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garyw · Nov 30, 2009

RE: Chlorine Killer, or what color clothes to wear.

RoofBright of Florida · Guest

I've been told that vinegar will work as a neutralizer. Haven't tried it yet. I find the Dickie blue or gray shorts hold up longer than anything with the exception of swim trunks. The 50/50 blend shirts whit or gray work well also. Makes for a nice looking uniform. I remember someone once saying that you are only as professional as you look.

guest

Hi Gary

I use my ladder like that sometimes too. using a good ladder and the stabilizer bar and the feet turned and dug into the ground I think its fine, actually to me it's safer because you leaning into the ladder.

I did notice that picture I was surprise to see him use the ladder like that on concrete, however the worst that would of happened is that the ladder would of slid into the gutter.

garyw · Nov 30, 2009

Walk wrote:

Hi Gary

I use my ladder like that sometimes too. using a good ladder and the stabilizer bar and the feet turned and dug into the ground I think its fine, actually to me it's safer because you leaning into the ladder.

I did notice that picture I was surprise to see him use the ladder like that on concrete, however the worst that would of happened is that the ladder would of slid into the gutter.

Hi Clyde;
I am not going to debate the facts that are documented and prescribed by most all ladder manufacturers and ladder safety organizations. There are correct and incorrect ways to place and use a ladder. The choice is up to the user. If you feel the way shown in the pic is safe for you, go for it! However, if I was the homeowner where you were using the ladder in this fashion, I would first think you were very un-professional and un-safe, and may ask you to correct your work habits or leave my property. Secondly, I would not recommend your company to anyone due to your unsafe work habits. People don't have to be very smart to realize that you are using the ladder more as a "bridge", than a ladder.
This is not meant to downgrade you in any way, it is intended to help you realize that what you are implying is not a proper or safe way to use a ladder and may jepordize your health, (life), and your business. It also is not a good example to set for people without the vast experience you pocess. I guess you have been lucky up to this point. I only want the best and safe way for all my roof cleaning brothers.

I agree, the quality of the ladder does come into play, but NO ladder is designed to be used in that fashion. You state,"the worst that could happen is the ladder will slide into the gutter". Look how the ladder stabilizer bar is bending already, and you think it is going to hold the weight hanging straight down on it, much less the
small nails that are holding the gutters on the house. Will the person still be on the ladder at that point, or lying on the concrete broken and bleeding with LOVE squirting all over himself. Something to think about. PEACE!

-- Edited by garyw on Monday 30th of November 2009 11:17:40 AM

guest

I been using ladders like that for 11 years. and I have never had a home owner tell me how to use a ladder.

the way you suggest using a ladder to me is unsafe because your to close to the ladder it's to easy to fall back.

I know you mean well and your going by the book.

I respect ladders, all my ladders are the best, with ladder levelers, stabilizer bars too.

If anyone works safely that would be me. I use safety harness and ropes too.

and I wear my seat belt.

garyw · Nov 30, 2009

YOU DA MAN!! Keep up the good "safe" work. Good luck in the future and Merry Christmas.

roof cleaning

guest

seriously Gary is right with the correct way to stand a ladder. Can you tell us how to work safely once were up there Gary?

are we suppose to tie the ladder off?

is there suppose to be a ground person footing the ladder?

when we extend our right arm to the right are we suppose to extend out left leg to the left to counter balance the weight.

are we suppose to use a fiber glass ladder around electric?

are we using the correct type 1 II III for our weight, type IA being the best but very heavy 300 lb weight capacity .

can you think of anything else?

good post Gary

-- Edited by Walk on Monday 30th of November 2009 12:07:32 PM

garyw · Nov 30, 2009

Walk wrote:

seriously Gary is correct with the correct way to use a ladder for beginners.

with experience you will know what you can do and what you cant.

good post Gary

Thank you Sir;

guest

Walk wrote:

seriously Gary is right with the correct way to stand a ladder. Can you tell us how to work safely once were up there Gary?

are we suppose to tie the ladder off?

is there suppose to be a ground person footing the ladder?

when we extend our right arm to the right are we suppose to extend out left leg to the left to counter balance the weight.

are we suppose to use a fiber glass ladder around electric?

are we using the correct type 1 II III for our weight, type IA being the best but very heavy 300 lb weight capacity .
can you think of anything else?

good post Gary

-- Edited by Walk on Monday 30th of November 2009 12:07:32 PMGary

NJ Roof Cleaner · Guest

Thanks for the advice!! is very apreciated. on the first picture that was the only way I could place the ladder otherwise I would've had the ladder leaning on the gutters, second picture I have the same problem. I do care a bout the home owners property (I better) , and I do care about the 5 year old boy and wife at home and I'll never put my life or some one elses on risk. if you can send us pictures of the proper way to use a ladder I'm sure me and the rest of the guys will apreciate. on the other hand this is why I'm upgrading equipment for next year I could've done this roof from the ground with an ALL-flow pump. thank you so much for the advice!!

guest

Ivan
Here I was defending you, I thought you knew how to use a ladder...LOL

now your asking for pictures of how to use a ladder????

NJ Roof Cleaner · Guest

I do know how to use a ladder!! and I do know how to walk on roofs too I'm just asking for pictures for new people around here I never have problems using the ladder like that!!

guest

Ok Ivan

just messing with you, did you work today?

NJ Roof Cleaner · Guest

is been raining around here. To morrow a got a job to take care of hopefully il be OK.
thaks for asking!!

RoofBright of Florida · Guest

On a serious note gentleman, I was a firefighter in Fairfax, Va for 12 years. I cannot stress the importance of proper ladder placement. I watched a fellow firefighter plunge to his death by falling backwards off of the first floor porch roof. All due to improper ladder placement.

Position the ladder upright, place both your feet to the base of the ladder and lean it inward. You will then climb on the first rung and extend your arms outward to the ladder. Your arms should be fully extended and your body in an upright position.

You should ALWAYS use a stabilizer if you work from the ladder. This will prevent it from slipping from side to side.

NEVER, place your hands on the rungs when climbing. Use the side rails as it only takes one mistake of not properly locking the lift catches or even the possibility of them breaking causing you to loose your hand or fingers.

I've noticed alot of joking regarding the placement of ladders, but until you have witnessed a tragedy by a careless mistake, you will be serious about this as we are. I have actually fired people for not following the guidelines.Manufactures design them for such and we as roof cleaners must follow the procedures to assure our and our fellow roof cleaners safety.

Thanks for reading and happy and SAFE cleaning!!

garyw · Nov 30, 2009

RoofBright of Florida wrote:

On a serious note gentleman, I was a firefighter in Fairfax, Va for 12 years. I cannot stress the importance of proper ladder placement. I watched a fellow firefighter plunge to his death by falling backwards off of the first floor porch roof. All due to improper ladder placement.

Position the ladder upright, place both your feet to the base of the ladder and lean it inward. You will then climb on the first rung and extend your arms outward to the ladder. Your arms should be fully extended and your body in an upright position.
You should ALWAYS use a stabilizer if you work from the ladder. This will prevent it from slipping from side to side.
NEVER, place your hands on the rungs when climbing. Use the side rails as it only takes one mistake of not properly locking the lift catches or even the possibility of them breaking causing you to loose your hand or fingers.
I've noticed alot of joking regarding the placement of ladders, but until you have witnessed a tragedy by a careless mistake, you will be serious about this as we are. I have actually fired people for not following the guidelines.Manufactures design them for such and we as roof cleaners must follow the procedures to assure our and our fellow roof cleaners safety.
Thanks for reading and happy and SAFE cleaning!!

Thanks for your input and your suport. There are many that live on the edge regarding safety and survive for many years. But you never know when it is going to happen. Is it really worth the risk?

guest

what do we do with that rope that you use to raise and lower the ladder, it always seems to be in the way, I dont know how many times I got hung up on it and almost plunged to my death?

what do you do when your 2 or 3 stories up and you arouse the bees, and the bats when the mix hits their home and they come diving at you.

Wayne · Guest

Hi Clyde,
I've gotten snagged by the ladder's pull up rope too. Now I can't wait for some responses to the bees & bats scenario. By the way, I haven't done any roofs YET, but I've used a pressure washer and SH on a lot of houses, driveways, etc. and always worn Dickies coveralls (the thin ones) and chlorine has never left a mark on the Dickies.
Wayne

H2OCleaning · Guest

what happens is you get stung by the bees enless you can get down quick enough or spray them with some love and they will run like hell

guest

Hi Wayne

the bleach don't effect the dark navy blue Dickie pants? please reply on that.

thanks clyde

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum "Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"

The Roof Cleaning Institute Of America Training & Certification Forum
"Find A Certified Roof Cleaner Directory"