Introduction; Reasons For Accidents - Persum EN131-1 Manual De Usuario

1. Introduction

These directions for use and handling contain important safety information.
Therefore read over these directions completely; in particular, pay attention to
all safety information before you use the ladder.
Please keep these directions for use and handling. When the ladder is passed on
to another user, these Use and Operating Instructions should be provided. The
ladder meets the requirements of the European standard EN 131-1-2-3.

2. Reasons for accidents

The following list of hazards and examples of their causes, which is not exhaustive, are common
reasons for accidents encountered when using ladders and are the basis on which the information
in this standard has been developed:
a) Loss of stability:
1. Incorrect choice of ladder (such as too short, unsuitable task);
2. Incorrect positioning of the ladder (such as incorrect angle for leaning ladder or not fully
opening a standing ladder);
3. Slide outwards at the bottom (such as bottom of leaning ladders sliding away from the wall);
4. Side slip, and top flip for leaning ladders (such as overreaching or fragile top contact surface);
5. Falling sideways;
6. Condition of the ladder (such as missing anti-slip feet for leaning ladders);
7. Stepping off an unsecured ladder at height;
8. Ground conditions (such as unstable soft ground, sloping ground, slippery surfaces or
contaminated solid surfaces);
9. Adverse weather conditions (such as windy conditions);
10. Collision with the ladder (such as vehicle or door);
b) From handling:
1. Transferring the ladder to the work position;
2. Erecting and dismantling the ladder;
3. Carrying items up the ladder;
c) Slip, trip and fall of user:
1. Inappropriate footwear;
2. Contaminated rungs or steps;
3. Unsafe user practices (such as climbing two rungs at time, sliding down stiles);
4. Ground conditions (such as unstable soft ground, sloping ground, slippery surfaces or
contaminated solid surfaces);
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