Ladder Hazard Alert

In a hazard alert released today, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour said that ladder-maker, KRAUSE Inc., has issued a voluntary recall on three models of its aluminum portable articulated ladders.

The Canadian Standards Association said a hinge on some of the ladders may loosen, causing the ladder to collapse, resulting in serious injury or death. To date, there have been approximately thirty personal injuries involving use of the ladders. No deaths have been reported.

"If hazards are brought to our attention, we feel it's important to pass the information along to Nova Scotians," said Labour Minister Russell MacKinnon. "It's only by working together - legislators, employers, workers, suppliers and property owners - that we can cultivate a safe working culture in this province."

In a safety notice, the company said, "there is a potential safety problem with some ladders manufactured from December 1, 1997 to May 22, 1998."

Potentially affected ladders and model numbers are: a 12-foot MultiMatic (121482), a 16-foot MultiMatic (121499), and a 12-foot TriMatic (121321).

Recalled ladders have labels with CSA Issue Numbers KL-0001, KL-0002, KL-0003, or KL-0004 or Underwriters Laboratories Issue Numbers AC 7404 through 7488, 7494, or 7495.

Those who have purchased a ladder subject to this recall should return it to the store where purchased for replacement or refund. Owners can also call the toll-free KRAUSE recall hotline, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CST, at: 1-877-KRAUSE1 (1-877-572-8731).