Vestil NTAL - Manual (Page 3)

6/20/2011 Rev. 6/20/2011 NTAL portable tank ladder manual (0611).doc
right 2011 Vestil Manufacturing Corp.
Study the entire manual before using the product for the first time and as
frequently as necessary to refresh your understanding of the use, inspection and maintenance instructions in this
manual. If questions remain after you finish reading the manual, ask your employer/supervisor for clarification.
S AFETY G UIDELINES
Electrocution might result if the ladder contacts electrified wires. Reduce the likelihood of electrocution by
applying common sense:
 DO NOT contact electrified wires with any part of the ladder or yourself/your clothing while positioning or climbing the
ladder;
 DO NOT use the ladder where the ladder or yourself might contact electrified wires;
 DO NOT use the ladder close to electrified wires or other sources of electricity;
 Before using the ladder, always inspect the usage area for unusual conditions that require special precautions.
Improper or careless use of this product might result in serious personal injuries sustained by the person
using ladder or bystanders. Reduce the likelihood of serious injury by applying the following recommendations:
 DO NOT exceed the maximum rated load of your model NTAL (see product specifications table on p. 2). The total
weight applied to the ladder (person climbing ladder + material) cannot exceed the maximum rated load.
 DO NOT attempt to resolve any problem with the ladder unless you are authorized to do so and are certain that it will
be safe to use afterwards.
 DO NOT modify the ladder without first obtaining written authorization from Vestil. Modifying the ladder automatically
voids the “Limited Warranty” (see p. 7), and more importantly, might weaken the ladder and/or make it unsafe to use.
 DO NOT climb the ladder if it does not hang properly from the wall (see FIG. 4 on p. 5). Safe use requires a structurally
sound surface that is capable of supporting the combined weights of the ladder AND the maximum rated load.
 DO NOT lean over or reach beyond the siderails, because doing so might cause the ladder to tip or slide, or cause the
rubber feet to lose contact with the wall. The rubber feet must maintain solid contact with the wall during use.
 Always keep your body centered above the central axis of the ladder while ascending and descending the ladder (see
FIG. 3 on p. 5). DO NOT rock or twist the ladder from side to side or try to reposition the ladder while climbing it. ONLY
reposition the ladder before beginning to climb it.
 Remove foreign matter, like mud or grease, from your shoes and from the surface of each rung before before stepping
onto the ladder.
 [2-section models] Inspect the fasteners (nuts and bolts), rubber feet, and structural elements (siderails and rungs)
BEFORE each use for damage, such as: unusual wear, deterioration, corrosion, or warping. DO NOT use a structurally
damaged ladder. Examples of structural damage include: broken siderails, broken rungs, and holes in rungs or
siderails produced by rust or corrosion. To confirm that the ladder is in satisfactory condition, inspect the ladder before
each use according to the “Inspections” instructions below. DO NOT use the ladder unless it passes every element of
the inspection. Tighten all loose fasteners (bolts, nuts) that are in good condition; replace worn and damaged parts
BEFORE returning the ladder to service.
 ALWAYS face the steps while ascending or descending the ladder.
 DO NOT stand beneath or travel under the ladder while someone is climbing it.
 Verify the placement and legibility of all safety labels. Labels are shown in FIG. 6 on p. 6. If any label becomes
damaged or unreadable, contact Vestil for a replacement(s).
Inspections
Before each use, maintenance personnel should inspect the listed components. DO NOT use the ladder if maintenance
personnel conclude that any of the conditions identified below (or others that are obvious but nonetheless not specifically
identified) affect the integrity of the ladder or make it unsafe to use:
1. Rungs, rung mounting brackets, and extension mounting brackets (see FIG. 2 on p. 4): each rung should be dry and
clean, i.e. free of grease and other debris that might make it slippery. Confirm the satisfactory condition of each: a)
rung; b) weld between rungs and rung mounting brackets; and each c) weld between the rung mounting brackets and
siderails. Check the rungs, brackets and welds for warps, cracks, rust, corrosion, etc.
2. Hook arms: confirm that hooks retain their original shape and that the steel is sound (no cracks, warps, etc.).
3. Rubber feet: inspect the rubber foot attached to the end of each hook. Each foot should securely attach to the end of
a hook and should not be excessively worn. If a foot is overly worn, torn, or punctured by the end of the hook, remove
it and install a new, replacement rubber foot.
4. Siderails: check the rails and points of attachment to the rungs for warps, cracks, rust or corrosion.
5. Product labels: all labels should be readable and located as shown in the “Label placement diagram” on p. 6.
Maintenance
At least once per month, clean the ladder to remove dirt, grease, etc. from the rungs and siderails. For 2-section models
(NTAL-10, -12, or -15), inspect bolts, nuts, and brackets; replace all damaged fasteners.
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