Use and Care Manual

FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
4
Geographical location: An FRP ladder in Miami (high solar, high humidity) will
generally weather much faster than one in Chicago; and, therefore, requires a more frequent
maintenance program.
Handling: Care should be taken to minimize impact loading to FRP ladders. Avoid dropping
or stepping on ladders and dropping materials onto FRP ladder rails. Proper restraining of lad-
ders during transit will prolong the useful life.
Maintenance: The maintenance cycle should be determined by local experience
rather than
by a national average. This requires the end user to use his/her best judgment in determining when
an FRP ladder requires maintenance due to the effects of weathering
.
MOISTURE ABSORPTION
FRP ladders are frequently exposed to moisture. FRP can absorb some moisture although it
will never absorb as much moisture as wood. Wood is very porous by nature, which is not true
of FRP since there is a bond between the reinforcement and polymer system.
A small amount of moisture can find its way into an FRP ladder by a wicking action at the
surface through exposed fibers or at either end of the rails. This moisture
reduces the insulation
resistance of the ladder but does not reduce any physical properties.
Moisture is not visible in a laminate and requires an electrical confirmation test. Electrical
tests such as a D.C. insulation resistance test can be used to determine the electrical safety of
a ladder.
If there is reason to believe a ladder has absorbed considerable moisture, it should be
placed in a circulating heat chamber at 120°F from four to twelve hours. Following this, the lad-
der should be coated with a highly pigmented polyurethane resin.
MAINTENANCE
The end user shall use his/her best judgment to deter mine when a ladder
requires maintenance.
A good, general maintenance program should include the following:
1. All ladders should be cleaned of any build-up of dir t, grime, dust, grease,
carbonaceous and other conductive materials. The cleaning effort ensures
retention of the original electrical insulating characteristics and precludes a
surface tracking condition. Regular washing and waxing will also greatly reduce
the degree of surface degradation and potential fiber bloom. Wax slows down the
entry of water but is invisible to U.V.
2. If the ladder is used indoors, there are fewer environmental concerns unless it
is in a chemical environment. In that case, periodic inspection and possible
coating may be warranted. Maintenance in a chemical environment requires
specific consultation.
3. Ladders stored out-of-doors for extended periods of time can have the effect of
weathering decreased by semi-annual waxing of the rails. Normally a good
commercial non-slip paste wax, such as SC Johnson
®
Paste Wax
3
, will reduce
the possibility of glass fiber prominence.
4. Ladders employed in geographic locales with high U.V. ray exposure can have
extended life and reduced potential for glass fiber prominence by periodic coating
with certain acrylic lacquers, polyurethane coatings or similar materials. The
U.V. additive employed in the resin formulation is gradually consumed during
sunlight exposure. These subsequent coatings replace the U.V. screen or barrier.
5.
A spot coating with a highly pigmented polyurethane resin is highly recommended
when the ladder surface has been damaged by localized impact or abrasion. If
there is any structural damage consult Werner Co. on repair or replacement
or discard the ladder.
6. Ladders in service out-of-doors, where high humidity or high humidity coupled
with intense U.V. ray exposure exists, may have their service life increased by
applying a lacquer or paint coating and waxing.
FOOTNOTES:
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SC Johnson
®
Paste Wax
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.