Sup guys taking the course and saying hello.
For my essay on ladder safety here is a photo of an extension ladders label. You can clearly see the Ladder weight rating and what class or type it is. As seen here a TYPE III rated at 200lbs. Also it states how high the ladder can go and the maximum working height which actually corresponds to the class I just took. Stating the ladder must extend 3ft over the height of say a roof line you are trying to climb to. As this picture shows its maximum height is 24 but maximum working height is 21. Thank and good day to you.
These combination ladders are very handy…they can extend for a sing
le story gutter look, to view the shingles from. They also can be used inside to access attics that do not have pull down stairs.
Little Giant Ladder
These combinations ladders are very useful and handy. These ladders are not only for outside use. Yes, they reach a single story working height and can be ordered to 26’ working heights. So the ability to reach a 2 story frame structure that you can view the gutters/facia boards, access and view the shingles. They are useful in inside the home as well to gain access to the attic in the hall if there is no drop down stair access.
These ladders can be found on almost every fire truck in the St. Louis, MO area. I used them when I was on and own one of the older models that extend to 16’ heights.
I plan on purchasing the 26’ model. Small compact, lightweight (one person) can handle in sitting up and taking down. The new model has roller wheels so transporting the combo ladder to and from the home is easy.
I suggest that you as a home inspector use a moving quilt or drop cloth to place on the carpet to not mess up the carpet from the feet. Ensure having the feet of the ladder on a step ladder or a combo ladder to be clean, dry and non-maring to protect tile, hardwood floors.
Be sure that the feet of all ladders are clean, dry, and non-maring for floor tile, wood floors and to use something to protect carpet with when placing a telescoping or combo/step ladder on carpet to protect the carpet.
The above ladder is a step ladder because it is a self-supporting ladder. It is a small version is not ideal for using on job site. Upon inspection you can see that it is OSHA certified and has warnings about possible electrocution because the ladder is made of metal.
For my Ladders Safety research topic I chose to do Attic Pull-Down Ladders. Being in the ladder family these ladders are actually in a league of their own considering they are technically self-supported, but they wouldn’t classify as a step ladder. They also create a great risk, because most are homeowner installed and are not made of the strongest material. These ladders should definitely be inspected before using them in a home inspection to gain access to the attic.
For my writing assignment I have chosen 10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home. the article provides very compelling evidence on how money can be saved with some very simple and easy changes to a home. from replacement of incandescent light bulbs to a more efficient LED, to adjusting a thermostat only a few degrees, a home owner can save dividends on a home owners utility bills annually.
For the InterNACHI Ladder Safety course, I read the article “Doing Damage During an Inspection: It’s Your Job”.
I found this article interesting because it discusses the “what it’s” something breaks during on am inspection and who is responsible. It’s one thing if an inspector breaks something on purpose then we would be responsible. If during our inspection something breaks that would break during normal or everyday use, then we have done the right thing by pointing it out to our client.
The outside air condenser and heat pump is functional and works normally. The fan motor is operational and the noise level seems consistent with a normally functioning air condenser. The unit is worn, as evidenced by the rust in the photo, however, the unit does not seem to be damaged in any way. The unit sits on a 4” by 4” slab and is 1 ½” off the ground. This keeps water from accumulating around the condenser. The unit manufacturer name is not indicated anywhere on the system so it is not possible to know what specific unit is installed.
I have chosen the subject of this topic to be why having a home inspection really matters and what to look for in an inspection. The reasons behind a home inspection can vary but there are several underlying reasons why every home buyer/seller should get a home safety inspection. Those reasons are as follows:
• Point out major defects
• Point out things that could POTENTIALLY lead to major defects
• Things that may hinder your ability to finance the house
• To point out inherent safety hazards
Since home sellers are not under any obligation to disclose defects or potential defects to home buyers, a buyer would be wise to hire an inspector. Furthermore, most lenders will require even a basic home inspection in order to secure the financing on the property. Many insurance companies also recommend that a home inspection be done and many offer discounts on insurance for certain type of inspections.
The single most important reason that a buyer should get an inspection is so that they know and understand just what they are buying. Just like with a car, you want to test drive it before buying, the home inspection gives the buyer piece of mind.
I needed to inspect a garage ceiling stain. The folding ladder was set up inside the frame work for the vehicle door. Always make sure you unplug the garage door motor.
Thoughts on Garage Inspection Article
The inspector happened to have a conversation with a neighbor about a problem the neighbor had with framing on an identical home. Any time I am inspecting the exterior of a home, I always make an effort to talk to any neighbor that is outside. Last week, I had a neighbor tell me the home I was inspecting had a leaking shower pan. Sure made my job easier. Thanks neighbor.
I showed up at my friend’s home to perform my second “mock” inspection feeling pretty confident that I had the tools required to perform the job. The one investment I made was purchasing a 300lb rated 22 ft articulating ladder so it would fit in my SUV. Feeling confident, I took the ladder out of the vehicle, carried it to the side of the building that was most accessible to the roof, expanded it’s length and then leaned it up against the house.
Feeling good about my start, it became clear that there was a problem with my ladder set up. No matter which direction I moved it towards (n/s/e/w) I could not get the ladder to stand level. And, I did not have anything with me to assist. This is why dry-runs/mocks are important. It safe to say that I purchased a leveler soon after.
So i researched the topic of whether Telescopic ladders were as safe as other ladders. It is important to note that all telescopic ladders are not the same. There are pretty strong reviews stating that the Xtend+Climb is the best one out there and can compete head to head with other ladder types. Regardless, an inspector needs to be careful because there are a host of others available on amazon or other sites which are cheaply made. The message is clear that they are just as safe depending on which one you get. Don’t skimp. If you are going to use one, buy the best you can afford.
My research is on ladder safety. I happen to know of two separate individuals who had accidents that did not have very good outcomes. One individual is no longer with us and the other was in a coma for 6 weeks and he will never be the same again as there was brain damage that effected his speech and his mentality. I think you should always be careful no matter how high you are climbing. The man that I know who was in a coma was only about 10ft up. I have learn a nifty thing about your center line taking this course. It is safe practice to never lean to far to side when on your ladder. In this trick you use your belly button or belt buckle. If those pass either side of the ladder while leaning to look at or grab something you have put your self in grave danger. Also always face the ladder fully. Avoid twisting and turning while on the ladder. If you need to get to somewhere else while using the ladder just get down and move the ladder. Remember that being safe and not having an accident that could seriously harm or kill you is better than saving 30 seconds by practicing unsafe ladder habits.
Took this picture at a job site. This masonry crew could have raised the extension ladder a couple more feet. But they needed it at that height because there is a piece of plywood against the ladder on top of the shingles. They were using the piece of plywood to put a bucket of mortar on when climbing up the ladder. I found the foreman about the safety issues,and he just nodded his head.
cgarcia2
NACHI16042023
Ai-dan Logic Home Inspections
Ladder Safety
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
This article covered everything that was covered in the lesson and videos. It is perfect to download and add to my current safety plan. Using current information from articles can help you build strong safety plans for inspectors to follow and be safety conscience.
cgarcia2
NACHI16042023
Ai-dan Logic Home Inspections
The inspector used a step ladder during this inspection, to check the soffit and eaves for wood rot. The inspector checked the step ladder to make sure it was fully extended and locked in place before mounting. He also used an articulating ladder to gain access to the roof.
Reviewed the pictures in the “Inspection Gallery” referencing ‘ladder safety’. Very good reminder about keeping a 3-point contact with the ladder, keeping your hands free (not carrying tools, cell phone, tablet, etc.) in order to keep that 3-point contact. Also, staying centered ascending and descending the ladder and keeping your attention on the task at hand.