Use and Care Manual

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
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extension ladder stabilizer to the ladder, extending across the window opening to provide firm support
against the building walls or window frames.
Climbing Ladders. When ascending or descending, always face the ladder. Maintain a firm hold on
the ladder when climbing up or down. Never climb onto a ladder from the side, or from one ladder to
another ladder. Only climb from a ladder to a stage platform when both the ladder and stage platform
are secured against sideways motion. Never climb a damaged ladder.
Fastening Together. Never tie or fasten additional ladders or ladder sections together to make a
longer ladder.
Improper Use. Ladders shall not be used as a brace, skid, lever, guy or gin pole, gangway,
platform, scaffold plank, material hoist, or for other uses for which they were not intended,
unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
Ladders on Scaffolds. Ladders shall never be used on scaffolds to gain additional height since
the forces imposed when climbing the ladder may cause the scaffold to tip.
Electrical Hazards. Users are cautioned to take proper safety measures when FRP
ladders are used in areas with power lines and electric circuits to prevent short circuits, electrical
shock or electrocution. Have the power turned off before starting work whenever possible. Never
use metal ladders near power lines or other electrical circuits.
Doorways. Ladders should not be placed in front of doors opening toward the ladder unless the
door is blocked open, locked, or guarded.
Access to Roof. No ladder shall be used to gain access to a roof unless the top of the
ladder extends at least one to three feet above the upper support point at the eave, gutter, or
roofline. Secure the ladder to prevent slipping before ascending onto roof.
Adjustment of Extension Ladders. Adjustment of extension ladders should only be made by
the user when standing at the base of the ladder, so that the user may observe when the locks are
properly engaged. Adjustment of extension ladders from the top of the ladder (or any level over the
locking device) is a dangerous practice and should not be attempted. Adjustment shall not be made
while the user is standing on the ladder.
Use of Sections Of Sectional Ladders. Middle and top sections of sectional ladders shall not
be used for bottom sections unless the user equips them with safety shoes.
Erection of Extension Ladders. Werner Co. extension ladders are always to be erected so that
the upper (fly) section is above and resting on the climber’s side of the bottom
(base) section. Werner Co. ladders shall never be used in the reverse position where the upper end
of the fly section becomes the lower end of the ladder, and the lower end of the base section
becomes the upper end of the ladder. Where an extension ladder has been separated and the sec-
tions used separately, exercise extreme care to ensure that reassembly of these sections is done
properly. Make sure that the interlocking guides or brackets are properly engaged before further
use, and that only sections manufactured by the same manufacturer and from the same model lad-
der are used together in the same ladder.
Bracing. The bracing on the back sections of stepladders is not designed for climbing. Twin or
double front stepladders and combination ladders are designed for using both the front and rear
sections.
Cable (strand) Hooks. When use conditions warrant, cable (strand) hooks may be attached at or
near the top of non-self-supporting portable ladders to give added security. A cable (strand) hook
shall not be used as a stand off and shall not be used as a means of total support or suspension of a
ladder.
Side Loading. Keep the ladder close to the work. Do not overreach, but descend the ladder
and relocate the ladder instead. When using a ladder, use caution pushing or pulling
anything, you may tip the ladder. Secure the ladder to prevent tipping whenever possible.
Climbing and Working Locations. Never stand on the ladder top cap, the first step below the top
cap, the bucket shelf, or the rear section of a step or platform ladder (unless the rear section has been
specifically designated and stated for this purpose by the manufacturer). The highest standing level on
a stepladder is two steps down from the top. Never stand higher than the fourth highest rung from the
top of a single or extension ladder.
Ladder Jacks. Werner Co. recommends only extra heavy duty (Type IA) and special duty (Type
IAA) single and extension ladders shall be used in conjunction with ladder jacks and stages or
planks. Medium duty (Type II) and Light duty (Type III) ladders shall never be used with ladder
jacks. ANSI A10.8 allows the use of heavy duty (Type I) ladders with ladder jacks.
Relocating Ladders. Never relocate a ladder while the user is on the ladder.
Accessories. Use only those accessories supplied or approved by Werner Co. with
Werner Co. ladders.
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