Use and Care Manual

ManualsBrandsWerner ManualsBuilding materials2 ft. Fiberglass Step Ladder with 300 lb. Load Capacity Type IA Duty Rating

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL

FACTORS AFFECTING THE SERVICE LIFE

OF FRP LADDERS

An FRP ladder will be affected by:

1. Geographical location.

2. Type of handling given.

3. Whether or not a regular maintenance program is followed.

FOOTNOTES:

Atlas Electric Devices Co.

4114 N. Ravenswood Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60613

Q-Lab

800 Canterbury Rd.

Cleveland, Ohio 44145

ULTRAVIOLET (U.V.) DAMAGE (FROM SUNLIGHT)

(CONTINUED)

Werner Co. uses polyester fiber fabric surfacing materials (surface veils) on all its fiberglass

ladder rail. These polyester fiber fabrics provide a barrier between the outer layer of glass mat

and the surface of the rail.

These surface veils do not eliminate the weathering of the side rail from the ultraviolet

rays of the

sun. What they do is give a smooth, non-irritating outer surface to the rail, provide added resis-

tance to UV degradation, and isolate the outermost glass layer which could irritate a user’s skin

once the resin becomes eroded. A fiberglass ladder with a surface veil can be comfortably used

even after the resin has eroded without the itching sensation. The ladder can then be recoated

with acrylic, polyurethane, or epoxy paint to restore the appearance and surface finish. (See

page 4 for recommended coatings.)

STEPS THAT WERNER CO. HAS TAKEN TO IMPROVE

OUTDOOR WEATHERING CHARACTERISTICS OF FRP

LADDER RAIL INCLUDE:

1. Use of isophthalic polyester resin with superior weathering resistance.

2. Use of improved pigments with more resistant characteristics.

3. Use of improved monomer systems.

4. Use of U.V. inhibitor to reduce solar radiation effects.

5. Use of aluminum silicate filler.

6. Use of polyester surface veil to yield a higher resin rich surface.

For test purposes, several different types of accelerated artificial weathering devices are

used such as:

1. Carbon Arc units such as the Atlas

Twin Carbon Arc

, and

Sunshine Carbon Arc (ASTM G23-90).

2. Xenon Arc type unit (ASTM G26-90).

3. Q-U-V

, Fluorescent, Ultraviolet, and Condensation unit

(ASTM G53-88).

For reference, 1000 hours at a cycle of 6 hours U.V. exposure at 130°F followed by 6 hours

condensation at 100°F in the Q-U-V

accelerated weathering unit represents about one year of

south Florida exposure; 2000 hours is about two years; and 3000 hours is about three years.

This is based upon early development experience of other laboratories. An accelerated weath-

ering test is only an approximation of real life weathering experience.

In all cases, a high humidity cycle is employed.