Use and Care Manual

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
14
cause wear of ladder components. The ladder truck rack needs to be designed to positively clamp
the ladder into a fixed condition and to fit the particular ladder being fixed to the truck. If these con-
ditions are not satisfied, excessive wear will occur in the ladder, which will cause premature retire-
ment of the ladder from service. Improperly designed and used truck racks will damage the side
rails, the rungs, the feet, and other ladder parts due to vehicle vibration and road shock.
Maintenance. Ladders should be maintained in good useable condition at all times. Hardware,
fittings, and accessories should be checked frequently and kept in proper working
condition. All pivoting connections should be lubricated with a light oil frequently and kept
in good working order. All bolts are to be secure before using the ladder, and no ladder
should be used if any fasteners are missing. Do not use a ladder if the padded feet are
worn excessively. Make sure that enough pad remains so that the metal shoe body or
fasteners will not contact the ground before the pad.
Geographical Location. The geographical location of the ladder and the amount of exposure to
ultraviolet rays (sunlight) to which the ladder is subjected determines the
frequency of periodic maintenance required. Follow the maintenance program specified on page
three.
Ropes and Pulleys. Ropes or cables should be inspected frequently and replaced if they
become damaged or worn.
Inspection. Complete a ladder inspection upon initial receipt and before each use. Check all
working parts to see that they are functioning properly before using a ladder. Where structural dam-
age is found, the ladder needs to be repaired by a competent repair center or returned to the manu-
facturer for repair.
Tip Over. If a portable FRP ladder has tipped over, inspect for the following damage:
Both self and non-self-supporting FRP ladders:
a.
Cracks, fractures, splits, gouges, punctures or other structural damage to FRP side rails
b. Rivets that have been sheared, pulled through, uncurled or loosened
c. Components, such as braces that have been buckled, fractured, cracked or damaged
Non-self-supporting FRP ladders:
a. Bent locks, broken flippers on locks and flippers that don't pivot freely
b. Broken end caps and rail closures
c. Bent or dented rungs
d. Rungs that have loosened in their swages and move in or out when hand force is applied
e. Bent guide brackets or damaged guide bracket connections
Self Supporting FRP Ladders:
a. Cracks, fractures, punctures, or gouges to ladder tops
b. Bent, buckled steps
c. Bent spreaders or spreaders that do not open and close freely
d. Damage to the pail shelf
Check to make sure that extension ladder sections slide freely and engage the guide brackets
properly. Stepladders shall open and close freely, and shall stand on a level floor without rocking.
Exposure to Fire. If ladders are exposed to excessive heat as in the case of fire, the strength
may be reduced. After such exposure the ladder should be inspected visually for damage and test-
ed for deflection and strength characteristics. In doubtful cases, refer to the manufacturer.
Corrosive Substances.
When ladders are to be subjected to certain acids, alkali solutions,
or other corrosive substances, consult the corrosion resistance guide on page four prior to their use.
Contact the manufacturer if still in doubt.
Oil and Grease. Equipment shall be free of oil, grease, or slippery materials on climbing
or gripping surfaces.
Damaged Ladders. Ladders having damage or excessive wear are to be marked and taken out of ser-
vice until repaired by an authorized repair center or call Werner Co. at the number shown on the back
cover for assistance. Never straighten or attempt to use a bent ladder.
Electrical Insulating Qualities. To ensure the retention of the original electrical insulating
characteristics, the ladder shall be maintained in a clean condition. All surface buildup of dirt, dust,
grease, grime, carbonaceous, and other conductive materials shall be removed. The presence of
such materials will provide a ready path for electrical currents to travel over the surface of the ladder
and potentially endanger the user.