2026-01-22
⚠️ Identifying the Danger: Types of Corrosion
1. **Surface Oxidation (White Powder/Aluminum Hydroxide):** A fluffy white deposit. While it indicates a compromised surface, it may not always immediately compromise structural integrity if superficial. It is, however, a **clear warning sign** of an aggressive environment and ongoing attack.
2. **Pitting Corrosion:** This is the **severe and dangerous form**. It manifests as localized **small holes or deep pits** in the metal. This corrosion concentrates stress and **dramatically reduces the load-bearing cross-section**, leading to unexpected structural failure.
🔍 The Safety Decision Tree: Assess, Don't Guess
**Step 1: Immediate Action**
* **Tag & Isolate:** Immediately attach a "**DO NOT USE - Damaged**" tag and remove the ladder from service.
**Step 2: Professional Assessment (The Only Safe Path)**
* For any professional or worksite ladder, **corrosion assessment must be conducted by a competent person or the manufacturer.**
* Contact **FONIRTE** or an authorized inspector with clear photos. We can often provide a preliminary evaluation based on imagery.
**Step 3: The Verdict - Two Possible Outcomes**
* **Superficial/Etching Only:** If the corrosion is **purely surface-level, with no pitting, and the underlying metal is sound and thick**, a professional may clean it and deem it safe **ONLY after verifying structural integrity**. This is rare for load-bearing components.
* **Pitting or Structural Compromise (The Most Likely Outcome):** **THE LADDER MUST BE PERMANENTLY TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AND DISCARDED.** There is no safe DIY fix for structural corrosion. The material has been irreversibly weakened.
### **🚫 The Absolute "Do Not" List**
* **DO NOT** sand, grind, or chemically treat the corrosion and continue using the ladder. This removes material and can hide the extent of damage.
* **DO NOT** paint over corrosion. This masks the problem while it continues underneath.
* **DO NOT** attempt to weld or reinforce a corroded section. The heat-affected zone and altered metallurgy create new, unpredictable weak points.
🛡️ The FONIRTE Perspective: Prevention Over Cure
Our ladders are built to resist corrosion, but they are not indestructible. The best strategy is prevention:
* **Proper Storage:** Always store indoors, dry, and away from chemicals.
* **Immediate Cleaning:** Rinse off any spills, salt, or contaminants after use.
* **Regular Inspection:** Catching early signs of surface change allows for corrective action before it becomes a safety-critical issue.
**In Essence:** Corrosion on a ladder is a **terminal diagnosis in the vast majority of cases.** Unlike a scratch or a worn footpad, corrosion attacks the material's very integrity. The only safe protocol is to **err overwhelmingly on the side of caution: retire the ladder.** The cost of a new **FONIRTE** ladder is insignificant compared to the risk of catastrophic failure from a corroded rung or side rail. Your safety is built on trust in the material; once that trust is broken by corrosion, it cannot be restored.
*When corrosion appears, safety disappears. Retire it without hesitation.* ⚠️🪜🗑️