In using todays flex HVA pipe, many people are under the false impression that these cannot conduct electricity like the old tin, galvanized do. This is not entirely true in that some do have the capability of transmitting a current, while the other have wire reinforcement in them which is an excellent conductor. All contact between any electric wire and any HVAC pipe regardless of its apparent make up should be called out on a home inspection
All steps in an attic pull down stairway system should be thououghly eamines before using the stairs. Stand back and away or behind the unit when pulling down fo aviod being hit by a loose stairway. Then thoroughly examine each step in that many times cracks and loose joints in the wooden stair cannot be readily seen and present a potential safety hazard,
while working on a ladder its important to stay inside your zone of work. many falls occur when a worker tires to overreach. Reaching outside your zone of work and allowing your belt buckle to cross to the outside of the ladder can lead to slippage or falling from the rung.
Always inspect your ladder prior to use. This way you are always being smart and safe. In the photo as you can see this ladders rung or step as you would call it was split in two or purposely cut to damage the ladder. This is unsafe and in no way can be repaired.
I reviewed images of clay tiles from the roofing section. It is important to remember roofing composition and design when you inspect. My ladder placement has the ability to damage the roofing material. a heavy ladder can sometimes damage gutters and bullhorns that rest of roofing surfaces may scratch or mare the roof.
In reports stated, falls from ladders are one of the main and leading causes of deaths on construction sites. With this report, it is good to maintain good practices and keep your ladders clean from debris and slick surfaces, as well as, making sure all pins, rods, ropes and the ladder is dent free. Checking for safety is of the utmost importance when doing a home inspection. Making sure the clients are aware that you are going up the ladder is also a safety measure.
I came upon this ladder at my customer home. I noticed that it was not set up correctly.The ladder had no marking tell me what the rating was on ladder it has paint coving the runs. I also noticed that it was not extended 3 feet over the roof line. The customer was storing the ladder incorrect in a dangerous position.
Its very important to use ladder safety. It is also important to pick the proper rating ladder for you. The rating that works for you wait is critical. The ladder needs to be in good working condition with no oil or wax on the feet runs needs to be setup correctly for the home you working on.
Well in this picture is my 6-foot, fiberglass ladder, type 1, 250-pound capacity. I have had it awhile, keep it clean and in good working order. Sadly, I may need a new one, time has added weight to me, and not to its capacity. I check that is stable and still well assembled. I am not a fan of heights so good ladders matter.
In the research I did for ladders, I of course read up on ladders. Most the information was the same as in the on-line course. These are a few of the ladders discussed, Tripod, extension, A frame, telescoping. One of the issues emphasized is to use ladders the way the manufacture intended. Observe the limits of ladder use, such as how high to climb on them, how much weight they can safely hold, setting them up to be as safe as possible. The importance of checking each time that they are in good condition and clean before use.
This image is of somebody on an extension ladder. As you can see this person is using this ladder in a proper manner. The ladder extends at least 3 feet above the roof and the base is the right distance from the building.
When it come to ladder safety this is where you should not take short cuts. The United States is the leader in ladder injuries. So using the right ladder for the job is critical. Be sure to tie off the ladder to keep it from blowing over and brace the bottom of the ladder to keep it from slipping away.
The attached is a photo of a 6’ A frame ladder on a current job site. From inspection, this ladder appears to be in serviceable condition with no damage to either the rails or the rungs. All manufacturers safety and information labels are intact and legible.
For this assignment I read the article “A garage inspection”. This article dealt more with inspection of joists than with the overall garage inspection but was an informative article and showcased a few major installation defects. The incorrect batting of the joists should be a major cause for concern during any inspection and the appropriate action was taken by recommending that a professional engineer review the situation.
This is a picture of an aluminum articulated ladder with telescoping extensions. As an articulated ladder, it can be used as both a step ladder and a single ladder. The ladder is Type I and able to handle a maximum load of 250 pounds. This ladder should be checked before each use for any cracks or dents in the rails, sidewalls and pins, and it should be kept free of any oil, grease, or other substances that might make it slippery. When in use, this ladder should be kept a minimum of 10-feet away from all power lines.
When climbing ladders a three-point control technique is preferable to three-point contact. In three point control hands should be used to grasp the horizontal rungs of the ladder rather than merely making contact with rungs or grasping the side rails. One limb should be used on one rung at a time, and only one limb should be moved at a time.
I am aware of all the normal safety practices associated with using a ladder/ ladder safety. However, as with many things, it is extremely important to continue to follow all safety guidelines and procedures even when using something as simple as a ladder. It is very easy to become complacent in things we do everyday, which in turn could cause us unnecessary stress or even worse, injury or death. I purchased the best ladder I could afford with the best rating possible in order to not have to worry about my ladder failing to be able to help me complete the task at hand. This does not mean that I do not have to conduct my safety inspection of my ladder every time I use it. Always put safety first. No inspection is worth losing our lives over. Properly used and inspected equipment coupled with safety practices is of utmost importance.
Since I was going through the course on ladder safety, I chose to read the article on said topic. The article states that which I have already seen in the video, read in the pdf, and have studied in the roofing section of the training course. There sure seems to be a lot of info that is repeated over and over again throughout all of those. I got to thinking that the reason the information is redundant (not in a bad way) is that it is imperative that we can often place ourselves in harms way if we do not follow these basic safety rules. The fact that the U.S. is in the lead for ladder accident related deaths is astounding. There are so many do’s and do not’s that go with ladder usage but they are all extremely easy to follow. There is nothing that is too difficult to understand about what, how, where, to use and more importantly NOT use a ladder. I hope that everyone of us who gets up on a ladder can follow these basic rules so that at the end of the day we can all go home to our families safely.
This is a picture of a collapsible ladder that is broken. These ladders are safe when used and maintained properly, but have many moving parts that can break. Every ladder should be inspected before each use, or as needed. When in doubt, throw the ladders out and replace them with a new certified ladder. Safety first
Ladder safety is important for every home inspector. Even if the inspector does not go on roofs, ladders will still be used in the interior of a house to access several areas. Most ladder deaths occur at heights of 10ft or below, so even the shortest ladders must be inspected and cared for. Care should be taken to ensure children cannot access the ladder when it is not visible to the owner.