Batavia Giraffe Professional Working Platform

Dear Customer

Please familiarize yourself with the proper usage of the device by reading and following each chapter of this manual, in the order presented. Keep these operating instructions for further reference. Please read all safety instructions!

This manual contains important information on operating and handling the device. Keep these operating instructions for further reference. Please pass it on along with the unit if it is handed over to a third party.

1. Explanation of Symbols

• ? Warning! To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read the instruction manual.
• ⚠️ Warning! Fall from the ladder.
• ❌ Avoid work that imposes a sideways load on ladders, such as side-on drilling through solid materials (e.g., brick or concrete).
• ❌ Do not use the ladder as a bridge.
• ⚡ Be aware of electrical hazards when transporting ladder.
• ❌ Do not step off the side of a standing ladder onto another surface.
• ? Ladder for domestic use
• foldable Single or multiple joint ladders should be unfolded/folded when lying on the ground and not in its use position.
• ✅ TÜV SÜD confirms that the working platform meets the relevant requirements of a safe product.
• ⚖️ Maximum total load.
• ❌ Do not use the ladder on an unlevel or unfirm base!
• ❌ Do not overreach.
• ❌ Do not erect ladder on contaminated ground.
• ? Maximum number of users on ladder.
• ? Face ladder when ascending or descending ladder.
• ? Keep a secure grip on the ladder when ascending and descending; maintain a handhold whilst working from a ladder or take additional safety precautions if you cannot.

2. Intended Use

The aluminum working platform is used for reaching higher spaces.

3. Technical Data

4. Check Before Using the Ladder

• ❌ Do not use the platform if you are not fit enough. Certain medical conditions or medication, alcohol or drug abuse could make ladder use unsafe.
• ? Prevent damage of the platform when transporting, e.g., by fastening, and ensure they are suitably placed to prevent damage.
• ? Inspect the platform after delivery. Before every use, visually check the ladder is not damaged and is safe to use. Do not use a damaged platform.
• ? Visually check the platform at the start of each working day when the ladder is to be used.
• ⚙️ For professional users, regular periodic inspection is required.
• ✅ Ensure the ladder is suitable for the task.
• ❌ Do not use a damaged platform.
• ❌ Do not use the platform if contaminated, e.g., with wet paint, mud, oil or snow.
• ⚖️ For professional use, a risk assessment shall be carried out respecting the legislation in the country of use.
• ? Do not modify the platform design.

5. Positioning and Erecting the Ladder

• ? Locking devices, if fitted, shall be fully secured before use.
• The ladder shall be on an even, level, and unmovable base.
• A leaning ladder should lean against a flat, non-fragile surface and should be secured before use, e.g., tied or use of a suitable stability device.
• The ladder shall never be repositioned from above.
• When positioning the ladder, take into account the risk of collision with the ladder, e.g., from pedestrians, vehicles, or doors; Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible in the work area.
• ⚡ Warning: Electricity hazard. Identify any electrical risks in the work area, such as overhead lines or other exposed electrical equipment, and do not use the ladder where electrical risks occur.
• The ladder shall be stood on its feet, not the rungs or treads.
• Ladders shall not be positioned on slippery surfaces (such as ice, shiny surfaces, or significantly contaminated solid surfaces) unless additional effective measures are taken to prevent the ladder slipping or ensuring contaminated surfaces are sufficiently clean.
• Ladder shall never be moved from the top.

6. Using the Ladder

• Do not exceed the maximum permissible load for the type of ladder.
• Do not overreach; users should keep their belt buckle (navel) inside the stiles and both feet on the same step/rung throughout the task.
• Do not step off a leaning ladder at a higher level without additional security, such as tying off or use of a suitable stability device.
• Do not use standing ladders for access to another level.
• Ladders should only be used for light work of short duration.
• Use non-conductive ladders for unavoidable live electrical work.
• Do not use the ladder outside in adverse weather conditions, such as strong wind.
• Take precautions against children playing on the ladder.
• Secure doors (not fire exits) and windows where possible in the work area.
• ? Do not ascend or descend unless you are facing the ladder.
• ? Keep a secure grip on the ladder when ascending and descending; maintain a handhold whilst working from a ladder or take additional safety precautions if you cannot.
• ❌ Do not use the ladder as a bridge.
• ❌ Do not wear unsuitable footwear when climbing a ladder.
• ❌ Avoid excessive side loadings, e.g., drilling brick and concrete.
• ⏳ Do not spend long periods on a ladder without regular breaks (tiredness is a risk).
• Leaning ladders used for access to a higher level should be extended at least 1 m above the landing point and secured, if necessary.
• ?️ Do not carry equipment which is heavy or difficult to handle while using a ladder.
• ❌ Avoid work that imposes a sideways load on ladders, such as side-on drilling through solid materials (e.g., brick or concrete).
• ? Maintain a handhold whilst working from a ladder or take additional safety precautions if you cannot.
• M Prohibited positions: M-position, upside-down position.
• ➡️ Do not move a ladder while standing on it.
• ? For outdoor use, caution to the wind.
• ? Ensure that the hinges are locked.

7. Repair, Maintenance and Storage

Repairs and maintenance shall be carried out by a competent person and be in accordance with the producer's instructions. For repair and replacement of parts, e.g., feet, if necessary, contact the producer or distributor.

Ladders should be stored in accordance with the producer's instructions. Ladders made of or using thermoplastic, thermosetting plastic, and reinforced plastic materials should be stored out of direct sunlight. Ladders made of wood should be stored in a dry place and shall not be coated with opaque and vapour-tight paints.

The important considerations when storing a ladder (not in use) should include the following:

• Is the ladder stored away from areas where its condition could deteriorate more rapidly (e.g., dampness, excessive heat, or exposed to the elements)?
• Is the ladder stored in a position which helps it to remain straight (e.g., hung by the stiles on proper ladder brackets or laid on a flat clutter-free surface)?
• Is the ladder stored where it cannot be damaged by vehicles, heavy objects, or contaminants?
• Is the ladder stored where it cannot cause a trip hazard or an obstruction?
• Is the ladder stored securely where it cannot be easily used for criminal purposes?
• If the ladder is permanently positioned (e.g., on scaffolding), is it secured against unauthorized climbing (e.g., by children)?

8. Maintenance and Storing Your Ladder

• Keep the ladder in a clean, dry place.
• Hold the ladder firmly when carrying it.
• Never store materials on your ladder.
• Keep your ladder clean and free from any foreign matter.
• Clean the ladder after each use.
• Regularly check the parts and hinges of the ladder. Oil the hinges regularly but do so carefully to ensure no oil drips on the rungs or side rails.

For regular inspection, the following items shall be taken into account:

• Check that the stiles/legs (uprights) are not bent, bowed, twisted, dented, cracked, corroded, or rotten.
• Check that the stiles/legs around the fixing points for other components are in good condition.
• Check that fixings (usually rivets, screws, or bolts) are not missing, loose, or corroded.
• Check that rungs/steps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded, or damaged.
• Check that the hinges between front and rear sections are not damaged, loose, or corroded.
• Check that the locking stays, horizontal back rails, and corner braces are not missing, bent, loose, corroded, or damaged.
• Check that the rung hooks are not missing, damaged, loose, or corroded and engage properly on the rungs.
• Check that guide brackets are not missing, damaged, loose, or corroded and engage properly on the mating stile.
• Check that rubber feet / end caps are not missing, loose, excessively worn, corroded, or damaged.
• Check that the entire ladder is free from contaminants (e.g., dirt, mud, paint, oil, or grease).
• Check that locking catches (if fitted) are not damaged or corroded and function correctly.
• Check that the platform (if fitted) has no missing parts or fixings and is not damaged or corroded.

If any of the above checks cannot be fully satisfied, you should NOT use the ladder. For special ladder types, further items identified by the manufacturer shall be taken into account.

9. 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 manual has been developed:

9.1 Loss of Stability:

• Incorrect positioning of the ladder (such as incorrect angle for leaning ladder or not fully opening a standing ladder).
• Slide outwards at the bottom (such as bottom of the ladder sliding away from the wall).
• Side slip, falling sideways, and top flip for leaning ladders (such as overreaching or fragile top contact surface).
• Condition of the ladder (such as missing anti-slip feet).
• Ground conditions (such as unstable soft ground, sloping ground, slippery surfaces, or contaminated solid surfaces).
• Adverse weather conditions (such as windy conditions).
• Collision with the ladder (such as vehicle or door).
• Incorrect choice of ladder (such as too short, unsuitable task).

9.2 From Handling:

• Transferring the ladder to the work position.
• Erecting and dismantling the ladder.
• Carrying items up the ladder.

9.3 Slip, Trip, and Fall of User:

• Inappropriate footwear.
• Contaminated rungs or steps.
• Unsafe user practices (such as climbing 2 rungs at a time, sliding down stiles).

9.4 Structural Failure of Ladder:

• Condition of the ladder (such as damaged stiles).
• Overloading the ladder.
• Unintended use.

9.5 Electrical Hazards:

• Unavoidable live working (e.g., fault finding).
• Positioning ladders too close to live electrical equipment (such as overhead power lines).
• Ladders damaging electrical equipment (such as covers or protective insulation).
• Incorrect selection of type of ladder for electrical work.