|
Safety
Information
The
Green Bull Commitment To Ladder Safety
Every Green Bull ladder
is built on a foundation of quality and safety. All of our
products meet or exceed the application standards and
requirements of the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.)
Regarding
OSHA Requirements 
OSHA sets minimum
national requirements for the use of ladders
in
business and industry. In addition, many states have their own
regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act that
may be even more stringent. The state codes will supersede the
national OSHA standards within their own state. Users should
check with their own state OSHA representatives for the
appropriate requirements.
The adequacy of ladders and the work practices followed by
employees using them are regulated by OSHA in four sections:
Portable Wood (1910.25), Portable Metal (1910.26), Fixed Ladders
(1910.27), and ladders used in Construction Industry
(1926.1053). These sections specify the standards to which all
portable ladders must be manufactured, care and placement of
ladders in the
workplace, and the safe use of ladders on the job.
Regarding
ANSI Requirements 
Depending on the material and
type of ladder, different ANSI
safety codes apply. The ANSI codes are as follows:
| Wood
Ladder |
ANSI
A14.1 |
| Metal
Ladder |
ANSI
A14.2 |
| Fixed
Ladder |
ANSI
A14.3 |
| Fiberglass
Ladder |
ANSI
A14.5 |
| Steel
Ladder |
ANSI
A14.7 |
| Stage
Platform |
ANSI
A10.8 |
| Rolling
Scaffold |
ANSI
A10.8 |
| Special
Duty |
ANSI
A14.10 |
ANSI
codes also have an established Duty Rating. This rating
identifies
which portable ladder is intended for the conditions under which
the ladder can be safely used. The Duty Rating system
is as follows:
Type |
Capable
of
Supporting |
Rated Use
|
| TYPE
IAA |
375
lbs. |
Special
Duty |
| TYPE
IA |
300
lbs. |
Extra
Heavy Duty Industrial |
| TYPE
I |
250
lbs. |
Heavy
Duty Industrial |
| TYPE
II |
225
lbs. |
Medium
Duty Commercial |
| TYPE
III |
200
lbs. |
Light
Duty Household |
Extensive
testing and design requirements determine the appropriate Duty
Rating for each ladder model. The rated load capacity includes
the combined weight of the user, clothing, tools and any
materials on the ladder. The tests’ requirements have been
specified with a safety factor of four to ensure the ability of
the ladder to meet the Duty Rating. However, the ratings assume
proper use of the ladder (especially relating to the placement
angle) in order to support the specified load.
Regarding
CSA International Certification 
The CSA mark is your
assurance that our products meet all applicable CSA safety
standards. Representative samples of our product were examined
and tested according to the applicable standard.
Products
in the catalog carrying this mark are rated Grade
1 for Heavy-Duty
Construction and Industrial Use.
A
ladder is a tool like any other. If it is used properly and
according to safety guidelines, it will give many years of
trouble-free service. However, if proper cautions are not taken,
a ladder can be involved in an accident. Please read and follow
all instructions and labels accompanying each ladder.
Two factors that deserve particular attention are proper ladder
selection and electrical shock precautions:
Pay close attention to the Duty Rating of the ladder and the
combined weight of the user and materials. Select a ladder with
the proper capacity. Also, be sure to select a ladder of proper
height to reach the work area without overextending.
Be aware of wires, electrical devices and live electrical
circuits. Metal ladders conduct electricity and can create a
danger of electrocution. Failure to read and follow instructions
regarding electrical safety could result in serious personal
injury or death.
Inspection Before Each Use
1.
|
Inspect upon receipt and before each use. Never climb a
damaged, bent or broken ladder: all working parts must be
in good working order.
|
2.
|
Make sure all rivets and joints, nuts and bolts are
tight; feet, steps and rungs are secure; spreaders and pail
shelf function properly (on step ladders); and rung locks, rope
and pulley are in good condition (on extension ladders).
|
3.
|
Keep 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 if damaged, worn or if exposed to fire or
chemical corrosion.
|
General Precautions Before Each Use
1.
|
Read the instructions printed on the ladder and follow
them. Ladders are designed for one person. Exceptions are Double
Front Step Ladders, which may be used by two people, one on each
side. Duty Ratings still apply for each side and should be
carefully observed.
|
2.
|
Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care
should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
|
3.
|
If you anticipate the use of chemicals or other possibly
corrosive materials, the ladder manufacturer should be consulted
before use.
|
4.
|
If you are in poor health, subject to fainting spells,
have a physical handicap that would impair your climbing
ability, or if you are under the influence of any drug or
alcohol (including legal drugs that may cause drowsiness), you
should not use a ladder.
|
5.
|
Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
|
6.
|
Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder,
and keep your body weight between the rails.
|
Proper Care & Storage of Ladders
1.
|
Store ladders in a safe, dry place.
|
2.
|
Hang ladders on racks, at intervals of 6 feet for
support.
|
3.
|
Properly secure and support ladders while in transit.
|
4.
|
Keep ladders clean and free of foreign materials.
|
5.
|
Never store materials on ladders.
|
Step Ladders – Proper Set Up
1.
|
DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity!Do not let ladders of any material come in contact with
live electrical wires.
|
2.
|
Make sure ladder is fully open, spreaders secure, and
pail shelf in position.
|
3.
|
Place on firm level surface with a secure footing. Do not
use on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases
or scaffolds to gain additional height. Do not place in front of
door opening toward ladder
|
Proper Climbing & Use
1.
|
Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered
between side rails.
|
2.
|
Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in
climbing
|
3.
|
Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is
secured against side-wise motion, or climb from one ladder to
another.
|
4.
|
Do not over reach; move ladder when needed.
|
5.
|
Do not “walk” or “jog” ladder when standing on
it.
|
| 6. |
Do not stand, climb or sit on ladder top, pail shelf,
braces, or back section.
|
7.
|
Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person. Do not
use as a brace, platform or plank.
|
8.
|
Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off
to the side of ladders.
|
Extension Ladders – 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 single or extension ladder at proper 75-1/2 degree
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 3 ft., place base of ladder a minimum of 3
ft. from vertical support.
|
4.
|
Set ladder on firm ground. Do not lean sideways. Do not
use on ice or snow or slippery surface without non-skid device
or securing feet.
|
5.
|
Erect ladder with minimum 3 ft. extending 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 overextend – maintain maximum required overlap
of sections as follows:
Ladder size up to and including 32' – 3' overlap
Ladder size over 32' up to and including 36' – 4' overlap
Ladder size over 36' up to and including 48' – 5' overlap
Ladder size over 48' – 6' overlap
|
|
8.
|
Place on a firm surface and a secure footing. Do not use
on slippery surfaces. Do not place on boxes, unstable bases or
scaffolds to gain additional height.
|
9.
|
Do not place in front of door opening toward ladder.
|
10.
|
Where possible, use second person to hold ladder.
|
Proper Climbing & Use
1.
|
Securely engage ladder rung locks before climbing. Check
that top and bottom ends of ladder rails are firmly supported.
|
2.
|
Face ladder when climbing up or down; keep body centered
between the rails.
|
3.
|
Maintain a firm grip. Use both hands in climbing.
|
4.
|
Never climb a ladder from the side unless ladder is
secured against side-wise motion, or climb from one ladder to
another.
|
5.
|
Do not stand closer than 3 ft. from the top. Never climb
above the top support.
|
6.
|
Do not use the ladder in high winds.
|
7.
|
Never use ladder as a platform, plank or hoist. Never use
ladder on a scaffold.
|
8.
|
Do not overload. Ladders are meant for one person.
|
9.
|
Keep ladder close to work; avoid pushing or pulling off
to the side of ladders.
|
10.
|
Never drop or apply an impact load to ladder.
|
11.
|
Do not “walk” or “shift” ladder when standing on
it
|
Proper Selection
1.
|
Use only planks, platforms, stages, scaffolds or ladders
which are manufactured and are erected in accordance with the
appropriate ANSI standard.
|
2.
|
Select plank with proper load rating such that the
combined total weight of all persons, tools, and materials does
not exceed the rated working load. Planks and stages are
designed with rated working loads of 250, 500 and 750 pounds
(113, 227, and 340 kg.) Do Not Overload.
|
3.
|
Select only planks or stages of the proper width and
length.
|
Inspection Before Each Use
1.
|
Inspect upon receipt and before each use, check all parts
for proper function and damage to component parts. Do not use a
damaged or improperly functioning plank or platform.
|
2.
|
A plank or platform exposed to excessive heat, as in the
case of a fire, should be immediately removed from service and
destroyed due to the loss of structural strength
|
3.
|
Do not use the product if the decking surface is damaged
or has deteriorated. Do not paint.
|
Proper Set-Up & Use
1.
|
Before using, refer to manufacturer’s instructions.
|
2.
|
Do not permit oil, grease, or any slippery material to
accumulate on climbing or gripping surfaces.
|
3.
|
Do not use this product for cantilever applications.
Never stand on that portion of the product that extends beyond
the supporting point.
|
4.
|
Planks and stages are designed with rated working loads
of 250, 500 and 750 pounds (113, 227, and 340 kg.) The combined
total weight of all persons and materials should not exceed the
rated working load. Do Not Overload
|
5.
|
Erect the plank or platform so that the working or
standing surface is level.
|
6.
|
Support plank or platform ends by stirrups, scaffold
bearer members, trusses, or other equipment intended for this
purpose.
|
7.
|
Use guard rails, mid rails and toeboards as required by
local, state and federal regulations. Their use is recommended
in all cases.
|
8.
|
Do not allow unstable objects, such as barrels, boxes,
loose brick, tools or debris to accumulate on the work surface.
|
9.
|
Do not use a ladder or other device on a plank or
platform to gain greater heights.
|
10.
|
Never climb onto a stage from a ladder unless both the
stage and the ladder are secured from movement in all
directions.
|
11.
|
Do not ride on a moving plank or platform. Tools,
materials, and equipment should not be stored on planks or
platforms that are being moved.
|
12.
|
Do not apply impact loads to a plank or platform. Never
attempt to straighten a deformed side rail, rung or decking
member.
|
13.
|
Do not use acids or other corrosive substances without
consulting the plank or platform manufacturer for specific
instructions.
|
14.
|
Do not use a metal plank or platform near electrical
circuits.
|
15.
|
Use only 250 or 300 pound duty-rated ladders when using
planks or platforms with ladder jacks.
|
Proper Care & Storage
1.
|
Support planks and platforms on racks when
stored.
|
2.
|
Never store material on planks or platforms.
|
3.
|
Properly support planks and platforms in transit.
|
For Additional Information See ANSI A10.8
Warning: Failure to read and follow
instructions on the use of ladder jacks could result in personal
injury or death.
|
General Safety Instructions
1.
|
DANGER! Metal Conducts Electricity!
Do not let ladder jacks
come in contact with live electrical wires.
|
2.
|
Use only 300 pound (Type IA) or 250 pound (Type I) rated ladders
with ladder jacks.
|
3.
|
Do not overload platform or ladders.
|
4.
|
Not recommended for use with wood runged ladders.
|
5.
|
Recommended for one man use. Not for use with more than 2
men spaced at least 8 feet apart. Only one man on a 250 pound
rated platform.
|
6.
|
If platform is 10 ft. or more above the ground, use a
body harness
secured to a lanyard, fall prevention device and a lifeline
secured to a solid structural member. Do not attach lifeline to
the ladder, ladder jack, or platform.
|
7.
|
Set ladders on a firm, non-skid surface.
|
8.
|
The maximum length and width for a fabricated metal
platform when used with ladder jacks is 32 feet long by 20
inches wide.
|
9.
|
Contact plank manufacturer for proper use of laminated wood
planks.
|
10.
|
Use of natural wood planks is not recommended.
|
Proper
Angle Set-Up
Ladders
should be set at an angle of approximately 75 degrees. One
method for setting the ladder at a proper angle is to place your
toes against the bottom of the ladder, stand erect, and extend
your arms out straight. Then slide the bottom of the ladder
until the palm of your hands contact the top of the rung closest
to your eye level. (Check with angle label on ladder.)
Inspection
Before Each Use
1.
|
Inspect thoroughly for missing or damaged components, including
fasteners. Never use damaged ladder jacks, ladder or
planks. Never make temporary repairs.
|
2.
|
Keep equipment clean of all foreign material (wet paint,
mud, snow, grease, oil, etc.)
|
3.
|
Destroy equipment if damaged, excessively worn or exposed
to
fire or chemicals.
|
General
Precautions Before Each Use
1.
|
Never leave a ladder set up and unattended. Special care
should be taken to keep children away from all ladders.
|
2.
|
If you anticipate the use of chemicals or other possibly
corrosive materials, the manufacturer should be consulted before
use.
|
3.
|
If you are in poor health, subject to fainting spells,
have a physical handicap that would impair your climbing
ability, or if you are under the influence of any drug or
alcohol (including legal drugs that may cause drowsiness), you
should not use a ladder.
|
4.
|
Do not use in high winds or during a storm.
|
5.
|
Stay focused on safety whenever you are on the ladder, and
keep your body weight between the rails.
|
6.
|
Keep shoes clean. Leather soles should not be worn.
|
Proper
Set-Up & Use
1.
|
Use only 300 lb. (Type IA) or 250 lb. (Type I) duty rated
ladders
with ladder jacks.
|
2.
|
Follow instructions provided with platforms and ladders.
|
3.
|
Use ladders only at proper angle.
|
4.
|
Secure top and bottom of ladder to prevent movement before
attaching ladder jacks.
|
5.
|
Make sure every hook engages a rung when placing jacks on
ladders.
|
6.
|
Adjust the brace until the platform surface is
horizontal. Make sure the adjusting mechanism is fully engaged
and locked.
|
7.
|
Minimum platform width required: Fabricated platform =
12”. Wood platform = 18”.
|
8.
|
Maximum platform height shall be 20 ft. above the ground.
|
9.
|
Platform must overhang support by at least 12 in. and no
more than 18 in. Do not use this overhang. Securely fasten
platform to
jacks to prevent movement – this is especially critical when
using guardrail systems.
|
10.
|
Use guardrails and toeboard whenever platform is 10 ft. or
more above the ground.
|
11.
|
Set-up must comply with applicable ANSI, OSHA, state and
local codes.
| A. Ladder Jack Scaffolds; |
ANSI A10.8 |
| B.
Fall Prevention Equipment; |
ANSI A10.14 |
| C. Ladders; |
ANSI A14.1, A14.2, A14.5 |
| D. Platforms; |
ANSI A10.8 |
|
12.
|
A separate ladder secured in place to access platform is
recommended.
|
13.
|
Use extreme caution when mounting and dismounting
platforms.
|
|
