Roof Safety For Fast Installs...

Mystic

So, as I've mentioned in several places on the forum already, I'm contracting for Direct TV installing satellite dishes. One of the things we have to do a lot of the time, quite obviously, is roof climbing to do the installs.

Let me start out by saying that my only protection for climbing these houses is my dislike for high places. It keeps me aware at all times and prevents me from making mistakes. However, I wish I had a better way to protect myself.

We have to do 3-4 installs a day, each taking between 2-2.5 hours to do, which means we have to be somewhat fast in order to stay on schedule. Not a whole lot of time to dedicate to making anchor points and rigging up a harness. Plus, getting OFF the roof is actually the worst part for me. I'm a bigger guy and it can be quite unsettling trying to get back on the ladder to get down.

Any one offer up any advice as to how to work through the issue of safety?

tinner666

I climb slate roofs for a living. I have 12 hook ladders from 5' to 20'. Longer ladders MUST have every other rung removed on lower half to give a balance point close to 1/3 or 1/4 of the way FROM THE TOP! Otherwise, as it comes off the roof and rotates to the vertical, it continues the swing and carries you off the roof. Very important when working alone. But 'Walking Cane" feet with metal inserts if using '2-hook' ladders. Duct-tape them on.

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Frank Slate Roof Repairs, Richmond, Va.

Mystic

I pretty much use a 24' extension ladder. Nothing fancy.

RobertF

Don't read too far into this but describe how you move from the ladder to the roof. Do you extend the ladder past the edge of the roof and step to the side? Or do you put the top of the ladder at the edge of the roof and climb straight up and over?

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-Robert F

Mystic

I usually extend the ladder over the edge about 2 feet. Gives me a hand hold when trying to get back on it.

RobertF

Good, a lot of people I see complain about extension ladders are the ones that go over the top which scares the bajeeeeebus out of me! Just make sure your ladder is level with a solid footing, if you don't have them, and you use your ladder a lot on uneven ground it would probably be worth the investment to buy a set of ladder leg levelers. When I did a lot of CATV work, I had those on most of my guys extension ladders to assist, I felt better with those on there versus the guys finding rocks and what not. Also, you probably already do it, but minimize what you bring up the ladder itself. Get yourself a big canvas sack for tools that don't go in your toolbelt and rope those up with the dish.

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-Robert F