Mac allister EL5A Manual Del Usuario página 16

Use
Before you start
01 Inspection before use
The ladder shall be inspected after delivery and before every use to confirm condition and operation of
all parts. For regular inspections, the following items shall be taken into account:
• Check that the stiles/legs (uprights) are not bent, bowed, twisted, dented, cracked, corroded or rotten.
• Check that the stiles/legs around the fixing points for other components are in good condition.
• Check that fixings (usually rivets, screws or bolts) are not missing, loose, or corroded.
• Check that rungs/steps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged.
• Check that the hinges between front and rear sections are not damaged, loose or corroded.
• Check that the locking stays horizontal, back rails and corner braces are not missing, bent, loose,
corroded or damaged.
• Check that the rung hooks are not missing, damaged, loose or corroded and engage properly on
the rungs.
• Check that guide brackets are not missing, damaged, loose or corroded and engage properly on
the mating stile.
• Check that ladder feet/end caps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded or damaged.
• Check that the entire ladder is free from contaminants (e.g. dirt, mud, paint, oil or grease).
• Check that locking catches (if fitted) are not damaged or corroded and function correctly.
• Check that the platform (if fitted) has no missing parts or fixings and is not damaged or corroded.
• Check if the locking indicators are working and if they are visible.
• Check the brackets for cracks and other failures, such as:
- no rupturing of parts shall be observed;
- there shall be no relative movement between the brackets and the rungs/steps.
If any of the above checks cannot be fully satisfied, you should NOT use the ladder. For special ladder
types, further items identified by the manufacturer shall be taken into account.
02 General Advice
• Do not spend long periods on a ladder without regular breaks (tiredness is a risk).
• Prevent damage of the ladder when transporting e.g. by fastening and, ensure they are suitably
placed to prevent damage.
• Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task.
• Do not use the ladder if contaminated, e.g. with wet paint, mud, oil or snow.
• Do not use the ladder outside in adverse weather conditions, such as strong wind.
• For professional use, a risk assessment shall be carried out respecting the legislation in the country
of use.
• When positioning the ladder take into account risk of collision with the ladder e.g. from pedestrians,
vehicles or doors. Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible in the work area.
• Do not modify the ladder design.
• Do not move a ladder while standing on it.
• Ladder shall never be moved from the top.
• When outdoors, be cautious in windy conditions.
• Take precautions against children playing on the ladder.
• Secure ladder at the top and bottom wherever possible. If not, station someone at the foot of the ladder.
• Ladders shall not be positioned on slippery surfaces (such as ice, shiny surfaces or significantly
contaminated solid surfaces) unless additional effective measures are taken to prevent the ladder
slipping or ensuring contaminated surfaces are sufficiently clean.
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