LADDER SAFETY RULES AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING! Customer must tie down unit for safe transport!

APPLICATION: The ladders usually stocked in a rental denter are step ladders and extension ladders. They are made of either wood, aluminum or fiberglass.

WOOD ladders have a long history. When made of proper wood, maintained and stored properly, they provide a light, safe and electrically non-conductive ladder.

ALUMINUM ladders in the Heavy Duty Type I Class normally carried in rental centers have the advantage of good design, uniform strength, light weight and, if damaged, visibility. Their disadvantage is that they are electrically conductive.

FIBERGLASS ladders have all the advantages of aluminum ladders plus they are electrically the safest of all. They are highly recommended when the job is involved with electricity.

STEP ladders carried in larger rental centers vary from 6 feet to 16 feet in height.

EXTENSION ladders vary from 20 feet to 40 feet maximum length.

Safety Rules:

1. Ladders must set securely on level ground.
   
2. Never stand on either of the top two rungs or steps.
   
3. Never move ladder when it is extended.
   
4. Never extend the ladder beyond its designed height.
   
5. CAUTION: Caution must be used when you are using a metal ladder around electrical equipment.
   
6. Required overlap in extension ladders: up to 36 feet must have a 3-foot overlap when used. Over 36 feet to 48 feet must have a 4-foot overlap.
   
7. Ladders of the Type I Aluminum have a maximum total weight capacity of 250 lbs.
   
8. The law requires placing an extension ladders so the angle from the horizontal is 75 1/2 degrees when ladder is leaning against a structure.
   
9. A simple rule is the base of the ladder should be 1/4 of the length of the ladder away from the wall.