Vestil LAD-RF - 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. 15-16). If you have questions 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. 17). 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. 17. 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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