FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Another safey tip, ladders

Sphere | Posted in General Discussion on December 21, 2008 03:51am

OSHA wants a ladder 3′ above the roof edge. period. I always hated that, esp. if wearing shorts, the leg can catch.

Well, yesterday pretty cold for shorts so I had Carhartt insul bibs. I figgure being as I am on a main street ( even tho’ a Sat.) I’d give it a whirl, also being as I had a too long ladder.

KNEEPADS, WILL KILL YOU. 

Forced to step around the extra ladder ( flat roof, stepping over a box gutter) my left foot was on roof, right was coming along behind and my knee pad hooked the ladder and it slid along at me..As I opened my legs to get the ladder back verticle, I about went too far, and did a minor “Split”.  Now the pad was stuck, the ladder rail was caught. I tried again to free myself and repeated what just happened. I finally got it free by backing back down a step. Then ripped off the pads and got on the roof.

Somehow re-twisted an already sore shoulder ( bursitis) and saw god briefly.

So, if I’m climbing up  and down loading the roof, the pads come off.

OSHA SUCKS. I like to step OVER the ladder, NOT around it. OSHA SUCKS. Wish I had it on tape to email who ever had that law/rule enacted.

Rant over.

Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

 

They kill Prophets, for Profits.

 

 

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. seeyou | Dec 21, 2008 04:05pm | #1

    You got dimensions for me? I'm gearing up for a long day of bending. I'm gonna be off between Christmas and NY.

    http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 04:12pm | #3

      Yeah, I do. I was gonna stop on the way home, but being SAT. I was unsure..I shoulda called you.

      I'll redraw and email the pans , 5 total.

      All went well other wise.

      You should have a picture in about an hour or so if my scanner is working again, I had a problem with it last week.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

      1. seeyou | Dec 21, 2008 04:16pm | #4

        sketchuphttp://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 05:29pm | #7

          I've not mastered it yet , like you have.

          You have  mail.

          Pretty straight forward, ez gutter.

          Could I get cleat stock and a few flat pans before you shut down? If not that's OK, I have other stuff to do.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

           

          They kill Prophets, for Profits.

           

           

          1. seeyou | Dec 21, 2008 05:49pm | #8

            I got it. I'll have it all  ready before Christmas.http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

  2. JHOLE | Dec 21, 2008 04:07pm | #2

    And, and...

    Tuck your shoe laces into something or tape 'em up if you've got speed lacings on your boots.

    I never get on a roof anymore without doing it.  Loop swung into speed lace hook on opposite boot as i was traversing a 7 - 12 two story. Threw me to the deck and started the death roll to the edge, somehow I stopped juuuuuust at the gutter.

    Has happened to me just walking on flat ground too. Like getting caught in an instant snare. Not a fan of speed laces.

     

    Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

    1. seeyou | Dec 21, 2008 04:17pm | #5

      One word: sliponshttp://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

  3. Shep | Dec 21, 2008 04:26pm | #6

    Glad to hear you're OK.

    And I'm guessing you didn't need any coffee for a while, either.

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 05:57pm | #9

      Ok, is relative..LOL

      One pc and nothing broke is what matters.

      Scared the bejeezus outta me for sure. It was JUST high enough that I woulda not had time to aim for the bushes, it was a sidewalk below.

      F*%K OSHA, I'm staying with tried and true.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

      1. AitchKay | Dec 21, 2008 06:14pm | #10

        Saw a nice walk-through ladder at the supply house a couple of weeks ago. Three feet of handrail extending up both sides. Like a swimming-pool ladder, or a fixed rooftop ladder. Now THAT'S an idea.But I didn't go over to look at it close-up. How wide is the opening? Can you fit through with a tool belt on?Anyone used one of these?AitchKay

        1. renosteinke | Dec 22, 2008 01:03am | #26

          I think you may be thinking of this ladder accessory:

           

          http://www.snugharness.com/Ladder-Safety/Guardian-Ladder-Rail-Extension/

           

          I have not used it, but it looks promising. The only drawback is that it costs as much as the ladder does!

           

           

          Edited 12/21/2008 5:05 pm ET by renosteinke

          1. theslateman | Dec 22, 2008 01:53am | #27

            It's safer to use though since you can step thru it instead of stepping around a conventional ladder.

            No I haven't bought any either just yet !!

          2. AitchKay | Dec 22, 2008 02:27am | #28

            Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s it. I was looking at a ladder that appeared to have been cut off for display purposes, and I assumed, from 30’ away, that the attachment was integral.From your link, I also see that it flares out to allow passage -- that’s good, but they don’t say how much it flares -- step-through clearance still might be a problem.But 200 smackers?!?!? I’ll bet most of that money goes to their insurance company!Aitchkay

  4. Riversong | Dec 21, 2008 06:25pm | #11

    OSHA wants a ladder 3' above the roof edge. period. I always hated that...

    That's not OSHA, that's common sense.

    I don't pay any attention to OSHA, but I always insist that a ladder be extended at least 2' above a roof. Stability on a ladder requires that both hands and feet be in contact. You can't do that if the top is at roof level.

    It's also common sense to tie off a ladder at the top and bottom so it can't move (or be removed or have the wind blow it down).

    It's also common sense to watch whatever is hanging off your body (tool belt, air hose) when you step off or onto a ladder.

     
    Riversong HouseWright
    Design *  * Build *  * Renovate *  * Consult
    Solar & Super-Insulated Healthy Homes
  5. theslateman | Dec 21, 2008 07:29pm | #12

    Duane,

    If you're working alone OSHA has no jurisdiction over you.  Do as you please until you have employees working with you.

    Walter

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 07:51pm | #13

      Pretty much what I thought..hey, heres the scene of the crime..

       

      View Image

      I hope to have good pics of the flat seam going down, soon. Yesterday was fix the gutter and add a bevel strip for ice.

       

      View Image

      HO wouldn't let me redo the crown and cornice, so I'll whack more screws in when I lay the copper liner.

       

       

       

       

       Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

      1. theslateman | Dec 21, 2008 08:42pm | #19

        Wow  -- yellow tips -- whats that good for  225 lbs ??!!

        You're finally getting in some more gutter and lock seam work !

        Could be the start of gettin' right back in.

        Can't you wear the Patella T brand of pads ?

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 08:56pm | #20

          Yeah, its a 24' WERNER with the extenda feetsies..I like it.

          This was/is one of Grants old buddies, that Grant hooked me up with for rebuilding his columns 5 yrs ago. He called me outta blue for the porch roof...had a miscom w/Grant ( and he says he is too busy anyway) when he SAID he called Grant, but Grant never got a call..so anyway..I needed something to do, and still have all the tools ( and my own brake now)..so I priced it and Grant is making all the parts..work out well..G-man makes some $$$ and doesn't have to deal with the headaches, and tear off and stuff.

          I may get new highdollar pads, or just take a slab of foam to kneel on. Flux on pads ruins them anyway.

          Be nice to have the Solder Iron oven going when it's 20 degrees up there!Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

           

          They kill Prophets, for Profits.

           

           

        2. User avater
          Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 08:59pm | #21

          I just checked, it's 250lbs..Thats ok I weigh 175.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

           

          They kill Prophets, for Profits.

           

           

  6. User avater
    maddog3 | Dec 21, 2008 07:57pm | #14

    I put the pads on before the bibs this time of year....
    nothing to do with getting snagged I just think my knees stay warmer that way..

    .

    .

    .

    . . . . . . . .

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 07:59pm | #15

      I'd just got these new AWP ones, kinda bulky. I hate pads anyways, just trying to save some wear and tear in my old age.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

      1. User avater
        maddog3 | Dec 21, 2008 08:15pm | #16

        are those the real sticky ones ?I can't wait to go to work tomorrowTonight: Widespread blowing snow and a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a low around -2. Wind chill values as low as -30. Windy, with a west wind 25 to 30 mph decreasing to between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of around 2 inches.Monday: A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Partly sunny and cold, with a high near 12. Wind chill values as low as -10. West wind between 10 and 15 mph. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 0. Wind chill values as low as -15. South wind around 10 mph.
        .

        .

        .. . . . . . . .

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 08:23pm | #17

          Ain't much better down here. I gotta leave the water dripping or I will be a plumber come sun-up.

          The pads are the newer flat w/tire like tread..Gel pads..I got skinny knees, they are some of the only ones that fit worth a damm. I still roll outta them..might toss em and keep shopping, I got about 3 sq of soldering on the roof..all day, kneeling.

          Here they are, View Image actually, no it's not, but close to that.

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

           

          They kill Prophets, for Profits.

           

           

          Edited 12/21/2008 12:24 pm ET by Sphere

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Dec 21, 2008 08:36pm | #18

            I think I got the same ones.. mine have red lettering I was thinking of those sticky tire looking ones but I'm usually kneeling on steel grating and they probably would get caught and break my legs.

            .

            .. . . . . . . .

  7. User avater
    rjw | Dec 21, 2008 09:13pm | #22

    I won't agree that OSHA sucks, but their ladder rule seems to be a triumph of 'imagination' over experience.

    I mount roofs almost every day, and, to keep from crunching gutters, etc, mount on the rake side.

    If the ladder extends the 3' called for, it is almost impossible to safely remount the ladder.

    But that rule makes a lot of sense if you're sitting behind a desk, I guess.....


    "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

    Howard Thurman

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Dec 21, 2008 09:19pm | #23

      Shoot, rakes are even WORSE..I like to keep a standoff handy and have it rest on the shingles above a gutter when possible, that makes the most sense to me.  I could have on this roof if I (A) had a shorter ladder, and (B) coulda kept the standoff out of the box gutter.

      As Riversong points out, it's a common sense thing.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

      1. User avater
        rjw | Dec 21, 2008 10:18pm | #24

        I try to set up so the middle of the top rung is against the shingles on the rake edge. Mounting and dismounting the roof, I can grab the drip edge or rake board with my "outboard" hand. I really like having that handhold.It works best for me.

        "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

        Howard Thurman

  8. VMackey | Dec 21, 2008 10:25pm | #25

    I hate having to bend and hope to find that first step when someone sets the ladder wrong, you know, wrong like not three or so rungs above the roof. I like having a little handle to hold as I make the turn. Fully realize it's not a functional handle and it wouldn't do any good should I slip, but I do like to have a hald on the ladder before I step on it. I'm with OSHA on this one. Actually I'm with my Dad on this one, he's the one who made me set them like that for years. Vic

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Making mitered head casings is a breeze with this simple system.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data