Vestil LAD-RF - Manual (Page 16)

Maintenance Procedures:
Proper maintenance is an essential responsibility of the ladder owner and end-user. Failure
to adopt and implement regular maintenance procedures could lead to serious personal injuries and/or death.
We recommend that every owner/end-user perform regular inspections and maintenance on the
ladder.
1. Visual inspection after assembly and before each use: personnel who intend to use the
ladder MUST inspect it for signs of sustained damage. Sustained damage may include
unusual wear, deterioration, corrosion, broken welds.
2. General Maintenance: perform the following checks
• Cleaning: remove debris from the ladder using a broom and/or accelerated air (e.g.
air from a leaf blower). To avoid rusting the components, we do not recommend
using water to clean the ladder.
• Lubrication: if the axle (in RF model ladder stands) makes noises when the ladder is
moved, it may be lubricated with spray lubrication according to the directions on the
spray can.
• Paint: the paint provides a degree of weather defense. If the paint is chipped, the
ladder may be more susceptible to rust, which could eventually render the ladder
unsafe to use.
• Replace:
o Labels: if any labels are damaged and/or unreadable, contact Vestil for a
replacement. DO NOT use the ladder until you receive and affix the new
label(s) to the ladder according to the diagram of FIG. 3 on p. 17.
o Wheels: squeeze the sides of the semi-pneumatic tires and press down on the
tread. If the wheels compress easily, they need to be replaced. DO NOT use
the ladder again until the replacement wheel has been installed.
1. To install a new wheel, review the “Safety Guidelines,” on p. 5, and the “To
Raise & Collapse the Ladder,” safety warning messages on p. 13.
2. Perform steps 1 through 8 of the “To Raise & Collapse the Ladder”
procedure on p. 13-14.
3. Turn the ladder onto the side that has a good wheel (good wheel should
contact the ground). The defective wheel should be exposed.
4. Remove the cotter pin; then remove the wheel. Install the replacement
wheel according to Instruction 6 on p. 10.
o Rubber caps: the bottom surface of the caps prevents the ladder from shifting
while in use. If the bottom of either cap is worn so that it will not evenly contact
the ground it must be replaced. Contact Vestil to order replacement caps.
3. Directions for tightening and securing all threaded fasteners. All lock nuts should rest
snugly against the ladder. Connections should not be so tight that the ladder deforms
under either the bolt head or nut. Verify that each fastener is securely attached by pulling
on the bolt head and attempting to rotate the bolt. Tighten any loosened lock nuts with a
pair of 5/16in. crescent wrenches.
Employers should designate [a] person[s] to conduct monthly preventive maintenance.
Inspect each of the components identified below; if damage and/or deformation of any component are/is
present DO NOT use the ladder. Clearly indicate that the ladder is unusable, move it to a location that will
prevent personnel from using it, and contact Vestil for directions. Inspect:
• All welds for cracks.
• Rubber caps for cracks and/or excessive or uneven wearing: DO NOT use the ladder until replacement
caps have been installed. To install new caps, see Instruction 2 on p. 9.
• Horizontal braces: Pay particular attention to the ends of the braces. If any deformation of the openings
is apparent DO NOT use the ladder.
• Brackets of the step weldment that receive the back legs. The brackets are shown in Instruction 3,
photographs 1 & 2, on p. 9.
• Handrails: pay particular attention to the brackets that connect each handrail to the step weldment.
• Step weldment: look for rust, damaged welds, bent steps, or bent side rails and support rails.
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