First Alert EL52 User Manual 2

USER’S MANUAL

NYLON/STEEL FIRE ESCAPE LADDER

MODEL EL52

This nylon/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 nylon construction

• Fully assembled, ready to use

• Slip-resistant epoxy coated rungs

• Large hooks secure easily to windowsills

• Steel rung stabilizers on all rungs

• Ladder complies with the ASTM Standard F 2175-02.
375 lb. (170 kg) Ladder load rating

• Ladder is 14 feet (4.3 meters) in length.

• Read instructions for use immediately upon purchase.

• Close doors before opening any windows to prevent fire from being drawn into the room.

• Keep body close to ladder.

• Unless absolutely necessary, do not carry a child when using this ladder.

• Do not carry pets or miscellaneous objects when using this ladder.

• Instruct family members to use this portable escape ladder only when the primary escape path (that is,

the main exit) is blocked or unsafe to use.

• This portable escape ladder is not a toy or recreational device. Instruct children that the ladder is to be

used only in an emergency.

• For use only in windows that are structurally safe for the intended load.

• Not recommended for use with storm windows or other windows that do not open to the recommended

minimum dimensions [20 inches (51 cm) wide and 32 inches (81 cm) high].

• Do not use above a 2 story height.

• Do not attempt to deploy the ladder from windows that are obstructed by furniture, radiators, air

conditioning

• Do not attempt to deploy the ladder into flames.

• Check for outside obstructions such as electric lines, telephone wires, or fences.

Do not attempt to use the ladder if the windowsill does not meet the size range specified. The windowsill

•

width should be between a minimum of 6 inches (15 cm) and a maximum of 10 inches (25 cm).

• Always plan and practice drills to ensure that occupants are familiar enough for proper use.

• This ladder is intended to supplement (not replace) the more important fire protection principles of fire

drills, emergency evacuation plans, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, etc.

• This ladder should be periodically inspected for damage, loosening of any items, or significant

deterioration of the materials of construction.

• This ladder is designed for use by one person at a time.

• Store the ladder

units, or security devices such as grilles or bars (without inside release mechanisms).

in a convenient location near the exit window; for example, under a bed, in a closet, etc.

All Righ
B
Consumer Affairs: [phone] • www.firstalert.com

ts Reserved. © 2005 BRK Brands, Inc.

RK Brands, Inc., 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, IL 60504-8122

M08-0041-002 02/05

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

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 limited time 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 (4.9 meters) from the ground.
The windowsill must be no narrower than 6 inches (15 cm) and no wider than 10 inches (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 grilles or bars.
For details on choosing a suitable window, see the “Choosing A Window” section of this manual.

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 straps do not tangle as you lower the ladder out of the window.

Choosing A Window

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.

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

th.

or dea

. The ladder should be used ONLY from second floor windows

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no more than 16 feet (4.9 meters) from the ground.

Use ONLY from second floor

windows no more than 16 feet

(4.9 meters) 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.

A

3. DO N

4

5. Make sure the window you choose opens easily and

OT USE ON A DAMAGED OR WEAK WINDOWSILL.

ck windowsill for wear, rotted or loose wood, or damage.

Che
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.

. 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.

pletely. In an emergency, every minute counts.

com

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

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