Use and Care Manual

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
3
FACTORS AFFECTING THE SERVICE LIFE
OF FRP LADDERS
An FRP ladder will be affected by:
1. Geographical location.
2. Type of handling given.
3. Whether or not a regular maintenance program is followed.
FOOTNOTES:
1
Atlas Electric Devices Co.
4114 N. Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60613
2
Q-Lab
800 Canterbury Rd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44145
ULTRAVIOLET (U.V.) DAMAGE (FROM SUNLIGHT)
(CONTINUED)
Werner Co. uses polyester fiber fabric surfacing materials (surface veils) on all its fiberglass
ladder rail. These polyester fiber fabrics provide a barrier between the outer layer of glass mat
and the surface of the rail.
These surface veils do not eliminate the weathering of the side rail from the ultraviolet rays of the
sun. What they do is give a smooth, non-irritating outer surface to the rail, provide added resis-
tance to UV degradation, and isolate the outermost glass layer which could irritate a user’s skin
once the resin becomes eroded. A fiberglass ladder with a surface veil can be comfortably used
even after the resin has eroded without the itching sensation. The ladder can then be recoated
with acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy paint to restore the appearance and surface finish. (See
page 4 for recommended coatings.)
STEPS THAT WERNER CO. HAS TAKEN TO IMPROVE
OUTDOOR WEATHERING CHARACTERISTICS OF FRP
LADDER RAIL INCLUDE:
1. Use of isophthalic polyester resin with superior weathering resistance.
2. Use of improved pigments with more resistant characteristics.
3. Use of improved monomer systems.
4. Use of U.V. inhibitor to reduce solar radiation effects.
5. Use of aluminum silicate filler.
6. Use of polyester surface veil to yield a higher resin rich surface.
For test purposes, several different types of accelerated artificial weathering devices are
used such as:
1. Carbon Arc units such as the Atlas
®
Twin Carbon Arc
1
, and
Sunshine Carbon Arc (ASTM G23-90).
2. Xenon Arc type unit (ASTM G26-90).
3. Q-U-V
®
, Fluorescent, Ultraviolet, and Condensation unit
2
(ASTM G53-88).
For reference, 1000 hours at a cycle of 6 hours U.V. exposure at 130°F followed by 6 hours
condensation at 100°F in the Q-U-V
®
accelerated weathering unit represents about one year of
south Florida exposure; 2000 hours is about two years; and 3000 hours is about three years.
This is based upon early development experience of other laboratories. An accelerated weath-
ering test is only an approximation of real life weathering experience.
In all cases, a high humidity cycle is employed.