BRK electronic EL50 User Manual

User’s Manual

Steel Fire Escape Ladder

Cat. EL50

This steel ﬁre escape ladder is easy to use, and provides a reliable means of escape through a second-ﬂoor window during a home ﬁre.

Features and Beneﬁts

• For use in two-story homes

• Strong steel construction

• Fully assembled, ready to use

• Slip-resistant epoxy coated rungs

• Large hooks secure easily to windowsills

• Six pairs of steel rung stabilizers

• Ladder classiﬁed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. as to load carrying capacity only, 375 lb. rating.

Model

M06-4007-001 10/00

THIS USER’S MANUAL HAS BEEN RESIZED TO PRINT OUT ON 8-1/2 x 11” PAGES.

All Rights Reserved. ©2000 BRK Brands, Inc. BRK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122 Consumer Affairs: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5pm (Central Time): (800) 323-9005 Internet: www.ﬁrstalert.com

TO WORK PROPERLY IN A FIRE EMERGENCY, THIS LADDER MUST:

EL50

Be Properly Secured To The Windowsill Before You Start Climbing Down...

• To properly support your weight and provide the needed stability while you climb down, the ladder must be properly attached to the windowsill.

• Make sure the sill hooks rest securely on the windowsill.

• Make sure the folding crosspiece between the sill hooks is straight, and the chain does not tangle as you lower the ladder out of the window.

CHOOSING A WINDOW

WARNING!

This escape ladder is not intended for use from second ﬂoor windows directly above ﬁrst ﬂoor windows. The rung stabilizers could break a ﬁrst-ﬂoor window and cause injury.

Do not use from a second ﬂoor window directly above a ﬁrst ﬂoor window.

CAUTION!

You must test ﬁt this ladder on your chosen escape window before storing it. In a ﬁre emergency you will not have time to determine whether or not a particular window is suitable, and using the ladder on an unsuitable window could result in injury or death.

1. The ladder should be used ONLY from second ﬂoor windows no more than 16 feet from the ground

Be Stored Where It Is Easy To Reach Quickly...

• Do not store the ladder on another ﬂoor of your home. If you have more than one second-ﬂoor room requiring an alternate means of escape, put a ﬁre ladder in each room.

• Store the ladder where it can be immediately accessed--near the window, under a bed, or in the front part of a closet.

• Make sure nothing blocks you from reaching the ladder. In a ﬁre you have just minutes to react and take action.

• Store the ladder in its original box to keep it from becoming tangled.

Be Used On A Suitable Window...

• This ladder is intended for use in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.

• The ladder must be used from the correct height, and there should be no obstructions along the ladder path to the ground.

• This ladder is intended only for second-ﬂoor windows no higher than 16 feet from the ground.

• The windowsill must be no narrower than 6” (15 cm) and no wider than 10” (25 cm).

• The windowsill must be in good condition (no rotted wood, loose boards, etc.).

• The window must open easily and completely. Storm windows, screens or other types of multi-track windows can make it difﬁcult to use this ladder in an emergency.

• The window should not be blocked by furniture or security devices like grills or bars.

• For details on choosing a suitable window, see the “Choosing A Window” and “Test Fitting The Ladder” inside.

Use ONLY from second ﬂoor windows no more than 16 feet from the ground.

2. The window should be at least 20 inches (51 cm) wide and 32 inches (81 cm) high to give you enough clearance to exit safely. The windowsill width should be between a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) and a maximum of 10 inches (25 cm). Measure windowsill from outside to inside. DO NOT USE THIS FIRE ESCAPE LADDER ON

WINDOWSILLS THAT ARE TOO LARGE OR TOO SMALL FOR THE HOOKS.

TEST FITTING THE LADDER

You must test ﬁt this ladder on your chosen escape window before storing it.

1. Remove the ladder from the box and unfold the sill hooks so the folding crosspiece is positioned towards you.

3. DO NOT USE ON A DAMAGED OR WEAK WINDOWSILL. Check windowsill for wear, rotted or loose wood, or damage. Consult a contractor or replace windowsill BEFORE attempting to hook the ﬁre escape ladder to a damaged windowsill. This ladder is intended for use in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.

4. For safest use, there should be a clear path from the window all the way to the ground. BEFORE STORING THE LADDER FOR AN EMERGENCY: From outside of your home, check below the window for any obstructions. Check for trees, bushes, plants, windows, house ﬁxtures, or any other objects in the direct path below the chosen window.

5. Make sure the window you choose opens easily and completely. In an emergency, every minute counts.

A. The windowsill width should be between a minimum of 6” (15 cm) and a maximum of 10” (25 cm).

2. Place the sill hooks ﬁrmly over the windowsill, keeping the chain and ladder rungs inside.

3. Grasp the bottom rung of the ladder (the one with the label) and lower the chain and rungs out the window, bottom rung ﬁrst.

4. Check the rung stabilizers to make sure they are securely fastened to the ladder. Tighten any loose screws or stabilizers, and make sure there is no visible evidence of damage to any part of the ladder.

5. After you check that the ladder ﬁts securely on the windowsill, and provides you with a viable escape path all the way to the ground, carefully pull it back in through the window. Store the ladder in its original box as described in “Storing The Ladder After Use”.

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