Safety and operating guide – Tripod ladder for orchard

⚠️ Recommendations & Mandatory Reading Before Use

1. Intended Use

Tripod ladders are specifically designed for:

• Orchards

• Fruit picking

• Cedar hedge trimming

• Horticultural work

• Certain agricultural applications

They are intended primarily for use on:

• Soil

• Grass

• Natural ground

• Soft or uneven terrain

They are not designed for:

• Prolonged standing or extended work in one position

• Hard surfaces without appropriate protection

• Industrial applications

• Scaffolding

• Use as a work platform

• Only one person may use the ladder at a time.

• Always follow the maximum load capacity specified by the manufacturer.

2. Inspect Before Every Use

Before climbing the ladder, perform a complete inspection.

Check for:

• Cracks

• Bent or deformed components

• Damaged welds

• Damaged steps

• Damaged side rails

• Damaged feet

• Locking mechanisms

• Locking pins

• Proper adjustment of the third leg

• Any defect may compromise your safety.

• A damaged ladder must be removed from service immediately.

3. Ladder Setup

Proper setup is essential for safe use.

Before beginning:

• Choose stable ground.

• Whenever possible, use soft or natural terrain.

• Fully open the ladder.

• Ensure all locking mechanisms are securely engaged.

• Position the third leg correctly.

• Adjust the rear leg to match the ground slope.

• Maintain an opening angle of approximately 70°–75°.

• All three feet must be firmly supported before climbing.

4. Environments Where Use Is Not Recommended

Never use the ladder:

• On ice

• In snow

• In deep mud

• On unstable ground

• During strong winds

• During thunderstorms

• In poor visibility

• Near overhead electrical power lines

• Leaning against a tree or wall

• When any foot is not fully supported

• Stability must always be your highest priority.

5. Safe Work Practices

For safer operation:

• Always face the ladder.

• Maintain three points of contact.

• Climb slowly.

• Descend slowly.

• Keep your body centered between the side rails.

• Stand in the middle of the steps.

• Maintain your balance at all times.

Never use the ladder while under the influence of:

• Alcohol

• Drugs

• Medications that may impair alertness

• Excessive fatigue

6. Never Do the Following

Do not:

• Move the ladder while someone is on it.

• Adjust the ladder while it is being used.

• Carry bulky or heavy loads while climbing.

• Stand above the highest recommended step.

• Overreach beyond the ladder's centerline.

• Use the ladder as a work platform.

• Use the ladder as a sawhorse.

• Modify the ladder's structure.

• Attempt to repair the ladder yourself.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps extend the service life of your ladder.

After each use:

• Remove mud and dirt.

• Clean off oil or grease.

• Remove ice.

• Remove chemical residues.

• Keep the steps clean and slip-resistant.

• Inspect all moving parts.

8. Transportation

When transporting the ladder:

• Never drag it on the ground.

• Carry it by the main frame.

• Do not lift it using only the third leg.

• Secure all moving parts.

• Use an appropriate load-securing system.

• Improper transportation may damage the ladder and create a road hazard.

9. Storage

Store your ladder:

• In a dry location

• In a clean environment

• In a well-ventilated area

• Away from corrosive substances

• Without placing heavy objects on top of it

• Proper storage helps preserve the ladder's stability and service life.

10. Remove From Service

Immediately remove the ladder from service if it shows:

• Cracks

• Damaged welds

• Bent or deformed components

• Loose or unstable steps

• Defective locking mechanisms

• Never modify or repair a damaged ladder.

11. Choosing the Right Ladder Height

A ladder that is too short or too tall increases the risk of falls.

Always choose a ladder appropriate for:

• The working height

• The terrain

• The type of vegetation

• Your working method

Using the correct ladder height provides:

• Greater comfort

• Improved efficiency

• Increased safety

• Choosing the proper ladder height helps maintain a natural working position, reduces excessive reaching, and allows work to be performed more safely and efficiently.

• Depending on the range of working heights required, owning more than one ladder height may be necessary to ensure safer, more stable, and more efficient work.

12. Fall Prevention

Before each job, follow appropriate fall prevention practices.

Always follow the recommendations provided by:

• The ladder manufacturer (ladder safety labels)

• The manufacturers of your tools

• Occupational health and safety authorities

Depending on your location and industry, useful safety references include:

• CNESST

• CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)

• CSA Group

• RSST

• Légis Québec

• WSPS (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services)

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⚠️ If the work exceeds the user's physical capabilities, experience level, the limitations of the selected equipment, or the knowledge required to perform the work safely, we recommend hiring a qualified and experienced contractor with the appropriate equipment and expertise to help reduce the risk of accidents, falls, serious injury, or death.

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