Teknomek bolsters facility compliance
Teknomek, a leader in hygienic furniture and equipment, has announced the launch of an upgraded range of mobile safety steps that have successfully undergone independent testing to the rigorous BS EN 131-7 European standard.
The certification marks a significant move toward objective safety assurance for operators in hygiene-critical sectors, including cleanrooms, and regulated manufacturing facilities.
Unlike standard manufacturer declarations, the independent verification by the British Standards Institution (BSI) provides third-party proof of the equipment’s performance under extreme operational conditions.
To ensure the integrity of the entire product line, Teknomek submitted its five-step model — the most demanding “worst-case” design in terms of height and centre of gravity — for BSI evaluation. The testing confirmed a maximum load capacity of 150 kg and validated the structural stability provided by a newly widened leg design.
Key safety features assessed under the BS EN 131-7 standard included:
Slip resistance: validated through the use of checkerplate tread on both steps and the primary platform.
Guardrail integrity: the range now features an intermediate safety rail between the platform and upper handrail to prevent falls.
Mechanism reliability: safe positioning is managed via two rear fixed castors and a front retractable swivel castor, controlled by a secure lever-lock mechanism.
Beyond structural safety, the steps are designed to meet the stringent sanitation requirements of the food and life sciences industries. Each unit is manufactured in the UK from 304L-grade stainless steel, chosen for its superior corrosion resistance during aggressive washdown cycles.
The brushed dull-polish finish and tubular handrails minimise “trap points,” facilitating easier cleaning and supporting overall contamination control.
“The redesign was driven by the need to provide customers with clear, objective assurance around compliance,” said Michelle Locke, product and marketing manager at Teknomek. “Independent testing validates the safety-critical design used across the entire range, from our two-step to our five-step models.”
For facility managers and health and safety officers, the move toward independently tested equipment simplifies the audit process. By providing formal certification, Teknomek helps organisations satisfy the requirements of internal risk assessments, insurance providers, and external regulatory bodies.
“It’s about reduced risk and the ability to demonstrate due diligence,” Locke added. “Specifiers and end-users can now have peace of mind that performance has been rigorously assessed by a third party.”
The new range is available in two, three, four, and five-step configurations, all sharing the same certified materials and construction methods.
