EN 131 standard

USER INFORMATION FOR LADDERS

1- General notes

1.1. INTRODUCTION

This user information describes the safe use of the ladders. Before use, please read carefully through this user information for reasons of safety and keep it for future reference. The user information must be included with the equipment if the lad- ders are passed on to a new owner.

1.2. BEFORE USING THE LADDERS (EXCERPT FROM EN 131-3)

a Does your health status permit you to use the ladder? Certain conditions, taking medication, alcohol or drug abuse can impair safety when using ladders;

b To prevent damage when transporting ladders on roof racks or in a lorry, always ensure that they are secured/fitted appropriately;

c Check the ladders on delivery and before using them for the first time to ensure that they are in a safe condition and that all parts are functioning properly;

d Carry out a visual inspection of the ladders at the beginning of each working day on which the ladders are to be used to ensure that they are undamaged and in a safe working condition;

e For commercial users, regular inspection is mandatory;

f Ensure that the ladder is suitable for the application in question;

g Never use damaged ladders;

h Remove any soiling from the ladder, e.g. wet paint, dirt, oil or snow; i before using a ladder, a risk analysis should be carried out, taking into consideration the legal requirements in the country in which the ladder is to be used.

i Before using a ladder, a risk analysis should be carried out, taking into consideration the legal requirements in the country in which the ladder is to be used.

1.3. MOVING INTO POSITION AND SETTING UP THE LADDER (EXCERPT FROM EN 131-3)

a The ladder must be set up in the correct position, e.g. correct angle for single ladders (angle of inclination approx. 1:4), rungs or treads horizontal and stepladders fully opened;

b Any locking devices fitted must be fully secured before using the ladder;

c the ladder must be set up on an even, horizontal and stable surface;

d Single ladders should be leant against a fat, stable surface and secured before they are used, e.g. with appropriate fastenings or by using a suitable device to ensure stability;

e Never work from above when moving a ladder to a new position;

f When moving a ladder into position, beware of the risk of collisions, e.g. with pedestrians, vehicles or doors. Doors (with the exception of emergency exits) and windows in the working area should be locked if possible;

g Evaluate all risks posed by electrical equipment in the working area, e.g. high-voltage lines or other exposed electrical equipment;

h The ladder must be placed on its feet, not on the rungs or steps;

i Never set up ladders on slippery surfaces (e.g. ice, polished metal or solid surfaces showing evidence of soiling) unless additional mea- sures are taken to prevent the ladder slipping or first cleaning the soiled surfaces appropriately.

1.4. USE OF LADDERS (EXCERPT FROM EN 131-3)

a Never exceed the maximum permissible payload for the ladder type;

b Never exceed the maximum number of users of the ladder/ladder part;

c Never lean out too far while using the ladder; users should ensure that their belt buckle (the navel) is always between the side rails and that both feet are on the same tread/rung;

d Never climb off a single ladder in high places without taking additional measures for safeguarding, e.g. attachments or by using a suitable device to ensure stability;

e Never use stepladders to climb up onto a higher level;

f Never stand on the top three treads/rungs of a single ladder;

g Never stand on the top two treads/rungs of a stepladder without platform and holding device for hand/knee;

h Never stand on the top four treads/rungs of a stepladder to which a push-up ladder has been attached;

i Ladders should only be used for performing light work for short periods of time;

j If work has to be performed where there is danger caused by voltage, always use non-conducting ladders;

k Never use a ladder outdoors in unfavourable weather conditions, e.g. strong winds;

l take appropriate measures to prevent children playing on ladders;

m Doors (with the exception of emergency exits) and windows in the working area should be locked if possible;

n Always ascend and descend ladders facing the ladder;

o Hold onto the ladder tightly while climbing up and down;

p Never use a ladder to bridge gaps;

q Wear suitable shoes when climbing ladders;

r Avoid excessive lateral loads, e.g. when drilling into masonry or concrete;

s Never remain on the ladder for long periods of time without taking appropriate breaks (tiredness can cause the risk of injury or falling);

t Single ladders used to provide access to higher positions should be extended to at least 1 m beyond the application point;

u Objects carried while climbing a ladder should be lightweight and easy to handle. In order to carry objects, attach a lateral railing as a fall protection device;

v Avoid work which exerts lateral loads on stepladders, e.g. drilling into solid materials to the side of the ladder (e.g. masonry or concrete);

w When carrying out work while standing on a ladder, hold onto the ladder with one hand or, if this is not possible, take additional measures for safeguarding.

x Do not use stepladders as single ladders.

1.5. REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

Repairs and maintenance work on ladders must be carried out by trained personnel and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Spare parts can be obtained from the manufacturer. Ladders must be stored protected against the weather conditions in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

1.6. CLEANING

Clean the product with a solution of water and a standard cleaning agent.

WARNING
Danger of slipping caused by water on the standing surfaces! Dry standing surfaces and holding devices thoroughly after cleaning.

1.7. DISPOSAL

The product is made mainly of aluminium. Dispose of the product components as follows:

aluminium: Recyclable
steel : recyclable
Plastic : energy recovery

(ladder feet, end caps, webbings)

2. Checking the ladders

The product must be regularly inspected by a technical expert to ensure that it is safe to operate. The technical expert is authorised to carry out inspection by the operator and must have taken part in the seminars prescribed by law in the country concerned.
The inspection intervals must be appropriate for the specific opera- ting conditions. Inspection must be carried out at least once a year.
The inspection must be documented. Check sheets for inspection of the products are available on the TUBESCA-COMABI homepage. After successful inspection, attach the TUBESCA-COMABI inspection plate (order No. 828384 or 828385) to the product. The month and year in which the next inspection is due must be clearly visible.

2.1. INSPECTION CRITERIA

Beams

Deformation Damage (e.g. cracks) sharp edges, splinters, burrs Wear
Protective treatment (for wood)

Spreader

Completeness/fastening Functionality Damage/corrosion

Fittings

Damage/corrosion completeness/fastening Functionality
Wear Lubrication (mechanical parts)

Rungs/Steps/Platform

Rungs/steps/Platform Deformation Damage (e.g. cracks) sharp edges, splinters, burrs connection to the beam (flanging, screw connection, riveted joint, weld seam) Wear (e.g. standing surface, platform support)

Ladder feet/rollers

Completeness/fastening Wear/corrosion Functionality

Identification

Operating instructions (pictogram)

Accessories (e.g. beam extension, foot widening, wall support)

Completeness/fastening