How to Use Telescopic Ladder Easily

A telescopic ladder is just a crossbreed of the two if you’re familiar with extension ladders or step ladders. However, it’s essential to learn how to use telescopic ladder due to its different features.

Let’s face it; although extension ladders help reach higher heights, they are bulk. On the other hand, step ladders are lighter, but their roles are limited. They may never reach higher heights or perform some jobs. A telescopic ladder is just a perfect version of the two.

Telescopic ladders are designed with simple aluminum alloy tubes that extend or collapse with rung setups. Each rung has its lock allowing the ladder to adjust to any height.

Telescopic ladders come in different designs. They are;

• Double-sided step telescopic ladder – it’s self-supporting with four rails just as the normal step ladder.
• Single-sided extension telescopic ladder – it’s leaned on the wall or other surfaces like the extension ladders.

Although telescopic ladders come with the instruction manual, people usually ignore them, and as a result, accidents are experienced. Secondly, the ladders are sensitive to careless handling.

How to Use Telescopic Ladder

How Safe Is It to Use a Telescopic Ladder?

Telescopic ladders are very safe to use. However, you should ensure your ladder is EN131 certified for quality before purchasing. When purchasing, request the seller to hand over the conformity certificate to you. The ladder is required to;

• Have 50% larger rungs than the standard telescopic ladder and perfectly set angles.
• A ladder-safety retracting system that protects the user’s hands from injury.
• Each rung has a lock and a release indicator for safety assurance before use.
• Have a lock system that is easy to use
• Have ladder feet with quality rubber for maximum traction.

How do you climb a step ladder safely?

Why Many People Prefer Using Telescopic Ladder

Using a telescopic ladder has many benefits compared to other ladders. Take a look;

• Storage

Due to its retraction ability, it can be folded to occupy the smallest storage space, unlike the extension ladder which requires large storage space.

• Transportation

Transporting telescopic ladders is easier either by humans or vehicles due to their small size. If you’re a contractor, you can transport a telescopic ladder easily in your car trunk to the site.

• The Height

Telescopic ladders can be adjusted to various heights depending on the work area, unlike step ladders with a fixed size.

• Lightweight

Telescopic ladders are light despite being long enough for construction. Due to this, they are easily moved to different locations by one person.

• Multipurpose

The telescopic ladder can be adjusted to various heights for different activities, ranging from kitchen, general home maintenance, gardening, and construction.

• Easy to Use

The locking system, extension, and retraction feature mechanisms are easy to understand and use.

See also: Who should check a ladder before it is used

How to Set up and Use a Telescopic Ladder

Here is the whole procedure if you’ve been figuring out how to extend a telescopic ladder.

To Extend a Telescopic Ladder

Step 1: Release the strap securing your retracted telescopic ladder.

Step 2: Place your ladder on a level surface and in an upright position.

Step 3: Place your foot on the stabilizer (usually the bottom rung).

Step 4: Using both hands, remove the top rung connector to extend.

Step 5: Hold to the top rung and pull it up to full extension. The locking mechanism will automatically engage. If the lock doesn’t engage, don’t pull up the second rung to avoid injuring your hands.

Step 6: Repeat the process on the other rungs to reach your desired height.

See also: Roofing ladder leveling tool

To Set Up a Telescopic Ladder

After extending the ladder, you should set it up properly before use. Carry out the procedure below;

Step 1: If your telescopic ladder is self-supporting, extend the rear and the front rails to your desired angle. For the extension telescopic ladders, lean it safely on a stable surface using the 4-to-1 rule for the correct angle.

Step 2: Ensure the ladder feet are on a level and firm surface to avoid sliding.

Step 3: Secure the top of the non-supporting ladder with a ladder stabilizer or a rope to avoid sliding.

Step 4: Inspect the locks again and slip substances like oils, grease, or mud on the rungs.

See also: How to stabilize a ladder on a metal roof

To Use a Telescoping Ladder

After setting up the ladder, observe safety when climbing and working.

Step 1: Face the ladder and climb using three contact points (one hand and two feet or one foot and two hands)

Step 2: Ensure you don’t touch the lock buttons while climbing. Hold the metallic rails carefully.

Step 3: Work with your body positioned at the center of the rails for balance.

Step 4: Don’t climb to the top rung. At least step on the third rung from the top.

Step 5: Never try to adjust the rungs while stepping on the ladder after set up. You may interfere with the locking mechanism and cause an accident.

To Draw Back a Telescopic Ladder

After using the telescopic ladder, you’d want to retract it and store or transport it. Carry out the following procedure;

Step 1: Place your hands on the couplings below the rungs.

Step 2: Place your finger on the lock button and ensure your hand remains under the coupling to avoid injury.

Step 3: Press the lock button inside, and the rung will drop down.

Step 4: Repeat the process for each rung until your whole ladder retracts.

Step 5: Secure the ladder firmly using the strap and insert the top ladder connector.

Step 6: Transport your ladder or store it in a dry and clean environment.

How to extend an extension ladder

FAQs on Using Telescopic Ladders

References and Citations:

Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders- https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/ladders/types-of-ladder.htm