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16 C.F.R. § 1211.14   Instruction manual.

Title 16 - Commercial Practices

Title 16: Commercial Practices
PART 1211—SAFETY STANDARD FOR AUTOMATIC RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOOR OPERATORS
Subpart A—The Standard

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§ 1211.14   Instruction manual.

(a) General. (1) A residential garage door operator shall be provided with an instruction manual. The instruction manual shall give complete instructions for the installation, operation, and user maintenance of the operator.

(2) Instructions that clearly detail installation and adjustment procedures required to effect proper operation of the safety means provided shall be provided with each door operator.

(3) A residential garage door or door operator shall be provided with complete and specific instructions for the correct adjustment of the control mechanism and the need for periodic checking and, if needed, adjustment of the control mechanism so as to maintain satisfactory operation of the door.

(4) The instruction manual shall include the important instructions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section. All required text shall be legible and contrast with the background. Upper case letters of required text shall be no less than 5/64 inch (2.0 mm) high and lower case letters shall be no less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) high. Heading such as “Important Installation Instructions,” “Important Safety Instructions,” “Save These Instructions” and the words “Warning—To reduce the risk of severe injury or death to persons:” shall be in letters no less than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) high.

(5) The instructions listed in paragraphs 1211.13(b)(1) and (2) shall be in the exact words specified or shall be in equally definitive terminology to those specified. No substitutes shall be used for the word “Warning.” The items may be numbered. The first and last items specified in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be first and last respectively. Other important and precautionary items considered appropriate by the manufacturer may be inserted.

(6) The instructions listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be located immediately prior to the installation instructions. The instructions listed in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be located immediately prior to user operation and maintenance instructions. In each case, the instructions shall be separate in format from other detailed instructions related to installation, operation and maintenance of the operator. All instructions, except installation instructions, shall be a permanent part of the manual(s).

(b) Specific required instructions. (1) The Installation Instructions shall include the following instructions:

Important Installation Instructions

Warning—To reduce the risk of severe injury or death:

1. Read and follow all Installation Instructions.

2. Install only a properly balanced garage door. An improperly balanced door could cause severe injury. Have a qualified service person make repairs to cables, spring assemblies and other hardware before installing opener.

3. Remove all ropes and remove or make inoperative all locks connected to the garage door before installing opener.

4. Where possible, install door opener 7 feet or more above the floor. For products requiring an emergency release, mount the emergency release 6 feet above the floor.

5. Do not connect opener to source of power until instructed to do so.

6. Locate control button: (a) within sight of door, (b) at a minimum height of 5 feet so small children cannot reach it, and (c) away from all moving parts of the door.

7. Install Entrapment Warning Label next to the control button in a prominent location. Install the Emergency Release Marking. Attach the marking on or next to the emergency release.

8. After installing opener, the door must reverse when it contacts a 11/2 inch high object (or a 2 by 4 board laid flat) on the floor.

(2) The User Instructions shall include the following instructions:

Important Safety Instructions

Warning—To reduce the risk of severe injury or death:

1. Read and Follow all Instructions.

2. Never let children operate, or play with door controls. Keep the remote control away from children.

3. Always keep the moving door in sight and away from people and objects until it is completely closed. No One Should Cross the Path of the Moving Door.

4. Test door opener monthly. The garage door MUST reverse on contact with a 11/2 inch object (or a 2 by 4 board laid flat) on the floor. After adjusting either the force or the limit of travel, retest the door opener. Failure to adjust the opener properly may cause severe injury or death.

5. For products requiring an emergency release, if possible, use the emergency release only when the door is closed. Use caution when using this release with the door open. Weak or broken springs may allow the door to fall rapidly, causing injury or death.

6. Keep Garage Doors Properly Balanced. See owner's manual. An improperly balanced door could cause severe injury or death. Have a qualified service person make repairs to cables, spring assemblies and other hardware.

7. Save These Instructions.

[57 FR 60455, Dec. 21, 1992. Redesignated and amended at 65 FR 70659, Nov. 27, 2000]

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