Use and Care Guide

Stepladder
– You need a stepladder that is tall enough so that you can get into the overhead space without
stepping above the working height of the stepladder. The working height of the stepladder is two
steps down from the top.
– Your stepladder must also have a Duty Rating that is greater than the sum of your weight plus
the 70 pound weight of the access ladder.
CAUTION: Be careful when using a stepladder to climb into and out of the overhead space. Have
the second person hold the stepladder so that it does not tip over.
Tools
– flashlight or extension light to provide light in the overhead space
– claw hammer
– pencil
– handsaw
– tape measure
– framing square
– drill
– 1/8" drill bit
– tools to cut a hole in the existing ceiling
Safety Equipment
– gloves
– safety goggles
– dust mask
Before Proceeding: You must have: a) a suitable ceiling and joist structure and b) the persons,
tools and materials needed c) the appropriate ladder for your ceiling height (See Figure 3 and
Table 1 below), and d) a level and flat location in the ceiling.
Goal: To find a location free of hazards and obstructions that will provide room for the installation and use of
the access ladder.
STEP 1. Pick a potential location for installation.
Check for the size of rough opening
shown on the box or in Table 2 on
page 6.
If you are installing the access ladder in
a garage, don’t forget to consider
where cars will be parked.
STEP 2. Check that you have the swing clearance
(SC) needed (see Figure 3 and Table 1).
STEP 3. Check that you have the landing space
(LS) needed to let both legs rest flat on
the floor (see Figure 3 and Table 1).
Section 3
PERSONS, TOOLS AND MATERIALS NEEDED
4
FC
FF
LS
2’
SC
Figure 3
Description
FF Floor to Floor
Height
FC Floor to Ceiling
Height
SC Swing Clearance
LS Landing Space
Dust Mask
Goggles