Vestil LAD-MM - Manual (Page 5)

S
AFETY
G
UIDELINES
Read the entire manual before you assemble the ladder stand or use it for the first time; refer to it
for manufacturer-approved safe maintenance procedures (p. 14). If questions remain after reading the
manual, contact Vestil for answers. DO NOT attempt to resolve any problems with the ladder stand
unless you are certain 1) that you can do so without risk to yourself and others, AND 2) that the ladder
will be safe to use afterwards. DO NOT modify the product in any manner without the express, written
approval of Vestil.
The information contained in this manual will prepare the user to safely use the ladder stand. Familiarity
with all of the product’s attributes is necessary BEFORE assembling, using, or performing maintenance on
the ladder stand.
Electrocution Risks:
• DO NOT contact live electrical wires with any part of the ladder! Do not pass beneath electrical
wires with the ladder unless power to the wires is turned off AND you are certain that no contact
between the wires and the ladder will occur.
• DO NOT use, assemble, or move the ladder beneath or close to electrical wires; move the ladder
to a safe location first.
• DO NOT exceed the ladder stands 350 pound overall load rating (see FIG. 3 on p. 15). This means
that the total weight present on the ladder (personnel + material) cannot exceed 350 pounds.
• DO NOT modify the ladder in any manner without first obtaining written authorization from Vestil.
Modification may weaken the ladder.
• DO NOT use the ladder on uneven, damaged or unstable surfaces, or on surfaces contaminated with
slippery substances like oil, grease, water, ice, etc. Safe use requires a solid and level surface that is
able to support the ladder stand while loaded to capacity.
• DO NOT lean or reach over the handrails; DO NOT rock the ladder from side to side. Reposition the
ladder if you cannot reach the object you want.
• Clear all debris, including liquids, from the path of travel if you have to reposition the ladder. If
moisture is present around the base of the ladder or along the path of travel, absorb the liquid before
moving or using the ladder.
• Make sure that you will not contact overhead objects with your body or with the ladder during use or
while rolling the ladder stand to a new location.
• ONLY use the ladder to access objects that you cannot otherwise reach. DO NOT use the ladder for
any other purpose. For example, DO NOT use the ladder as storage, or as a way to move people or
material. Always unload the ladder before leaving it unattended..
• Verify the placement and legibility of all safety warning labels as shown in FIG. 3 on p. 15. If any labels
become damaged or unreadable, contact Vestil for replacement(s).
• Remove foreign matter, like mud or grease, from your shoes before stepping onto the ladder.
• ALWAYS use the handrails while ascending and descending the ladder.
• ONLY stand on the steps or the platform.
• DO NOT increase the height of the platform or of any individual step by adding an extension to the
ladder or by placing any other object on the ladder.
• DO NOT use a ladder stand that has been damaged or weakened from any cause until repairs are
complete. DO NOT climb a ladder or stand on a platform that has sustained damage. Destroy any
ladder that is damaged or worn beyond repair.
• Inspect the ladder immediately upon receipt. Look for evidence that the ladder was damaged during
shipping.
• Inspect the fasteners and structural elements BEFORE each use for damage, such as: unusual wear,
deterioration, corrosion, and warping. Tighten all loose fasteners (bolts, nuts) that are in good
condition; contact Vestil for replacement parts as necessary.
• DO NOT use the ladder in front of a door, UNLESS the door is secured 1) in an open position, 2) is
locked, and 3) is either attended or barricaded.
• DO NOT step onto or off of the ladder from any other elevated surface UNTIL the ladder is immobilized.
• Face the steps when ascending or descending the steps. This means that you should back down the
steps and use the handrails. However, RF-EZ models have a step slope of 50 degrees and may be
descended by walking forward down the steps.
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