The National Consumer Commission recalled over 50,000 Mainstay and Terra Firma stepladders. This amid safety concerns by the South African National Standard (SANS).

Return for a refund

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) urges people in possession of the specified ladders to immediately stop use. And return the products to the point of purchase for a refund. Game stores distributed the Mainstay ladders, while Makro distributed the Terra Firm ladders.

Specifically, the Mainstay and Terra Firma multi-hinge aluminium ladders, Model JC 403, 150 kg need to return to the point of purchase, immediately. The date code is on the inside of the outer leg of the ladder, beneath the bottom step.

RELATED: Truck arson attacks: ‘Labour laws must be adhered to’

The NCC said in a statement that Massmart, the company that owns Makro and Game, informed them that they conducted a “comprehensive set of tests at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).” The results revealed that the ladders “did not comply with safety standards” required by SANS. The tests relate to “minimum material thickness and static load,” read the statement.

Ladders do not comply with safety standards

“Failure to meet these requirements renders the ladders unsafe and may lead to injuries or fatalities,” said NCC Acting Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza.

The recall includes five models of aluminium telescoping ladders than can be used in numerous positions. Specifically, as a stairway step ladder, extension ladder, wall ladder, twin step ladder and scaffold base.

According to the NCC, 57,000 units were sold in South Africa. Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Malawi and Tanzania received Mainstay ladder imports.

RELATED: Government welcomes Aarto judgment

Mabuza further emphasised that it is the duty of the retailers and importers to ensure that goods comply with all applicable laws and standards.

“The Consumer Protection Act requires the recall of goods which pose any risk of harm to the consumers”, Mabuza said.

Mabuza reassures that the Commission is monitoring the recall, based on its Recall Guidelines.