear of the test surface by at least 5mm.
(j) Gently remove the horizontal force.
(k) Repeat Steps (g) to (j) a further four times.
(l) Measure and record the total distance through which both left- and right-hand stile feet have moved from the datum point established in Step (f).
(m) Examine the spreaders for unlocking.

W5 CRITERIA
The spreaders of the ladder shall have remained locked throughout the test. The average distance through which both front feet have moved, shall not exceed the permissible walking distance (W) when determined from the following equation: