In December, the BBC show Fake Britain focused on ladders. They explained that recently there had been a huge number of ladders that had been sold to the public that had been described as compliant with European and British standards. But, as with all counterfeit goods, these ladders did not. It is incredibly dangerous to use a fake ladder as they have often been poorly built, unregulated and often come with a number of risks. Anyone that uses a fake ladder could be risking their own health and safety and the safety of others.  As we often mention, falls from ladders result in a number of deaths and accidents so it is vitally important that people buy a professional ladder that is compliant with European and British standards. Representatives from the Ladder Association appeared on the show and explained that consumers need to be aware of the dangers and need to take extra care when purchasing. They recommend that you ask for certification from an accredited organisation when you buy any type of ladder. They also recommend that you do your research on the exact model you are purchasing. It is important to look out for unique features that may be missed out on a counterfeit product. You may even find online guides explaining common features that are missed out on fake ladders. But, by knowing exactly what you are expecting, you will be easily able to spot any warning signs. You may be tempted to buy the cheapest ladder you find, but if the ladder is being sold for an unusually low price, there may be a reason why. It's also important to buy from a reputable ladder supplier, one that comes with warranty or a returns policy. That way if you have any concerns you can take the product straight back.