Mac Allister LL3TS Loft Ladder

Introduction

The Mac Allister LL3TS is a folding loft ladder designed for safe access to attics or loft spaces. It is tested to a maximum load of 150kg and weighs approximately 19.6kg. The product complies with the European Standard EN14975:2006+A1:2010.

Important Notes:

• A IMPORTANT - Please read carefully before use.
• B IMPORTANT - Lire attentivement avant utilisation.
• This product requires assembly and installation. Two fitters are recommended for installation.

Parts List

Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for assembly. Refer to diagrams for visual guidance.

Step 01: Frame Preparation

Attach mounting brackets (9a and 9b) to the main frame assembly (1) using screws (45).

Step 02: Frame and Trapdoor Orientation

Orient the main frame assembly (1) and the trapdoor panel (2) as shown in the diagram.

Step 03: Ladder Attachment

Connect the foldable ladder structure (3) to the main frame assembly (1).

Step 04: Additional Frame Fittings

Attach further components to the main frame assembly (1) as indicated.

Step 05: Securing Components

Attach components, including screws (45), to the frame.

Step 06: Ceiling Opening Installation

Position the frame within the ceiling opening. Ensure it is level and perpendicular. Use screws (51) to secure the frame, ensuring at least half the screw length penetrates the support joists. Note the required measurements of 35mm and 10mm. Pay attention to 'Attention' [⚠️] warnings.

Step 07: Spring and Linkage Assembly

Attach springs (14), connecting rods (10), linkage arms (15), hooks (16), and U-shaped brackets (17) to the frame. The diagram shows maximum height ('A' Max.) measurements for positions 1 (276cm) and 2 (282cm).

Step 08: Folding Ladder Sections

Fold the ladder sections as shown.

Step 09: Further Component Attachment

Attach additional components, including screws (45), to the frame.

Step 10: Connecting Mechanism

Connect the springs and linkage arms to complete the mechanism.

Step 11: Folding the Ladder

Fold the ladder structure completely.

Step 12: Securing Mechanism

Secure the ladder mechanism components.

Step 13: Trapdoor Fittings (Part 1)

Attach fittings (39), cap/plug (20), and screw/bolt (21) to the trapdoor panel (2).

Step 14: Trapdoor Fittings (Part 2)

Attach fitting (47) to the trapdoor panel (2).

Step 15: Attaching Trapdoor

Attach the trapdoor panel (2) to the main frame assembly (1).

Step 16: Ladder Section Alignment

Align the ladder sections correctly. The diagram shows an arrow indicating movement and 'X' marks for alignment points.

Step 17: Using a Screwdriver

Use a screwdriver [?] to tighten screws.

Step 18: Folding Operation

Fold the ladder structure as shown.

Step 19: Final Mechanism Connections

Attach linkage arms (15) and fasteners (25) to the frame.

Step 20: Final Adjustments

Make final adjustments to the mechanism.

Step 21: Completing the Fold

Fold the ladder completely.

Step 22: Alignment and Adjustment Checks

This step illustrates correct [✔️] and incorrect [❌] methods for fitting and alignment. It also shows how to adjust parts using a screwdriver [?] with a tolerance of ± 3 mm.

Step 23: Ladder Deployment

The diagram shows the ladder being deployed, with incorrect methods indicated by crosses [❌].

Step 24: Clearance and Placement

Diagrams show the ladder positioned for use, indicating measurements 'A' and 'B' relative to the floor and ceiling opening.

Step 25: Final Check and Transition

A final check [✔️] is shown for correct installation. The diagram indicates a transition to safety and installation instructions.

Safety and Installation

IMPORTANT! Please read all these installation instructions before starting to install your loft ladder.

The ladder should be high enough to allow you to climb up into the loft without exceeding the maximum permitted safe working height. The ladder must bear a load corresponding to the weight of the fitter plus the weight of the loft ladder.

Do not use the ladder as an access passage during building or renovation work. Do not use the ladder if the ceiling height exceeds the maximum ceiling height stated in the installation instructions or on the product label.

For safety's sake, always face the ladder when climbing up and down and grip at least one string of the ladder. The ladder must be used only by one person at a time.

Do not use the ladder if it is faulty or damaged. The springs are very taut. Take care when adjusting springs. Only adjust the spring mechanism when the ladder is folded (i.e. the springs are under least tension). Great care should be taken when removing springs. If the ladder is delivered unassembled, read the assembly instructions carefully before assembling and installing the ladder.

The ladder is tested to 150kg (maximum load). A load in excess of 150kg may cause damage to the ladder and constitutes a risk of personal injury.

NB! Lubricate all moving metal parts with oil immediately after assembly. Parts must subsequently be lubricated at least once a year.

01 Fitters, Tools and Materials:

We recommend that 2 fitters install the loft ladder together. One fitter must be strong enough to lift the loft ladder to the ceiling (as the loft ladder weighs up to 19.6kg, depending on model).

02 Installation Instructions:

To ensure that the product is assembled and fitted correctly, these instructions should be followed carefully. If you have any difficulties, contact an expert for installation advice.

WARNING: DO NOT DISMANTLE the loft ladder once it has been assembled.

NB! For models in which the ladder is fixed to the trapdoor. If, during installation, you wish to detach the ladder to reduce the weight of the loft ladder, loosen the screws between the metal bracket and the ladder itself. Do not loosen the screws on the trapdoor as these can easily be overtightened when reassembled. An overtightened screw may lose its grip on the timber and, in serious cases, fall out.

Positioning the Loft Ladder:

Wear gloves [?] when removing insulation material. Check that the area selected for positioning the ladder is unencumbered by electrical wiring, water pipes, heating/cooling pipes, etc. If necessary, get a qualified craftsman to remove such encumbrances. Make sure that there is sufficient clearance (distance A) for the ladder to rest on the floor. Make sure that there is sufficient space for the ladder to fold out to its full length (B) (see Figure 1). For two-section models, make sure that there is sufficient swing space. For specific measurements and adjustment options, see the assembly instructions supplied with the product.

Figure 1: Diagram showing clearance dimensions A, B, and C for ladder placement. A table provides specific measurements: A=108cm, B=114cm, C=276cm.

03 To Make Opening in Ceiling:

We recommend that you wear goggles [?] and mask for protection from falling dust and other particles from the loft. Remove all items of furniture from the work area. Cover the floor. Frame and cut the opening through plaster/other ceiling material (see Table 1). This allows space for spacer blocks and ensures that the loft ladder is fitted perpendicularly. If the loft ladder cannot be fitted in the normal way, i.e. parallel with the ceiling joists, contact a qualified craftsman for advice. Figures 2, 3 and 4 show how to frame the ceiling opening. If you fit the loft ladder parallel to the existing ceiling joints, only single ceiling joists and single transverse joists are required. If you fit the loft ladder at right angles to the joists, you will need to make double transverse joists of the same size as the existing ceiling joists.

Table 1: Recommended ceiling opening dimensions: Length 92.5cm, Width 60cm.

Figures 2, 3, 4: Diagrams illustrating different methods for framing the ceiling opening, showing joist configurations.

WARNING: If the ceiling joists are made in a material other than timber, e.g. steel, contact a qualified craftsman. Never saw through a load-bearing joist without advice from a qualified craftsman. Take great care when sawing ceiling joists. For safety's sake, if there is no loft flooring, lay planks across the ceiling joists to allow safe passage in the loft during installation.

04 Fitting Temporary Supports:

To keep the loft ladder in place in the ceiling opening during installation, you are advised to fit temporary supports. If the trapdoor will be clad, the loft ladder must be fitted as many mm higher in the opening as the thickness of the cladding. Cladding material must not weigh more than 6kg per m². Cladding material must not be more than 12mm thick. We recommend that the cladding is affixed using construction adhesive.

Figure 5: Diagram showing the use of temporary support planks under the ceiling opening during installation.

WARNING: It is important that cladding is fitted firmly and correctly. When affixing cladding, the ladder must NOT be loaded.

05 Attaching the Loft Ladder:

One fitter goes up into the loft room, taking all the tools he needs. The other fitter remains below. Lift the ladder up into the loft. Before lowering the loft ladder into the opening from above, attach 2 supporting planks under the ceiling opening. The loft ladder rests on these supports (see Figure 5). Fold the ladder so that the frame can be attached to the ceiling opening. Make sure that the loft ladder is level and perpendicular. Attach loft ladder with adequate screws, allow at least half the total screw length to penetrate the support joists, specified within Assembly Step '06' on page 4 (3 on long side and 2 at each end). Don't forget to attach blocks on the back of the fixing points (see Figure 6). When the loft ladder is firmly attached, remove supports.

Figure 6: Diagram illustrating the correct placement of the vapour barrier and insulation around the ladder opening.

WARNING: DO NOT use the loft ladder before it is firmly attached to the opening and adjusted to the correct ceiling height.

06 Adjusting to Correct Ceiling Height:

Refer to steps 24 and 25 from assembly instructions for detail on adjusting the length of the ladder.

WARNING: DO NOT SHORTEN THE LADDER TOO MUCH. If the ladder is too short, it may unexpectedly fold up during use, thus risking serious personal injury. To check that the ladder is the correct length, unfold it to its full length. All sections of the ladder must be aligned perfectly with no gaps, and both strings must rest flat on the floor (see Figure 8).

Figure 7 & 8: Diagrams demonstrating how to check and adjust the ladder's ceiling height, emphasizing correct alignment and floor contact. Incorrect alignment is shown with a cross [❌].

DO NOT use the ladder if all sections of the ladder are not aligned. If the ladder is too long, shorten the strings once more. If the ladder is too short, order a new lower section from your dealer. DO NOT allow the ladder to rest on a box, blocks, platform or similar. Such constructions are unsafe and unstable, and do not provide appropriate permanent support for the ladder.

07 How to Use the Ladder:

The following drawings show how to use the loft ladder safely (see Figure 9).

Figure 9A, 9B, 9C: Illustrations showing the correct procedure for using the loft ladder safely, including climbing and descending.

NOTE: If your building construction differs from installation guide above, consult an expert.

WARNING: Never modify the product. The manufacturer accepts no liability whatsoever for personal injury or damage caused to the building or parts thereof by a product, whose construction has been modified.

Safety and Operation

Pre-Use and Periodic Checks:

• Check stiles and treads are not split, warped, bowed, loose, rotten or otherwise damaged.
• Check all screws, bolts and nuts are secure and tight (do not overtighten).
• Check trapdoor locks into position correctly.
• Check metal parts are not corroded or otherwise damaged.
• Check all hinges operate smoothly (lubricate periodically – see label on trapdoor).
• Check ladder sections operate smoothly when opened.
• Check ladder sections are straight when fully opened.
• Check ladder feet rest firmly on the floor.
• Check ladder sections are flat and correctly positioned once folded.

Use:

• Never use this loft ladder for purposes for which it has not been designed, such as trade or building work.
• Never use this product unless it has been fully, and correctly, installed.
• Fully open trapdoor before unfolding the ladder.
• Ensure the springs and connecting wires have not become trapped or snagged.
• Ensure the springs and connecting wires are correctly positioned and are secure.
• Fully unfold ladder before use.
• Ensure any catches or locks are fully engaged before ascending the ladder.
• Ensure both ladder feet rest firmly on the floor before climbing the ladder.
• Inspect the ladder before climbing (see above) – do not use if damaged.
• Only wear suitable footwear whenever ascending or descending the ladder.
• Maintain 3 points of contact by gripping the handrail or ladder stiles when ascending or descending.
• Do not overload the ladder by carrying heavy objects.
• Take care when carrying awkward shaped objects up and down the ladder.
• Keep a firm grip on anything being carried to prevent the object falling.
• Only ascend and descend the ladder by facing the treads.
• Never exit the ladder by stepping away from the treads.
• Ensure the trapdoor is securely locked after use.

Care and Maintenance

01 Repair & Maintenance

• Repairs and maintenance shall be carried out by a competent person and be in accordance with these instructions. NOTE: A competent person is someone who has the skills to carry out repairs or maintenance, e.g. trained by the manufacturer.
• For repair and replacement of parts, e.g. feet, springs and hooks, contact your supplier or distributor.
• Ladders shall always be operated in accordance with the producer's instructions.
• Timber loft ladder stiles and treads should not be painted or varnished.
• Periodically lubricate all moving parts with light oil [⚙️].
• Periodically clean all timber parts to prevent the build-up of dirt, grease and other contaminants.

02 Traceability

For traceability purpose it can be identified by the barcode (EAN) number and also manufacturing date or serial number, these can be found on the trapdoor.

Manufacturer and Distributor Information

Manufacturer: Kingfisher International Products Limited, 3 Sheldon Square, London, W2 6PX, United Kingdom

EU Manufacturer: Kingfisher International Products B.V., Rapenburgerstraat 175E, 1011 VM Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Website: www.kingfisher.com/products

Distributors:

• B&Q Limited, Chandlers Ford, Hants, SO53 3LE, United Kingdom. Website: www.diy.com
• Screwfix Direct Limited, Trade House, Mead Avenue, Yeovil, BA22 8RT, United Kingdom. Website: www.screwfix.com

For consulting instruction manuals online: Visit www.kingfisher.com/products

Customer Helpline (Freephone):

• UK: 0800 324 7818 (uk@kingfisherservice.com)
• Eire: 1800 932 230 (eire@kingfisherservice.com)

French Distributor Information:

• Castorama France C.S., 50101 Templemars, 59637 Wattignies CEDEX. Website: www.castorama.fr
• BRICO DÉPÔT, 30-32 rue de la Tourelle, 91310 Longpont-sur-Orge France. Website: www.bricodepot.fr

Product Contains:

• LL3TS
• [LDPE recycling symbol]
• [PP recycling symbol]