Ladder Safety

In my mold class today, the instructor covered Ladder Safety. The instructor, an Environmental and Safety professional, (so perhaps he has access to more details than the general public,) said the individual in this video died a week after the accident. (He appeared to hit his head pretty hard.) The lesson was "don't multi-task on a ladder," as the individual began his descent while still dusting the window.
For me it became more meaningful knowing the morbid outcome. I might be less complacent on my ladder; at least for a while.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCzbLtRDV_Q

it is easy to get complacent using ladders. I especially hate the 22 ft, vertical access ladders on commercial buildings - one slip of the grasp or footing and something will get broken, at a minimum. I'm using my drone more and more each week.

I've had to jump off my ladder 2 or 3 times in the past 3 years. I've been more diligent about making sure the rungs are locked since then (Xtend & Climb ladder).

xtend and climb is an accident waiting to happen; not if, but when.

WARNING - URBAN LEGEND

The report that Chris died as a result of the fall is merely an urban legend.

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/20/business/live-tv-pitfall-rerun-on-web.html

William Chandler wrote:xtend and climb is an accident waiting to happen; not if, but when.

Why do you say that William? Are there known issues with xtend and clmb? From the video, it looks like he accidentally missed a rung and stepped down two rungs instead of one which caused a problem. I didn't see a failure in the ladder, but if you know of an issue I'd like to know. I'm considering one.

I threw mine away the first time I stepped on a rung and the locking mechanism failed on one side causing the rung to slant down. I also smashed my finger when the thing slammed down trying to get it to unlock. The idea is good and I know a lot of inspectors like the ease in carrying them up stairs, etc. I don't trust them.

The locking thing happened to me once; maybe the "green dot" wasn't showing; who knows? Those plastic thumb latches sure look cheap and perhaps unreliable. My 16' er wears me out extending and collapsing.

Truth, Justice, and the American Way!

My two cents...Extend and Climb ladders are absolutely safe. Of course you need to ensure the rungs are engaged before you climb up on one. I've owned one for a few years...I've used it hundreds of times and never had a problem. My wife had used them for several years when she was an insurance adjuster...again, no problems...she's a supervisor now and guess what...the insurance company still has their adjusters using these ladders. It's like any product out there...if not used correctly you risk injury....take some time to ensure things are right and you're fine.

BTW that home shopping video is a Telesteps brand ladder not the Extend and Climb.

Philo wrote:Truth, Justice, and the American Way!

Nice!

Anyone have anygood tips on keeping them working well. I had mine in the rain a couple of times. I have cleaned numerous times yet the top few sections are tough to extend so I can climb.

Philo wrote:The locking thing happened to me once; maybe the "green dot" wasn't showing; who knows? Those plastic thumb latches sure look cheap and perhaps unreliable. My 16' er wears me out extending and collapsing.

I added wheels to mine. It's a gorilla 17'. I know it's not factory allowed but it saved my shoulder from getting rotator surgery.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 09/17/2016 11:02 AM EDT

You will never become complacent when you actually see in person someone falling off a ladder or roll off a 9 pitch roof for that matter , I've seen both thankfully they both were ok outside of a broker arm and some bumps and bruises. I know every time I get out the ladder to check a roof I think about that and If it looks unsafe then it is and don't go. That is my rule .I don't let anyone push me to do something that is unsafe or unnecessary period. It only takes once as we all know !

Here lately, I am getting so dizzy and falling that I am staying off of my ladder for a while. I am not risking it until my doctor finds out what's going on with me. I have a good pair of binoculars and a camera pole to assist me with the roof inspection.

Do I want up there? You bet your *** I do. I am a touchy - feely type of Inspector. I like to walk most roofs (I use to be a roofer). I've had some pretty scary experiences that shook me up, but I faced my fears and got back up there. I'll admit, I've hugged a couple of chimneys. As I am getting older, I realize that I am not the man, I use to be.

I see a lot of Inspectors taking selfies, while on the roof. Not me. I am uncertain about my future in this industry. I know that I will overcome my chest pain and falling. It scares me that people are having difficulty understanding what I have to say on certain days. Maybe I've overdone things this year and exhaustion is setting in. I have worked very hard to get to where I am and I'm not about to stop now. The more I think about it, I have to agree that drones are the future.

Stay safe and take care.