User manual SMART LEVEL SYSTEM
Before using the ladder, read these instructions carefully! Save these instructions in case they are needed for future reference. Also study the illustrations/pictograms that are shown on the product itself.
All of the ladders that are used in a commercial setting in the Netherlands must fulfil the requirements of the Commodities Act, as set out in the Mobile Climbing Apparatus Directive.
Before use
Concentrate when climbing the ladder and never do so under the influence of alcohol, medication or substances that may affect your ability to react.
Make sure that the ladder is collapsed during transport and that the feet are fully pushed-in. The ladder must be well supported and secured during transport.
Check all components of the ladder on its condition and operation upon receipt and before each use.
Every time before use, inspect the ladder for any defects, such as deformation or wear and tear.
Ladders that are used in a professional capacity must be inspected periodically by an expert.
Never use a damaged or broken ladder. Ensure that all damage to the ladder is checked/repaired by an expert as quickly as possible.
Every time you use the ladder, make sure that it is suitable for its intended use.
As far as possible, ensure that the ladder is free from contamination by substances such as wet paint, mud, snow and oil.
Prior to use, carry out a risk analysis should you be obliged/required to do so by local or national legislation and regulations.
Positioning and/or erecting a ladder
A ladder has to be positioned in such a way that the distance from the foot of the ladder to the wall is approximately equal to a quarter of the operational length of the ladder. The set-up angle will then be circa 75° (the standing surfaces of the rungs will thus be horizontal).
Place the ladder on a sturdy, stable, horizontal and smooth surface. If the ladder cannot be placed horizontally, use the levelling system.
Place a ladder so that it is sufficiently supported on all four points, on a sturdy, weight-bearing surface.
A ladder may never be repositioned if somebody is standing on a rung, or from a position that is higher than the end of the ladder.
Take extra precautions when the ladder has to be put up in front of a door opening, an opening window or in a corridor etc. Close doors (not fire escapes) and windows at the workplace if possible.
Never place a ladder within a distance of 2.5 m from electrical components of low-voltage installations or networks which are under live current.
Never position aluminium ladders in the vicinity of the components of high voltage installations. Aluminium ladders conduct electric current.
Ladders must always be positioned on their feet and not on the rung.
Do not place the ladder on a smooth surface (such as ice, slippery or very dirty surfaces) unless effective measures have been taken to prevent sliding or dirty areas have been adequately cleaned.
By preference, slide an extending ladder out against a wall up to the required height.
Ensure for multi-section ladders that the hooks properly grip onto or under (rope-operated ladders) the rungs.
Check the securing of the various ladder sections before climbing the ladder.
The hooks are fitted with a locking catch. Always lock this locking catch and unlock it only for sliding the sections in and out. The locking catch is to ensure that the ladder does not slide out by accident.
Make sure that it is only possible to climb the ladder from the extended side (except for rope-operated ladders).
Make sure that the correct sequence is followed when sliding out the ladder: unlock the upper section of the ladder, slide it out to the required height and then lock it into place. If the ladder has 3 sections, repeat this procedure with the middle section.
Always slide in the middle section of the ladder first (unlock, slide in, lock) and then the upper section of the ladder (unlock, slide in, lock). Pay particular attention to ensuring that the ladder sections are locked and unlocked at the right time.
The ladder may only be operated on the side which must go up; one foot should always be pushed in.
The levelling system may not be used to extend the ladder, only to level it.
Use of the ladder
Never load a ladder in excess of 150 kg (= a person climbing the ladder including any 'baggage').
Never reach or lean too far to the side when working on a ladder (max. 1 arm length). (rule of thumb: keep your navel between the uprights of the stepladder or ladder). If necessary, reposition the ladder more frequently.
Do not use the ladder to access another (higher) level, without extra security, such as securing the object or using another suitable stability device.
Never step sideways off a ladder.
Never use a damaged or broken ladder. Ensure that all damage to the ladder is checked/repaired by an expert as quickly as possible.
Never climb a ladder any higher than the 4th rung from the top.
Ladders may only be used for light work and for short periods of time.
If there is an unavoidable risk of direct contact with electricity, do not use this ladder!
Do not use a ladder outdoors in high winds (force 6) or other unfavourable weather conditions.
Never leave a ladder unsupervised that has already been set up for use. Think about (playing) children.
When possible, close windows and doors (not emergency exits) in the immediate vicinity of the work.
When ascending/descending the ladder, hold on properly. This should always been done while facing the ladder.
Do not use the stepladder or ladder as a bridge from which work is carried out.
Wear proper footwear to prevent slipping.
Do not stand on a ladder for long periods without taking regular breaks. Tiredness is a risk!
Use a ladder of the correct length. The ladder should project by at least one metre above the required standing or step-over height.
Any tools that are used while standing on a ladder have to be light and easy to use.
While working, hold onto the ladder with at least one hand, or take precautions if it is not possible to hold on.
No more than one person should stand on a ladder at the same time.
Never reposition the ladder while somebody is standing on it.
Never use a ladder back to front or upside down. The position of the ladder will be evident from the standing surfaces of the rungs that should be horizontal.
Some ladders are fitted with a stabilizer which is supplied separately. Fit this, prior to use, in accordance with the instructions.
Additional safety instructions when using ladders
Never wear baggy clothing or jewellery. These could become caught when ascending or descending the ladder, thereby causing a fall.
Frequently check that the feet are not worn. Worn feet may damage the support surface, or can result in the ladder slipping.
In the interests of personal safety, only use accessories or aids that have been recommended by Smart Level.
Do not leave any tools or other equipment at the bottom of the ladder as you might trip over them.
Should a ladder weigh more than 25 kg, this should always be lifted by two people.
Store the ladder in a dry place, out of the full sun, and far away from work which could potentially damage the ladder. (welding, grinding, demolition work, etc.) Prevent sagging when the ladder is in storage
Maintenance for Smart Level ladder
The ladder's slide-out feet, operational elements and hinges must always be kept free from dirt so that the system can function effectively; if the ladder gets dirty during use, the feet, operational elements and hinges must be cleaned in order to maintain a fully functioning system.
Guarantee conditions
This Smart Level product has been designed, manufactured and tested with the greatest care. Should this product be used in accordance with the instructions and its intended use, a warranty will apply under the following conditions (the warranty period is indicated on the sticker at the side of our products):
1) Smart Level guarantees the reliability of the product and the quality of the materials used for the product.
2) Repairs to the ladder may only be carried out by qualified and certified personnel.
3) We will rectify any defects that are covered by the warranty by replacing the defective part, or the product itself, or by supplying a part for replacement.
4) Not covered by the warranty are any defects that occur as a result of the following:
a) Use of the product contrary to its intended use or contrary to the instructions for use.
b) Normal wear and tear.
c) Assembly or repair by the client or by third parties (with the exception of fitting the spare parts provided by Altrex as indicated above under point 3).
d) Any modified governmental regulations concerning the nature or quality of the material used in the product.
5) Any defects that are found upon the delivery of the product should be reported immediately to Smart Level. Should notification of these defects not take place immediately, the warranty will be null and void. To make a claim under the warranty, your Smart Level dealer has to be provided with the proof of purchase.
6) Any defects of the product have to be reported to your Smart Level dealer as soon as possible, but in any case within 14 days of the defect being found.
7) a) Should a claim be made under the warranty conditions, Smart Level has to have the opportunity to be able to investigate the product in its Quality Centre. The client must make the product available for this purpose. Should it be established during the investigation that the product has been used incorrectly, the costs of the investigation will be charged to the client.
b) Should the client ask for an investigation to be carried out by an independent institute, the costs for this investigation are at the expense of the client should it be established during the investigation that the product has been used incorrectly. The costs of the investigation are also at the expense of the client if prior to this investigation, Smart Level offered to repair or to replace the product at no charge to the client.
Copyright 2016 HvdV B.V.