H. Important Safety and Use Information
PROPER SELECTION
1. Select ladder of proper size to reach working height.
2. IMPORTANT: Ladders are designed to support one person plus materials and tools. Do not
apply more than the working load indicated on the notice label on the ladder.
INSPECTION
1. Inspect upon receipt and before each use; never climb a damaged, bent or broken ladder. All
parts must be in good working order.
2. Make sure all rivets, joints, nuts, and bolts are tight; rungs secure, ladder extension locks and
feet functioning; rope properly attached and in good condition.
3. Keep your ladder clean, free from grease, oil, mud, snow, wet paint, and other slippery
material. Keep your shoes clean; leather soles should not be used.
4. Never make temporary repairs of damaged or missing parts.
5. Destroy ladder and remove from service if broken, worn or if exposed to fire or chemical
corrosion.
PROPER SET UP
1. DANGER! METAL CONDUCTS ELECTRICITY! Do not let ladders of any material come in
contact with live electrical wires.
2. Secure base when raising extension and never set up ladder when it is extended.
3. Set a single or extension ladder at proper 75.5° angle by bracing ladder base a distance
equal to 1/4 total working length of ladder away from base of vertical support. If distance is
less than 36" [91 cm], place base of ladder a minimum of 36" [91 cm] from vertical support.
4. Set your ladder on firm ground. Do not lean sideways. Do not use on ice or snow or slippery
surfaces without non-skid devices or securing feet. Wear slip resistant shoes.
5. Erect ladder so that approximately 36" [91 cm] extends above roof line or working surface; tie
top at support points.
6. Extend top section only from ground, never by “bouncing” or from the roof.
7. Do not over-extend. Maintain a minimum overlap of 34" [86 cm] for ladders up to 32' [9.8 m],
and 58" [147 cm] for 40' [12.2 m] ladders.
8. Place on firm, level surface with a secure footing. Do not use on slippery surfaces. Do not
place on boxes, unstable bases or on scaffolds. Do not tie or fasten ladders together to gain
additional height.
9. Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder.
10. When possible use a second person to hold the ladder.
11. Follow all applicable local and federal safety codes and regulations.
12. If ladder is equipped with SUMOSTANCE outriggers, they must be deployed before climbing.
PROPER CLIMBING AND USE
1. DO NOT USE LADDERS if you tire easily, are subject to fainting spells, are using medicine or
alcohol, or are physically impaired.
2. To protect children, do not leave ladder set up and unattended.
3. Securely engage ladder locks before climbing. Check that top and bottom ends of ladder rails
are firmly supported.
4. Face the ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered between side rails. Move
ladder as needed.
5. Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands while climbing.
6. Do not climb onto a ladder from the side unless the ladder is secured against side-wise
motion. Do not climb from one ladder to another.
7. Do not stand closer than 36" [91 cm] from the top. Never climb above the top support point.
8. Do not use ladder in high winds or storms.
9. Never use a ladder as a platform, plank or hoist. Never use ladder on a scaffold. Do not
overload. Extension ladders are meant for one person.
10. Keep your ladder close to your work; avoid over-reaching, pushing or pulling off to side of
ladder.
11. Never drop ladder or apply an impact load to ladder.
12. Do not “walk” or “shift” the ladder while standing on it.
13. Use extreme caution getting on and off the ladder.
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