Ladder safety is one of the most important things I consider. I perform a certified roof inspection for every home inspection I perform and I treat and climb my ladder as it is the most important thing to consider at the moment for the sake of my well being. This course builds upon what I already put into action.
Shawn Davis
Real Estate Inspection Services
Ladder Safety Training course: Not sure what system or component to write an essay on for this but I would guess the roof? One of the things I have seen an inspector do is use a short articulating ladder on a two story house. This involves climbing to a lower roof section like the garage. Then pulling the ladder to the roof and using it to access the second story. I’ll let you use your imagination to envision the number of things that can go wrong with this plan of attack.
Ladder safety course: Read articles “Ladder Safety” & “Attic Pull Down Ladders”. The information about the installation of attic pull down ladders is something every inspector should be aware of. I have seen plenty of poor installations. I will often use my own ladder rather than the installed ladder where I have room.
This is the view from atop my Xtend & Climb 780P Telescoping ladder. I have been very pleased with this ladder, it fits in a car trunk and can be carried through a four story townhouse without knocking over vases and picture frames. It is also more stable (less flex-y) than my 22 foot Werner or my aluminum extension ladder. I have the 12.5 foot model and once it wears out, I’ll get the longer model. It’s about 4 years older, so I’ll probably retire it next year.
After reading the article “AFCI Testers” I feel confirmed in my practice of not using AFCI testers during home inspections. I won two AFCI testers but I feel that since they aren’t 100% reliable for testing the AFCI breaker’s ability to trip from an arc flash condition, I would rather use the test button on the breaker itself. The AFCI tester is good for detecting nuisance trips, but I don’t feel that this justifies the expense of using what I consider to be a fairly frail piece of equipment (the tester).
I also read the AFCI Tester article in French. As I don’t speak or read French, I did not get as much out of this article as the English article.
Enclosed photo is of a Rail Lock.
This rail lock is in functional condition and is used to adjust the height of the extension or step ladder depending on the configuration. Generally speaking this particular type of ladder has a rail lock on each side which should be fully engaged into the receiving hole prior to use.
The rail lock mechanism should be regularly cleaned and greased to ensure safe operation and prevent corrosion
Inspector Safety:Three-point Control for Climbing Ladders.
by Nick Gromicko and Ben Gromicko.
when it comes to a ladder safety,its a difference between Three-point control and the traditional three point contact rule.
Three POINT-Control:climbing method that involves using three or four limbs,distributed over three or four locations for good support.
Three-point Contact:its just a contact with the ladder at three-points without necessarily requiring a reliable hand grip for support.
Traditional method of climbing a ladder:
keep the chest between the two side rails or center with ladder.
two hands holding ladder and one foot on the rung.
three-point control its not trhee-point contact.
properly stage the ladder by standards.grasp horizontal ladder rungs,not verticals rails. use rungs power hand grip.
distribute your weight on three or four locations.
Very informative course. My upload obviously is not from a residential home inspection but ladder safety was certainly applicable in this scenario. This goes to show the importance of ladder safety in all genres.
This is an example of a ladder that has been left behind on a job site over a weekend. Driving by this work site I saw these ladders left unattended in the upright position. The ladders also appear to be out of the 4 to 1 rule. There is also no warning signs.
I have two questions. Is this what was meant when attaching two ladders or did it mean not to attach a hem to reach a higher height?
If this is acceptable then how does one maintain a three point contact getting on to the walk plank?
Thanks,
Fred
For the two reading and writing assignments I have chosen “Installing Attic Insulation”. And “Roofing”
Starting with Installalling Attic Insulation Most of this attic was well insulated. The two issues were both at the far end of the home. The one is uninsulated over the dinning nook which explains the warm and cool drafts experienced in the dining nook. That is the attached photo. The vent to the soffit in another area had over blown insulation which impedes the flow of air.
The other article I chose is “Roofing”. Roofing materials range from the common asphalt shingle to the long lasting slate. Asphalt shingles are commonly used through out the US on most pitched home roofs. Roofs covered with tile,concrete tile are common in the southern US. Metal and Slate roofs which shed snow and ice easily are more common in the northern States.
Preparation for any inspection includes a complete review of your equipment. Remember your safe completion of this inspection will assure you of inspecting another property tomorrow.
Invest the time necessary to inspect your ladder. Operate all its moving parts. Inspect for damage or missing parts. A missing rubber foot on a ladder may present a hazard on a slippery concrete drive.
Before departing for your inspection, remember to secure your ladder and other inspection equipment so that you all make it safely to your inspection and home again.
Have great inspection and have a great day.
Happy trails…
Preparation for your inspections may save you time on the job as well as giving you peace of mind.
Have you ever got up late one morning and then realized, after a casual cup of coffee,that you have an inspection at 10am. Its 9:15am. The job is 25 min away and you are sitting in your underware. Like a flash you fly into gear. Clothes on…boots on…grab a hat…sunglasses…and I better take a second cup of coffee. Its a two story house, you remind yourself, I will want to be wide awake for this one. You run out the back door, hands full, tablet, notebook and files thrown in a bag slung over a shoulder, apiece of toast between your teeth (funny I don’t remember putting that in there) your coffee mug balanced like magic from your pinkie finger. You kick the door closed like shooting a soccer goal. You are an awesome inspection machine. I’ll be right on time, you tell yourself as you accelerate down the street 500 ft to the main road. Its a quiet Saturday morning. Not too many people on road today you think. Why am I doing inspections on a Saturday anyway?..oh ya, we just scheduled that vacation and…your mind wonders to some other things…As you approach the intersection you snap back in focus. You slow just enough to make sharp turn to the right. You glance overhead to make sure the extension ladder is secure and not sliding around on the rack…and…oh crap, I forgot the extension ladder.
Well…does any of that sound familiar?
So once you have secured your equipment and completed your inspection, take some time to freshen up your professional skill.
Go to InterNACHI library of articles .
Here are two I recommend:
Happy trails…
Ladder safety training course was interesting in the stats of deaths! Wow, most deaths on construction sites are from ladder falls under 10 feet. Really makes you think about being careful on a ladder.
Inspection and Writing Assignment
24 Ft Extension Ladder
I inspected my husbands 24 foot fiberglass Werner extension ladder. I first inspected the pulley system it moved accurately and freely and rung locks engage and dis-engage properly. I checked all rungs and side rail connections for tightness, as well as for dirt and debris. The ant slip safety feet were recently replaced due to wear and tear so are like new. The ladder was in perfect and safe working order passing my inspect. My husband works for a large cable company so his equipment must always meet or exceed OSHA guidelines anyway. But it was interesting to be able to perform my own inspection and learn of how his company performs their inspects.
Reading and Writing Assignment Ladder Safety
Article #1 Three (3) photos every inspector should include at the end of their reports.
I really like all info and resources that Internachi offers to their members. I want to be able utilize the things I learned in t hi article and course in my business. The process of simply taking 3 times stamped pictures of the water meter will not only clear me of missing or wrong doing it will educate my clients and I believe that crucial to building a loyal client base. But I am in Oklahoma and as the article states that some water meters may not be easily accessible. For the most part and what I am aware of our meters are under ground and under an locked manhole. I plan to research and see if I can legally obtain a key and be allowed access when on an inspection. I will update my thread upon obtaining this information.
Article #2 The dangers of calling yourself and expert.
I worked as a paralegal for 6 years prior to seeking this new career in home inspection. So the legal impact calling myself and exert may hold me to makes sense. But as the article suggests I plan to use the alternate wording in my advertising. But what I need to do is find out if I take the additional classes offered here at Nachi can I then be considered and expert in areas like mold, ect? Or is that only opening myself up to dangers of being sued? I find the article very good and informative but as usual at the end I find myself needing to research certain areas better and learn more so can proceed in business correctly.
My first interaction with a Home Inspector lead to extensive conversations about being a Home Inspector. The inspector was more than willing to express his experience in being sued. His best advice was to get good insurance E&O. He said that he had been sued by homeowners, building officials, agents, and builders. My advice is to not announce how qualified you are with the exception of becoming a Master Inspector. Best of luck to you sir.
Course: Ladder Safety
Ladder safety must be used at all times. I know as a Home Inspector it’s very important to always use safety when going up and down a ladder. Most inspectors understand that taking ladder safety for granted can lead to a serious injury. It’s wise to make it a habit of inspecting ladder.
