Hazard identification: explanation of signal words – Vestil A-LIFT User Manual

Page 2

rev. 1/16/2013

A-Lift, manual.doc

Page 2 of 12

Hazard Identification: Explanation of SIGNAL WORDS

This manual uses SIGNAL WORDS to indicate the likelihood of personal injuries, as well as the probable

seriousness of those injuries, if the product is misused in the ways described. Other signal words call attention to uses
of the product likely cause property damage.

The signal words used appear below along with the meaning of each word:

Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,

WILL

result in

DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY. Use of this signal word is limited to the
most extreme situations.

Identifies a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, COULD result in
MINOR or MODERATE injury.

Identifies practices likely to result in product/property damage, such as
operation that might damage the product.

Each person who assembles, installs, uses, or maintains this product should read the entire manual in advance

and fully understand the directions. If after reading the manual you do not understand an instruction, ask
your supervisor or employer for clarification, because failure to adhere to the directions in this manual
might result in serious personal injury.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

Vestil diligently strives to identify foreseeable hazards associated with the use of its products. However, no manual
can address every conceivable risk. The end-user ultimately is responsible for exercising sound judgment at all times.

Electrocution might result if any part of the mezzanine ladder contacts electrified wires. Reduce the

likelihood of electrocution by applying common sense:
 Electrocution Risk: DO NOT contact electrical wires with the winch lift or load! Be aware of all overhead
obstacles and take precautions to avoid contact with them.

If this product is used improperly or carelessly, the operator and/or bystanders might sustain serious

personal injuries or even be killed. ALWAYS use the product properly:
 Failure to read and understand the entire manual before assembling, installing, using or servicing the
product

constitutes misuse

. Read the manual to refresh your understanding of proper use and maintenance

procedures.

 ALWAYS inspect the Lifter before each use according to the inspection instructions on p. 10. DO NOT use the
Lifter unless it passes the inspection.
 Prior to each use, ALWAYS inspect the area where you intend to use the lifter. Inspect the area for unusual
conditions that might require special precautions. See “Notice” on p. 7-8.

 DO NOT use a malfunctioning lifter. Always perform the “Function Test” described in the Notice on p. 8 before each
use.
 Regardless of whether the lifter is loaded or unloaded, DO NOT stand or travel under the forks and DO NOT allow
any other person to stand or travel under the forks.

 Inform all persons in the area that you are going to use the Lifter, and instruct them to stay clear of the device and
the supported load during operation.
 ALWAYS make sure that your clothing and body do not contact the mast structure, lifting mechanisms, or carriage
during operation. ONLY operate the lifter from the “Operator’s Position,” shown in Step 2 on p. 8. DO NOT move the
lifter or raise or lower the forks unless you are in the operator’s position.
 DO NOT allow people to ride the lifter.

 ALWAYS load the A-lift according to the list of recommendations that appears below. Failure to properly position a
load on the forks (or platform) might cause the lifter to tip over and you could be injured as a consequence.

1. DO NOT exceed the A-Lift’s maximum rated load. The rated load (capacity) of your Lifter is posted on a
product label as shown in “Label placement diagram” on p. 11.

2. ONLY move loads using the forks or the optional deck platform (“load-engaging means”).

3. DO NOT handle off-center loads or loads that cannot be centered. ALWAYS properly center the load.

4. Start and stop gradually to avoid upsetting the load from the forks/platform.

5. NEVER tilt the lifter while carrying a load. All four castors must maintain contact with the ground when a

load is on the forks/platform.
 DO NOT modify the ladder in any way UNLESS you

first

obtain written approval from Vestil. Unauthorized

modifications automatically void the limited warranty (see p. 12) and might make the table unsafe to use.