NYLON/STEEL 3-STORY
FIRE ESCAPE LADDER
MODEL EL53W-2
This nylon/steel Fire Escape Ladder is easy to use,
and provides a reliable means of escape through a
third floor window during a home fire.
M08-0130-002 01/08
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• For use in three-story homes
• Strong nylon construction
• Fully assembled, ready to use
• Slip-resistant epoxy coated rungs
• Large hooks secure easily to windowsills
• Steel rung stabilizers on all rungs
• Ladder complies with the ASTM Standard F 2175-02
• 375 lb. (170 kg) Ladder load rating
• Ladder is 24 feet (7.3 meters) in length.
1
• Read instructions for use immediately upon purchase.
• Close doors before opening any windows to prevent fire from being drawn into the room.
• Keep body close to ladder.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not carry a child when using this ladder.
• Do not carry pets or miscellaneous objects when using this ladder.
• Instruct family members to use this portable escape ladder only when the primary escape path
(that is, the main exit) is blocked or unsafe to use.
• This portable escape ladder is not a toy or recreational device. Instruct children that the ladder
is to be used only in an emergency.
• For use only in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.
• Not recommended for use with storm windows or other windows that do not open to the
recommended minimum dimensions [20 inches (51 cm) wide and 32 inches (81 cm) high].
• Do not use above a 3 story height.
• Do not attempt to deploy the ladder from windows that are obstructed by furniture, radiators, air
conditioning units, or security devices such as grilles or bars (without inside release mechanisms).
• Do not attempt to deploy the ladder into flames.
• Check for outside obstructions such as electric lines, telephone wires, or fences.
• Do not attempt to use the ladder if the windowsill does not meet the size range specified.
The windowsill width should be between a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) and a maximum of
13 inches (33 cm).
• Always plan and practice drills to ensure that occupants are familiar enough for proper use.
• This ladder is intended to supplement (not replace) the more important fire protection principles
of fire drills, emergency evacuation plans, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.
• This ladder should be periodically inspected for damage, loosening of any items, or significant
deterioration of the materials of construction.
• This ladder is designed for use by one person at a time.
• Store the ladder in a convenient location near the exit window; for example, under a bed, in a
closet, etc.
USER’S MANUAL
© 2008 BRK Brands Europe Ltd
A Jarden Corporation company (NYSE: JAH)
Unit 6, Carter Court, Davy Way, Waterwells Business Park
Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2DE United Kingdom
All rights reserved.
TO WORK PROPERLY IN A FIRE EMERGENCY, THIS LADDER MUST:
Be Stored Where It Is Easy To Reach Quickly...
Do not store the ladder on another floor of your home. If you have more than one third-floor room requiring an
alternate means of escape, put a fire ladder in each room. Store the ladder where it can be immediately
accessed--near the window, under a bed, or in the front part of a closet.
Make sure nothing blocks you from reaching the ladder. In a fire you have limited time to react and take action.
Store the ladder in its original box to keep it from becoming tangled.
Be Used On A Suitable Window...
This ladder is intended for use in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.
The ladder must be used from the correct height, and there should be no obstructions along the ladder path to
the ground.
This ladder is intended only for third-floor windows no higher than 26 feet (7.9 meters) from the ground.
The windowsill must be no narrower than 6 inches (15 cm) and no wider than 13 inches (33 cm).
The windowsill must be in good condition (no rotted wood, loose boards, etc.).
The window must open easily and completely. Storm windows, screens or other types of multi-track windows
can make it difficult to use this ladder in an emergency.
The window should not be blocked by furniture or security devices like grilles or bars.
For details on choosing a suitable window, see the “Choosing A Window” section of this manual.
Be Properly Secured To The Windowsill Before You Start Climbing Down...
To properly support your weight and provide the needed stability while you climb down, the ladder must be
properly attached to the windowsill. Make sure the sill hooks rest securely on the windowsill.
Make sure the folding crosspiece between the sill hooks is straight, and the straps do not tangle as you lower
the ladder out of the window.
2
Choosing A Window
This escape ladder is not intended for use from
third floor windows directly above first or second
floor windows. The rung stabilizers could break a
first or second floor window and cause injury.
You must test fit this ladder on your chosen
escape window before storing it. In a fire emer-
gency you will not have time to determine
whether or not a particular window is suitable,
and using the ladder on an unsuitable window
could result in injury or death.
1. The ladder should be used ONLY from third floor
windows no more than 26 feet (7.9 meters) from
the ground.
2. The window should be at least 20 inches (51 cm)
wide and 32 inches (81 cm) high to give you
enough clearance to exit safely.
The windowsill width should be between a
minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) and a maximum
of 13 inches (33 cm). Measure windowsill from
outside to inside. DO NOT USE THIS FIRE
ESCAPE LADDER ON WINDOWSILLS THAT ARE
TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL FOR THE HOOKS.
3. DO NOT USE ON A DAMAGED OR WEAK
WINDOWSILL. Check windowsill for weak, rotted
or loose wood, or damage. Consult a contractor
or replace windowsill BEFORE attempting to hook
the fire escape ladder to a damaged windowsill.
This ladder is intended for use in windows that
are structurally safe for the intended load.
4. For safest use, there should be a clear path from
the window all the way to the ground. BEFORE
STORING THE LADDER FOR AN EMERGENCY:
From outside of your home, check below the
window for any obstructions. Check for trees,
bushes, plants, windows, house fixtures, or any
other objects in the direct path below the chosen
window.
5. Make sure the window you choose opens easily
and completely. In an emergency, every minute
counts.
Do not use from a
third floor window
directly above a first or
second floor window.
Use ONLY from third floor
windows no more than 26 feet
(7.9 meters) from the ground.
A
DIMENSION A:
The windowsill width
should be between
a minimum of 6'' (15
cm) and a maximum
of 13'' (33 cm).
3
4
Securing the Ladder After Use
1. Lay the box on the floor with the lid folded open.
2. Stretch the ladder out on the floor, with the rung
standoffs facing down and the plastic wrap as
shown in the diagram. Place the rungs as close as
possible next to each other for the first 11 rungs.
3. Stack a second layer of rungs 12 thru 22 on top
of the bottom layer.
4. Use the plastic strap (attached to the bottom
rung) to wrap and secure both layers of rungs.
This will minimize the chance of the ladder
becoming tangled when you remove it from the
box in an emergency.
5. Insert the rungs
wrapped with the
plastic wrap into the
box. Place the folded
sill hooks on top of
the rungs between
the standoffs, as
shown in the diagram.
6. Store the escape
ladder in an accessible
location. Be sure
nothing blocks your
access to the ladder.
How to Use in a Fire Emergency
This fire escape ladder is not a toy or recreational
device. Use it only in a fire emergency.
It is strongly recommended that children and elderly
adults be assisted by an adult if at all possible when
using this ladder in a fire emergency.
THIS LADDER IS DESIGNED FOR USE BY ONE
PERSON AT A TIME.
1. Before you open the window, close the door
leading out of the room to prevent the fire from
being drawn into the room.
2. Remove the ladder from the box and unfold sill
hooks so the folding crosspiece is straight and
positioned towards you.
3. Place the sill hooks firmly over the windowsill
and pull the release strap to deploy the ladder.
4. Exit carefully through the
window and place your
feet on the first rung.
Hold onto the window
frame until your weight
is evenly distributed on
the ladder. Climb down,
keeping your body close
to the ladder.
What Fire Escape Ladders Cannot Do
• This fire escape ladder is NOT a means of
protection against fire. It will not warn or alert
you to a fire or of any other type of emergency.
It is intended to be used as an alternate escape
means in a fire emergency only.
• This fire escape ladder is NOT intended to be
the main exit for escape in an emergency.
Instruct family members to use the fire escape
ladder as a last resort, ONLY when their main
exit is blocked, not accessible, or unsafe to use.
• This fire escape ladder is NOT a toy or recre-
ational device. It is intended to be used as a
supplemental emergency escape device ONLY.
Instruct children not to use this fire escape
ladder for any reason, except in an emergency.
• DO NOT carry any pets or other objects when
using the ladder.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not carry a
child when using this ladder.
• This portable fire escape ladder does not meet
your local codes as a primary means of exit
from multi-family dwellings. It is not intended to
replace fire escapes in multi-family residences,
institutions, or rental properties. This ladder is
intended for use as a means of escape from
residential buildings, and may supplement the
primary means of exit required by codes and
other local regulations.
• This fire escape ladder is NOT intended for use
from rooms above a third-floor level. DO NOT
use from rooms above a third-floor height.
The ladder is 24 feet (7.3 meters) long and is
NOT intended for escape from rooms with
windowsills higher than 26 feet (7.9 meters)
from the ground.
• This fire escape ladder is NOT intended to be
hooked onto gutters, siding, or any other interior
or exterior fixture. It is ONLY intended to be
hooked to windowsills.
Limited Warranty
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
®
brand products warrants that for a period of six years
from the date of purchase, this product will be free
from defects in material and workmanship. BRK, at
its option, will repair or replace this product or any
component of the product found to be defective
during the warranty period. Replacement will be
made with a new or remanufactured product or
component. If the product is no longer available,
replacement may be made with a similar product of
equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser
from the date of initial retail purchase and is not
transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of
purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling
BRK products do not have the right to alter, modify
or any way change the terms and conditions of this
warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or
damage resulting from any of the following: negligent
use or misuse of the product, use contrary to the
operating instructions, disassembly, repair or alter-
ation by anyone other than BRK or an authorized
service center. Further, the warranty does not cover
Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes and
tornadoes.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or conse-
quential damages caused by the breach of any
express or implied warranty. Except to the extent
prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty
of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose
is limited in duration to the duration of the above
warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on how long
an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or
exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights that vary from state to state or province
to province.
www.firstalert.eu
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
M08-0130-002 01/08
