kick and it rolls- Kick step stool

The birth of the kick-step stool

The kick-step stool or “bell ladder” as it was first named is a simple but strange looking contraption that allows a person to step up off the floor to gain access to higher shelf levels. Over the years it has been given numerous names, some more obvious others, whilst other names we have heard are just simply amusing. Step stool, kick along , steppy ,kik-step ,kicker, elephants foot and Dalek are just a few of our favourites that our customers have called this versatile little helper.

The kick-step stool can be used in practically every working environment imaginable. At home in the kitchen, the kick step is a really great help, allowing high cupboard storage space to become reachable, not just for cleaning, but to help this area be used for extra storage space for the homeowner. The same for commercial kitchens when food supplies need to be stored away in walk-in freezers or food storage rooms, the kick-step stool is a great piece of equipment to have around.

The kick step stool has a basic bell shaped body, which has a non-slip standing platform approximately 435mm from the floor and is mounted on retractable castors sitting on the base, as the user stands on the top the weight pressure downwards activates the sprung loaded castors to retract and make the unit a safe reducing the chances of injury from over reaching, slips and falls.

The kick-step is used in hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, retails stores, shops, warehouses, distribution centres, kitchens, offices, and the home.  

I am sure that all of us have seen a kick-step in use, either in a library or local supermarket, this valuable tool has been in use for decades, the replacement and removal of books at higher levels in the silence of the library or in the busy but rather icy-chilly cold area around the ready-meal aisle of the supermarket as the staff member is replenishing the stock on the top shelf.

Kick-step stools are a quick and easy-to-use option when it comes to reaching for items stored at height, reducing the risk of injury to back and knees which are associated with regular reaching and stretching in stockrooms, offices and workplaces. The great thing about kick steps is they are very lightweight but tough and small to store away in a compact space under a desk or counter out of harm’s way until needed for the next task.

As with any piece of access equipment, we here at Action Handling recommend that you inspect your kick-step stool before each use, our basic advice would be :-

Look out for any damage, wear and tear on the castors or the base rubber seal that could affect the overall stability of the stool.

Make sure the top non slip surface is clean and has no cracks or splits.

The frame is free of any buckling, or impact dents that could weaken the frames strength.

Keep safe, don’t over reach to get an item – use a kick-step stool.