FIBERGLASS LADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL INTRODUCTION Fiberglass ladders were developed after years of design, testing and field use as a non-conductive tool. For the best performance and greatest life expectancy, fiberglass ladders must be maintained and handled with greater care than wood or aluminum ladders. This manual outlines fiberglass’ unique characteristics, test results, handling procedures, maintenance, and recommended modes of use.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL The Effects of Weathering on Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Ladders Fiberglass ladder rail will weather, as will most materials, when exposed to an outdoor environment. The degree of degradation of surface appearance will be accelerated by warm, moist climates; areas of high humidity; and high solar ultraviolet (U.V.) radiation. Humidity has the greatest effect on the degree of weathering. VISUAL CHANGES THAT MAY OCCUR TO FIBERGLASS FROM WEATHERING ARE: 1.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL 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.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL 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 ladders during transit will prolong the useful life.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL CORROSION RESISTANCE GUIDE FOR FIBERGLASS Chemical Acetic Acid, 5% Acetic Acid, 10% Aluminum Sulphate Ammonium Hydroxide, 5% Aluminum Nitrate Benzene Sulfonic Acid, 5% Calcium Chloride Chlorine Dioxide, 15% Chromic Acid, 5% Copper Sulphate Ethylene Chlorhydrin Ethylene Glycol Ferrous Sulphate Fatty Acids, 100% Fluosilicic Acid, 10% Hydrochloric Acid, 1%-10% Hydrochloric Acid, 37% Kerosene Magnesium Chloride Methyl Alcohol Naptha 75°F 150°F R R R NR R R R NR R R R R R R
NOTE: The use of all airborne chemical coatings must be done in accordance with federal, state and local laws. FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL ACCEPTABLE COATINGS 1. Acrylic Lacquer A high quality acrylic lacquer is recommended because of its wide availability. It may be found in paint stores, hardware stores or home improvement centers. Generally, two coats should be sufficient to remedy the severest condition of fiber prominence. 2.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL INDEPENDENT ELECTRICAL LABORATORY TESTS Electrical Testing Laboratories tested Werner Co. FRP ladders. Results from the test series are as follows: FLASHOVER VOLTAGE Before Immersion 45% R.H. 63% R.H. 6.0 KV 6.0 KV 94.0 KV 94.0 KV 95.0 KV 94.0 KV 95.0 KV 93.0 KV 83.0 KV 91.0 KV 50.0 KV 53.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL SPECIAL ELECTRICAL TESTS 1. DC leakage current after water spraying sample for 5 minutes, wiped dry and tested. The electrodes were 50" apart. DC LEAKAGE CURRENT (MICROAMPERES) Time After Spray 10 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes 60 minutes 120 minutes 180 minutes 240 minutes 300 minutes Applied Voltage Wood 5 KV 5 KV 5 KV 5 KV 5 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV Fiberglass 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV 50 KV Wood 1000 810 605 130 27 260 170 140 Fiberglass 0.50 0.45 0.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE LOAD TESTING An independent laboratory ran four series of temperature-load tests on single section fiberglass extension ladders to study the effect of temperature. ANSI A14.5 Horizontal Bending Test procedures were used with a 10 foot span and 250 lb. test load. In all but the Series IV tests, the 250 lb. test load was removed after each deflection reading was taken and then reapplied to the ladder when the listed temperature was attained.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURAL TESTS ON FIBERGLASS LADDERS 1. The Cyclic Horizontal Bending test is conducted to 100,000 cycles at the rated load for FRP composite ladder rail designs per ANSI A14.5 requirements. All FRP rail designs are then subjected to the Inclined Load Test requirements specified in ANSI A14.5. 2. A wide range of tests were performed at the bottom of a utility grade FRP extension ladder. The tests were run to demonstrate the degree of resistance to abuse.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL ANSI A14.5 FIBERGLASS LADDER STANDARD (SELECTED SECTIONS ABSTRACTED FROM A14.5, Continued) NOTE: Specimen sizes used for determining these properties shall be as follows: (1) Flexural: based upon Method I, Procedure A, of Tests for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials, ASTM D780-91, with the outer surface of the composite down. Preferred sizes are: a.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL 7.9.5 Material Properties – Weathering. The mechanical properties of web coupon specimens prepared from the weathered samples shall meet the values established in Table 2 after 1000 hours of exposure to the weathering cycle. Further information concerning weathering is given in 7.9.5.1 through 7.9.5.3. 7.9.5.1 Accelerated Weathering Test Procedures.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL ANSI A14.5 FIBERGLASS LADDER STANDARD (SELECTED SECTIONS ABSTRACTED FROM A14.5, Continued) NOTE: The ac dielectric strength test is employed as a means of evaluating other characteristics of the composite. 7.10.2 DC Current Leakage.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL cause wear of ladder components. The ladder truck rack needs to be designed to positively clamp the ladder into a fixed condition and to fit the particular ladder being fixed to the truck. If these conditions are not satisfied, excessive wear will occur in the ladder, which will cause premature retirement of the ladder from service.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL CARE, USE, AND QUALITY CONTROL OF REINFORCED PLASTIC LADDERS (Continued) USE OF LADDERS 4 3 2 75° 1 General. Restrict ladder usage to the purpose for which the ladder is designed. Self-supporting ladders, such as stepladders and platform ladders, are not to be used as single ladders, that is, in the closed position.
FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL + ) , - . ( ' ) / % % * Highest standing level $ % ( ! ' % % & ) * Highest standing level " # extension ladder stabilizer to the ladder, extending across the window opening to provide firm support against the building walls or window frames. Climbing Ladders. When ascending or descending, always face the ladder. Maintain a firm hold on the ladder when climbing up or down.
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FIBERGLASS L ADDER TECHNICAL MANUAL LADDERS WITH NON-CONDUCTIVE FIBERGLASS RAILS Model 5900 5900S D5900-2 6000 6000S 6002 T6000 PT6000-4C D6000-2 T6202 6200 D6200-2 D6200-1 P6200 T6200 7100-1 7100-2 B7100 M7100 D7100-2 7300 PT7400-4C 7400 T7400 P7400 E7400 S7700 7800 S7900 SSF00 Type II II II I I I I I I IA IA IA IA IA IA IAA IAA IA IA IA & IAA IAA IA IAA IA & IAA IA & IAA IA I IAA IA & IAA IA 18 Description Stepladder Stepladder w/Shelf Flat D-rung Extension Stepladder Stepladder w/Shelf Step Stool Twi
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