SAFETY
1-8 / Mid-Mount Ascendant Aerial Tower
© 2021 Pierce Manufacturing Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1-6.
Access Your Apparatus Safely
1-6.1
Climbing and Working on the Apparatus
Figure 1-4: FAMA23 and FAMA26 Warning Labels
FAMA23, FAMA26
Your aerial apparatus will be provided with access steps or ladders so that you can ascend to the control platform
or other access points using three points of contact. Three points of contact means that you have one hand and two
feet, or two hands and one foot in contact with the apparatus at all times. To maintain three points of contact you
may need to kneel, crawl or move on your hands and feet to navigate safely.
Always face the apparatus when climbing or descending. Always make sure that any folding step or ladder is in the
deployed position and secure before using it. Failure to exercise due care when entering and exiting the apparatus
can result in personal injury. Entry and exit should be made slowly, deliberately, and carefully.
Always keep steps, rungs and handholds in good repair. Keep them free of grease, mud, dirt, fuel, ice, snow, etc...
Make sure all attaching bolts and hardware are tight, thus eliminating any movement of steps and handholds. Use
extra care during inclement weather. Do not step or climb upon any vehicle surface unless it is slip resistant and
handholds are provided. Take special care when walking on surfaces where railings are not provided.
Areas not provided with slip resistant surfaces should not be walked on. In addition, certain areas may be indicated
as No-Step areas. If it is necessary to gain access to an area where slip resistant surfaces and handhold are not
provided, use rubber matting, fall protection devices, or other means to safeguard personnel before attempting to
step, stand, or walk on this area.
Avoid the need to access locations on your apparatus other than a control platform by locating items you need to
access in compartments that can be reached from the ground. Do not locate equipment on the top of the apparatus
unless you can reach them safely. If you must climb to or walk on the top of the apparatus, recognize that railings
may not be provided, and it is your responsibility to proceed with extreme caution at all times. Stay away from the
edge when possible and always hang on to something sturdy.
Fall hazard
When climbing on or off vehicle,
ALWAYS:
Face vehicle.
Use steps and handholds.
Maintain three points of contact
with vehicle (two feet and one
hand or two hands and one
foot).
Keep steps, handholds, and
walkways clean.
Use extra caution when wet, icy
or muddy.
Replace surfaces when worn.
Slips and falls can injure or kill.
WARNING
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost
FAMA23
WARNING
FAMA26
Fall Hazard - Railings NOT provided
Surface may be slippery – NOT intended
for stepping, standing or walking.
Fall will injure or kill.
Do not paint over this label. Replace if damaged or lost