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Safety Information From Green Bull Ladder
The Green Bull Commitment To Ladder Safety
Every Green Bull ladder is built on a foundation of quality and safety. All of our products meet or exceed the application standards and requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.)
Regarding OSHA Requirements
OSHA sets minimum national requirements for the use of ladders in business and industry. In addition, many states have their own regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that may be even more stringent. The state codes will supersede the national OSHA standards within their own state. Users should check with their own state OSHA representatives for the appropriate requirements.
The adequacy of ladders and the work practices followed by employees using them are regulated by OSHA in four sections: Portable Wood (1910.25), Portable Metal (1910.26), Fixed Ladders (1910.27), and ladders used in Construction Industry (1926.1053). These sections specify the standards to which all portable ladders must be manufactured, care and placement of ladders in the workplace, and the safe use of ladders on the job .
Regarding ANSI Requirements
Depending on the material and type of ladder, different ANSI safety codes apply. The ANSI codes are as follows:
| Wood Ladder |
ANSI A14.1 |
| Metal Ladder |
ANSI A14.2 |
| Fixed Ladder |
ANSI A14.3 |
| Fiberglass Ladder |
ANSI A14.5 |
| Steel Ladder |
ANSI A14.7 |
| Stage Platform |
ANSI A10.8 |
| Rolling Scaffold |
ANSI A10.8 |
| Special Duty |
ANSI A14.10 |
ANSI codes also have an established Duty Rating. This rating identifies which portable ladder is intended for the conditions under which the ladder can be safely used. The Duty Rating system is as follows:
Type |
Capable of
Supporting |
Rated Use
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| TYPE IAA |
375 lbs. |
Special Duty |
| TYPE IA |
300 lbs. |
Extra Heavy Duty Industrial |
| TYPE I |
250 lbs. |
Heavy Duty Industrial |
| TYPE II |
225 lbs. |
Medium Duty Commercial |
| TYPE III |
200 lbs. |
Light Duty Household |
Extensive testing and design requirements determine the appropriate Duty Rating for each ladder model. The rated load capacity includes the combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and any materials on the ladder. The tests' requirements have been specified with a safety factor of four to ensure the ability of the ladder to meet the Duty Rating. However, the ratings assume proper use of the ladder (especially relating to the placement angle) in order to support the specified load.
Regarding CSA International Certification
The CSA mark is your assurance that our products meet all applicable CSA safety standards. Representative samples of our product were examined and tested according to the applicable standard .
Products in the catalog carrying this mark are rated Grade 1 for Heavy-Duty Construction and Industrial Use.
A ladder is a tool like any other. If it is used properly and according to safety guidelines, it will give many years of trouble-free service. However, if proper cautions are not taken, a ladder can be involved in an accident. Please read and follow all instructions and labels accompanying each ladder.
Two factors that deserve particular attention are proper ladder selection and electrical shock precautions:
Pay close attention to the Duty Rating of the ladder and the combined weight of the user and materials. Select a ladder with the proper capacity. Also, be sure to select a ladder of proper height to reach the work area without overextending.
Be aware of wires, electrical devices and live electrical circuits. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can create a danger of electrocution. Failure to read and follow instructions regarding electrical safety could result in serious personal injury or death.
Inspection Before Each Use
1.
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Inspect upon receipt and before each use. Never climb a damaged, bent or broken ladder: all working parts must be in good working order.
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2.
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Make sure all rivets and joints, nuts and bolts are tight; feet, steps and rungs are secure; spreaders and pail shelf function properly (on step ladders); and rung locks, rope and pulley are in good condition (on extension ladders).
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3.
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Keep ladder clean, free from grease, oil, mud, snow, wet paint and other slippery material. Keep your shoes clean. Leather soles should not be used.
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4.
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Never make temporary repairs of damaged or missing parts.
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5.
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Destroy ladder if damaged, worn or if exposed to fire or chemical corrosion.
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General Precautions Before Each Use
1.
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Read the instructions printed on the ladder and follow them. Ladders are designed for one person. Exceptions are Double Front Step Ladders, which may be used by two people, one on each side. Duty Ratings still apply for each side and should be carefully observed.
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2.
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Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
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3.
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If you anticipate the use of chemicals or other possibly corrosive materials, the ladder manufacturer should be consulted before use.
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4.
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If you are in poor health, subject to fainting spells, have a physical handicap that would impair your climbing ability, or if you are under the influence of any drug or alcohol (including legal drugs that may cause drowsiness), you should not use a ladder.
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5.
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Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
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6.
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Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder, and keep your body weight between the rails.
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Proper Care & Storage of Ladders
1.
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Store ladders in a safe, dry place.
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2.
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Hang ladders on racks, at intervals of 6 feet for support.
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3.
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Properly secure and support ladders while in transit.
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4.
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Keep ladders clean and free of foreign materials.
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5.
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Never store materials on ladders.
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Step Ladders – Proper Set Up
1.
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DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with live electrical wires.
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2.
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Make sure ladder is fully open, spreaders secure, and pail shelf in position.
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3.
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Place on firm level surface with a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases or scaffolds to gain additional height. Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder
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Proper Climbing & Use
1.
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Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between side rails.
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2.
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Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing
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3.
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Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is secured against side-wise motion, or climb from one ladder to another.
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4.
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Do not over reach; move ladder when needed.
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5.
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Do not “walk” or “jog” ladder when standing on it.
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| 6. |
Do not stand, climb or sit on ladder top, pail shelf, braces, or back section.
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7.
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Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person. Do not use as a brace, platform or plank.
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8.
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Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladders.
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Extension Ladders – Proper Set Up
1.
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DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with live electrical wires.
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2.
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Secure base when raising extension and never set up ladder when it is extended.
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3.
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Set single or extension ladder at proper 75-1/2 degree angle by bracing ladder base a distance equal to 1/4 total working length of ladder away from base of vertical support. If distance is less than 3 ft., place base of ladder a minimum of 3 ft. from vertical support.
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4.
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Set ladder on firm ground. Do not lean sideways. Do not use on ice or snow or slippery surface without non-skid device or securing feet.
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5.
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Erect ladder with minimum 3 ft. extending above roof line or working surface; tie top at support points.
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6.
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Extend top section only from ground, never by “bouncing” or from the roof.
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7.
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Do not overextend – maintain maximum required overlap of sections as follows:
Ladder size up to and including 32' – 3' overlap
Ladder size over 32' up to and including 36' – 4' overlap
Ladder size over 36' up to and including 48' – 5' overlap
Ladder size over 48' – 6' overlap
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8.
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Place on a firm surface and a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases or scaffolds to gain additional height.
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9.
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Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder.
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10.
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Where possible, use second person to hold ladder.
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Proper Climbing & Use
1.
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Securely engage ladder rung locks before climbing. Check that top and bottom ends of ladder rails are firmly supported.
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2.
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Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between the rails.
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3.
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Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
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4.
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Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is secured against side-wise motion, or climb from one ladder to another.
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5.
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Do not stand closer than 3 ft. from the top. Never climb above the top support.
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6.
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Do not use the ladder in high winds.
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7.
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Never use ladder as a platform, plank or hoist. Never use ladder on a scaffold.
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8.
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Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person.
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9.
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Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off to the side of ladders.
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10.
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Never drop or apply an impact load to ladder.
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11.
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Do not “walk” or “shift” ladder when standing on it
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Proper Selection
1.
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Use only planks, platforms, stages, scaffolds or ladders which are manufactured and are erected in accordance with the appropriate ANSI standard.
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2.
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Select plank with proper load rating such that the combined total weight of all persons, tools, and materials does not exceed the rated working load. Planks and stages are designed with rated working loads of 250, 500 and 750 pounds (113, 227, and 340 kg.) Do Not Overload.
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3.
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Select only planks or stages of the proper width and length.
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Inspection Before Each Use
1.
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Inspect upon receipt and before each use, check all parts for proper function and damage to component parts. Do not use a damaged or improperly functioning plank or platform.
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2.
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A plank or platform exposed to excessive heat, as in the case of a fire, should be immediately removed from service and destroyed due to the loss of structural strength
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3.
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Do not use the product if the decking surface is damaged or has deteriorated. Do not paint.
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Proper Set-Up & Use
1.
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Before using, refer to manufacturer's instructions.
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2.
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Do not permit oil, grease, or any slippery material to accumulate on climbing or gripping surfaces.
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3.
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Do not use this product for cantilever applications. Never stand on that portion of the product that extends beyond the supporting point.
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4.
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Planks and stages are designed with rated working loads of 250, 500 and 750 pounds (113, 227, and 340 kg.) The combined total weight of all persons and materials should not exceed the rated working load. Do Not Overload
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5.
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Erect the plank or platform so that the working or standing surface is level.
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6.
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Support plank or platform ends by stirrups, scaffold bearer members, trusses, or other equipment intended for this purpose.
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7.
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Use guard rails, mid rails and toeboards as required by local, state and federal regulations. Their use is recommended in all cases.
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8.
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Do not allow unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes, loose brick, tools or debris to accumulate on the work surface.
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9.
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Do not use a ladder or other device on a plank or platform to gain greater heights.
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10.
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Never climb onto a stage from a ladder unless both the stage and the ladder are secured from movement in all directions.
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11.
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Do not ride on a moving plank or platform. Tools, materials, and equipment should not be stored on planks or platforms that are being moved.
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12.
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Do not apply impact loads to a plank or platform. Never attempt to straighten a deformed side rail, rung or decking member.
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13.
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Do not use acids or other corrosive substances without consulting the plank or platform manufacturer for specific instructions.
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14.
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Do not use a metal plank or platform near electrical circuits.
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15.
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Use only 250 or 300 pound duty-rated ladders when using planks or platforms with ladder jacks.
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Proper Care & Storage
1.
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Support planks and platforms on racks when stored.
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2.
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Never store material on planks or platforms.
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3.
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Properly support planks and platforms in transit.
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For Additional Information See ANSI A10.8
Warning : Failure to read and follow instructions on the use of ladder jacks could result in personal injury or death.
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General Safety Instructions
1.
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DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity! Do not let ladder jacks come in contact with live electrical wires.
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2.
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Use only 300 pound (Type IA) or 250 pound (Type I) rated ladders with ladder jacks.
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3.
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Do not overload platform or ladders.
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4.
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Not recommended for use with wood runged ladders.
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5.
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Recommended for one man use. Not for use with more than 2 men spaced at least 8 feet apart. Only one man on a 250 pound rated platform.
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6.
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If platform is 10 ft. or more above the ground, use a body harness secured to a lanyard, fall prevention device and a lifeline secured to a solid structural member. Do not attach lifeline to the ladder, ladder jack, or platform.
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7.
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Set ladders on a firm, non-skid surface.
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8.
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The maximum length and width for a fabricated metal platform when used with ladder jacks is 32 feet long by 20 inches wide.
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9.
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Contact plank manufacturer for proper use of laminated wood planks.
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10.
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Use of natural wood planks is not recommended.
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Proper Angle Set-Up
Ladders should be set at an angle of approximately 75 degrees. One method for setting the ladder at a proper angle is to place your toes against the bottom of the ladder, stand erect, and extend your arms out straight. Then slide the bottom of the ladder until the palm of your hands contact the top of the rung closest to your eye level. (Check with angle label on ladder.)
Inspection Before Each Use
1.
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Inspect thoroughly for missing or damaged components, including fasteners. Never use damaged ladder jacks, ladder or planks. Never make temporary repairs.
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2.
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Keep equipment clean of all foreign material (wet paint, mud, snow, grease, oil, etc.)
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3.
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Destroy equipment if damaged, excessively worn or exposed to fire or chemicals.
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General Precautions Before Each Use
1.
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Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
|
2.
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If you anticipate the use of chemicals or other possibly corrosive materials, the manufacturer should be consulted before use.
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3.
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If you are in poor health, subject to fainting spells, have a physical handicap that would impair your climbing ability, or if you are under the influence of any drug or alcohol (including legal drugs that may cause drowsiness), you should not use a ladder.
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4.
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Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
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5.
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Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder, and keep your body weight between the rails.
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6.
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Keep shoes clean. Leather soles should not be worn.
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Proper Set-Up & Use
1.
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Use only 300 lb. (Type IA) or 250 lb. (Type I) duty rated ladders with ladder jacks.
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2.
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Follow instructions provided with platforms and ladders.
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3.
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Use ladders only at proper angle.
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4.
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Secure top and bottom of ladder to prevent movement before attaching ladder jacks.
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5.
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Make sure every hook engages a rung when placing jacks on ladders.
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6.
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Adjust the brace until the platform surface is horizontal. Make sure the adjusting mechanism is fully engaged and locked.
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7.
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Minimum platform width required: Fabricated platform = 12”. Wood platform = 18”.
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8.
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Maximum platform height shall be 20 ft. above the ground.
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9.
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Platform must overhang support by at least 12 in. and no more than 18 in. Do not use this overhang. Securely fasten platform to jacks to prevent movement – this is especially critical when using guardrail systems.
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10.
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Use guardrails and toeboard whenever platform is 10 ft. or more above the ground.
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11.
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Set-up must comply with applicable ANSI, OSHA, state and local codes.
| A. Ladder Jack Scaffolds; |
ANSI A10.8 |
| B. Fall Prevention Equipment; |
ANSI A10.14 |
| C. Ladders; |
ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5 |
| D. Platforms; |
ANSI A10.8 |
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12.
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A separate ladder secured in place to access platform is recommended.
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13.
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Use extreme caution when mounting and dismounting platforms. |
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