When I started LOPCO Contracting in the 1990s, I was your typical teenager with a “no fear” mentality in approaching things.
One of the more famous examples of this is a picture of me standing on my tippy toes, on one of the last rungs of a 40’ ladder, fully extended off the roof of my van, as I worked stretching every last ounce of me trying to paint the very top of a peak of a super high old home on the East Side of Providence, RI.
While I am not sure if I would be as adventurous today (most likely not!), times have certainly changed and these days we have the ability with the equipment we have access to, to easily get to hard to reach areas on buildings ranging from someone’s home to Church steeples and everything in between.
Even if you are not working through the challenges of getting to hard to reach spots on a daily basis, there are certainly times when you might have to get to areas that are not really the easiest to hang a light on or paint, etc.
Reaching hard-to-access areas safely is important to avoid injuries and accidents. Whether you are cleaning high spots, fixing things, or doing outdoor work, here are some tips to stay safe:
1. Use the Right Tools: Always use a sturdy ladder or step stool for high places. Never stand on chairs, tables, or unsteady surfaces. If you need to reach even higher, consider using an extension ladder or scaffolding. For very high areas, a lift might be the best option.
2. Check Equipment Before Use: Before using a ladder, inspect it for damage like cracks, loose screws, or broken steps. Make sure the ladder’s feet are secure and non-slip. If using a lift, ensure it is properly maintained and operated by a trained person.
3. Set Up Properly: Place the ladder on a flat, stable surface. If outside, avoid soft or uneven ground. For tall ladders, follow the 4-to-1 rule: for every 4 feet of height, place the base 1 foot away from the wall. On step ladders, lock the ladder’s spreaders and braces in place.
4. Use Safety Gear: Wear non-slip shoes when climbing ladders. If you’re working on a roof or high platform, wear a safety harness attached to a secure anchor point. Use gloves and protective eyewear when needed.
5. Have a Spotter or Helper: Having someone hold the base of the ladder can keep it stable. If you’re working on a lift or scaffold, a helper can operate controls or call for help if needed.
6. Move Carefully: Don’t lean too far to the side on a ladder—always keep your belt buckle between the rails. Move the ladder instead of stretching. On a scaffold, don’t reach beyond the guardrails.
7. Avoid Bad Weather and Poor Lighting: Do not work at heights in strong winds, rain, or on wet surfaces. Good lighting is essential to see what you’re doing.
As you can see, on that day many years ago, the 18-year old version of myself probably violated North of 90% of what I am advising above when I decided to “go for it”.
Times have certainly changed as these days we would probably use a lift to access that same point.
Whether it is a lift, a ladder, or a set of scaffolding, the main focus on hard to reach areas should be doing so with the proper equipment and plan and in as safe a manner as you can possibly do so.
