Research & Writing Assignment:
Ladder safety is very important. Accidents happen often from unsafe use and usually from 10’ high or less. The two most common ladders are step ladders and extension ladders. Extension ladders should always extend at least 3’ above the highest working level and step ladders should always locked in the open position when in use. You should always use both hands and face the ladder when climbing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a Werner type 1A duty rating. The ladder is orange in color, has aluminum non-skid treads and is made with fiberglass. The ladder can support 1 worker and any combination of tools and supplies totaling no more than 300 pounds total.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The proper length of your downspouts is extremely important in moving water away from the homes foundation. The proper downspout should drain between 4-6 feet from the homes foundation to prevent water from collecting too close to the homes foundation where it can penetrate into the homes basement.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This ladder is a design element for decoration in the bathroom, but if there are child(ren) in the house. A child would climb on it and could fall into the tub, if the ladder is not anchor to the wall. I dont think this is a safe design element.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Telescoping Ladder features a design that extends and locks by the foot allowing you to control the height. Simply lift up the desired number of steps and lock into place with steel pins. To close, slide in the locking mechanism and the steps will slide back into the ladder.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
If the ladders were used in strict accordance with OSHA requirements, no houses would get built. The bravado of unskilled laborers cannot be underestimated. They climb as fearlessly as I type to reach the word minimum in this CGI box.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The last time I broke a bone, it was my wrist in a ladder fall. Still kinda hurts. It was a step ladder. When it went over, I fell on top of the ladder. My face was headed straight for it, so I had to use my hand to stop the fall (it still split my chin) and my arm broke. Tip: If you want immediate service at an ER, go in bloody.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The ladder in this image is a telescopic ladder the ladder uses a pin system to reach the heights needed. It is more portable than the extension ladder. Although these ladders have many benefits accidents can happen due to failure of the pins, which cant be hard to detect in advanced.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I selected the two lighting images and I learned that if a room is habitable then the light must be wall switch controlled and if a room is being used as storage then the lighting outlet should be wall switch controlled and finally if the stair case is more than 6 steps then there should be switchs at both the bottom and top levels
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I chose an articulating ladder, or ladders in this case. I have two different sizes I carry with me depending on the height of the house as well as attic access etc. I also am able to move more efficiently throughout the job as I will have one set up/layed down at the exterior and if needed the attic and/or ceiling ready to be inspected more easily.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose a photo from the gallery of an inspector/contractor using a step ladder improperly. He is working of the side of the ladder to reach something rather than climbing down and moving the ladder. Although this may seem easier it is extremely dangerous and could make you a statistic very quickly.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a household step ladder, it folds out and locks in place at the top step or rung, which also acts as the ladders brace. the ladder is OSHA approved, type III - rated at 200 pounds. the yellow tag on the side has user and safety warning in three languages. The first three safety tip are to set all four legs on a firm flat surface, keep your body centered between rails and do not overreach.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Improper use of a ladder- two inspectors on a ladder.
Ladders are rated for only one person and their equipment stored in their work belts, more than two people on a ladder is considered unsafe. The other issues I found is that the top of the ladder is not at the minimum of three feet above the roof as required by OSHA. The top of ladder is not secured to the building at the roof to keep it from sliding and possibly not properly anchored at the bottom or mid section of the ladder. The ladder dose not have a barrier around it to keep others from using or moving the ladder.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Ladder safety is important to the home inspector. Ladders should only be used according to manufacturer’s guidelines using safe climbing practices. The picture shows the incorrect use of a step ladder. The top step of a step ladder should never be stood upon.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Article: :Ladder Safety. Ladder safety is a serious concern when performing a home inspection. Annually in the United States, 164,000 people are injured and 300 are killed in ladder accidents. These numbers could be reduce by following some simple rules. For every 4 feet in height from the ground to the roof edge, the ladder should be place 1 foot out from the roof edge. The ladder should be extended a minimum of 3 feet above the roof edge and fastened to the roof edge. The feet of the ladder should be placed such that they do not slip.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a 1A fiberglass extension ladder rated for 300 lbs. During service, the ladder suffered catastrophic failure due to the presence of undetected manufacturing defects. Had the ladder been thoroughly inspected prior to use, this accident could have been avoided. It is always best practice to inspect your ladder prior to use.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After reading the article “Inspector Safety: Three-Point Control for Climbing Ladders”, I learned that climbing ladders properly is not as simple as one would initially expect. Three-Point control is related to yet distinct from three-point contact. It is a method for descending and ascending which allows for a hand and a foot to support one’s entire body weight in the event of one of your three limbs slipping during a climb. It is similar in practice to the three-point stance in American football.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Ladders are a great tool to access areas of here guy when used safely and securely. Seeing as most deaths occur from 10 or less, it is important to always stay alert and safe. Ladders should be used in the 4 to 1 method and they should extend 3 above the work area. Always maintain 3 points of contact, and never have any object in a hand while on the ladder at anytime.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I wanted to choose ladder safety unfortunately ladder safety was not an option that was available to choose from. This is the course I am working so it should be available. I am sorry for any confusion or misunderstanding this may have caused.
