Tools of the Trade – The Two Most Essential Tools for any Tradesman

March 4th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Tools are essential to the tradesman. Whether you are a plumber, joiner, builder, electrician, plasterer or decorator, you will have a wide selection of different tools required to enable you to do your job correctly.

From drills to saws; rollers to wire cutters; there are a whole host of items that are vital for your day-to-day work. However, there are two tools that are essential to nearly every tradesman and whether you are a plumber, plasterer, builder or electrician you would be unable to do your job without them:

The Van

Every tradesman or woman needs van. There is no other method of carting around your tools from each job without a decent van to do it in. When looking for a van there is only two things you need to know – It has to be diesel and it has to be big enough to carry all the tools and materials you could ever envisage needing.

Diesel is essential as it is far more economical to drive than a petrol van. There is no point giving all your profits to OPEC so choose a van that is fuel efficient and isn’t expensive to keep on the road.

For size, it might be impossible to envisage every scenario you’ll need a van for but there is one good method of picking a van. Think of the largest object you’ll have to carry and you shouldn’t go too far wrong.

Space is vital for a Van

The Ladder

Often the longest object most tradespeople carry is also another essential tool – the ladder. Every trade from building to plastering needs a ladder. Whether it’s a step-ladder to reach ceilings or an extension ladder for scaling walls a good quality aluminium ladder is a must for any trades person.

When buying a ladder, choose one that is of most use to you. Step ladders are great for reaching ceilings for indoor work but extension ladders are more useful outdoors.

Aluminum step ladder

Aluminium ladders are better than wooden ones as they are lighter and stronger. Whilst ladders are long they can still be easily transported; a multitude of roof racks are available that will secure them to your van if there is no room in the back.

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Ladders in the Action

February 18th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

From the dawn of civilisation, ladders have been an essential tool. The pyramids and ancient cities could not have been built without them and neither could many of the cities we live and work in today.

They may be a mundane accessories, gathering dust in the garage or the back of the van. But ladders are vital to so many people and professions that without them many jobs would be near impossible.

The ladder is one of the most practical and common tools used in huge numbers of trades. Plumbers, builders, roofers, TV technicians and a whole host of other occupations regularly use this trusty and useful tool.

Soldiers need ladders

There are occupations that require ladders for life saving and essential work. Fireman are obvious examples and couldn’t do their work without them. But there are some occupations where you wouldn’t think ladders play such a vital and pivotal role, but they are used by the military worldwide.

In Afghanistan, aluminium ladders are as common and required a tool as the shovel, metal detector and rifle. They are used for all sorts of applications and are even regularly carried on patrol as they are so useful.

In trenches, ladders are erected to allow snipers to remain out of the line of fire whilst being able to slowly select targets. And when travelling over rough terrain, ladders re used to scale cliffs, form bridges and assist soldiers getting into vehicles and buildings.

Photographers are another example of professions who regularly use ladders. Nearly every paparazzi will have a step-ladder in the back of the car. They are vital when you have to work within such large groups of other photographers, especially when you are at the back. They can also help photographers get better angles than their rivals – vital when you are working in such a competitive field.

And ladders are even taken underground. Pot-holers and cavers often use ladders to allow them to explore caverns and caves. While they may be cumbersome to carry, small extension ladders are great for for spanning large expanses as well as climbing down holes – even mountain climbers have been know to use ladders.

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Ladder Construction – Safety in Design

February 3rd, 2010

By Richard Williams

Ladders are responsible for numerous deaths and injury each year, the majority are caused by improper use and faulty equipment. However, if used correctly and if they are in good condition, a ladder is the most useful, practical and convenient tool of working at height available.

One of the most important aspects is that you use the correct ladder for the job in hand; a step-ladder for ceiling work, an extension ladder for leaning against an outside wool or a roof ladder for working on roofs. But also its vital that the ladder is made of the correct material and is of of good quality.

Cheap and badly made ladders are dangerous and should never be used. In looking for a ladder here are some things to look out for:

Materials

Aluminium, is one of the most common materials for manufacturing ladders. Its light, strong and easily manipulated for manufacture. Aluminium ladders also don;t chip or crack when subjected to impact. Aluminium also doesn’t need to be painted and doesn’t suffer from severe corrosion.

Aluminum ladder

However, there are drawbacks to aluminium ladders. Aluminium does dent and a buckled ladder should not be used as it could be uneven. Aluminium is also a conductor of electricity and heat so should be avoided when bare electrics or extreme heat are present.

Fibre Glass is a very similar material to aluminium. Its not an alloy and is not susceptible to the elements and is very strong and even lighter than aluminium. Its far more brittle though, and can crack if impacted but it doesn’t conduct electricity so is often used around electricity.

Wood is a traditional material and still useful for ladders. Timber ladders are often made of combined hard and soft wood for strength and rigidity. However, they can crack and chip and need to be painted or varnished to avoid the elements.

Quality

When buying a ladder the quality should be checked carefully. Ensure any aluminium ladder is not bent or buckled and that a wooden or fibre glass ladder has no cracks, dents or chips. All rungs should be secure and if you are unsure – walk away!

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Extension Ladders – Using a Leaning Ladder

January 28th, 2010

By Richard WIlliams

The extension ladder is perhaps the most daunting tool to face most DIYer or workman. Not only can they be intimidating to use, statistics bare witness to the fact that leaning ladders – like extensions – are also the most dangerous type of ladder to use.

Every year hundreds are injured and several people killed by using a leaning or extendible ladder. But I’m not trying to deter you from using this useful piece of equipment because despite the dangers, an extendible or extension ladder is perhaps is the most useful and practical tool there is for working at height.

The danger lies in their improper use and inadequate risk assessment when they are used. The inherent danger in using this type of equipment is that they have to be leaned against the wall. And it is vital that the correct procedures are used if an extendible, extension or other leaning ladders is to be used.

Firstly, it should be inspected for any damage. Bent or damaged stiles (the sides) or rungs should instantly right the ladder off as unusable. Not only should you not use it but it must be either reported as damaged or noticed with a sign.

Leaning ladders can be dangerous

It should also be clean and not greasy. Slopped oil and grease could cause a slip which, if at height, could be fatal. Decent boots should also be worn, with a good thick sole and tread.

The ladder should be leaned at 75 degrees, too steep an angle and it could topple, too shallow and it could slip, both could result in serious injury.

Both feet of the ladder should be placed firmly on the ground, which should be level, dry and clean. If it is an extendible ladder the fastenings should be secure when it is extended.

Never work at height alone. Ensure there is somebody on hand to assist in case of an accident. If possible get them to foot the ladder, not only will it add stability, an extra pair of eyes can help spot problems but remember there is somebody below – Always secure tools and make sure those below are wearing a hard hat.

Never climb with tools in your hand, rope them up with necessary or wear a belt. When climbing keep three points of contact to the ladder at all times.

Don’t over reach or make sure there are at least three rungs above your feet which should both be on the same rung.

If in doubt of the quality of your ladder it is probably time to think about shopping to buy ladders

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Ladder Hysteria and Using Ladders Safely

January 14th, 2010

By Richard N Williams

Over the last few years there has been a hysteria developing around ladders. No more are they seen as the functional tool that mankind has been using for thousands of years – now it seems they are an occupational danger that it seems should be best avoided.

Organisations now send employees on ladder safety courses and window cleaners are using expensive and wasteful pressure washers because of irrational fear (of insurance companies) of injury with ladders.

And while its true, ladders do account for a number of serious injuries and even death each year – ladders, when used correctly, are a safe, useful and convenient tool for working at height.

And ladder safety is not a complicated subject either, using ladders resolves around common sense but let us just run through the basics.

The type of ladder required for the task in hand is key in preventing accident. Step-ladders are best for low heights, ceilings and indoor work, while extension ladders are for high areas and are used by resting against walls; whilst work platforms are more stable than conventional ladders resembling small scaffold towers but with the convenience of castors.

Once the right ladder or platform is selected it should be checked over just to ensure it is not buckled, bent or cracked. A damaged ladder is just asking for trouble and its your neck so look over it carefully.

Extension ladders are safe if used correctly

Extension ladders are safe if used correctly

Next, you should ensure you use the ladder correctly. Extension ladders, because of the height they can go, are quite often the most dangerous ladders to use. Ensure they are at correct and stable angle, get somebody to foot it for you and if the height you are working at is high enough that it could cause serious injury or death if you fell, ensure somebody is on site in case of trouble.

Also, never carry tools in your hands when climbing ladders. Step ladders are useful for resting tools on but if you are climbing an extension ladder secure tools to a belt or winch them up once you reach the top.

Whilst using ladders can result in serious injury that doesn’t mean that ladders are at all dangerous and should be feared. If you follow basic ladder safety, risk of injury should all but be eliminated.

For those wishing for more advice on ladder safety visit the British Association of Ladder Safety Equipment Manufacturers (BALSEM).

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Tips for Using Ladders and Working at Height

January 7th, 2010

By Richard Williams

Working at height is responsible for hundreds of work related accidents each year and falls from heights result in hundreds of serious injuries and even death and yet many of these height and ladder related accidents can be prevented.

When working at height the most important thing to do before carrying out any work is to perform a risk assessment. This does not necessarily mean excessive paper work but it is a good idea to make a note of a few of the potential risks you may face. When working with heights these can be obvious such as falls and injury but it also good no note how are you are and the likelihood of serious or life threatening injury:

* Its important when ever working at a height that can lead to serious injury or death in a fall that you never work alone and have at least one person on site in case of accidents.

When you have identified the risks its important to analyse the job in hand as the type of task can often reflect in the equipment needed, including the type of ladders to use.

When working inside a building the best ladders to use are step-ladders or combination ladders. These are ideal for most jobs inside and as the can both be folded away and they have a platform for resting tools on which will prevent the need for climbing the ladder whilst carrying equipment.

Work platforms are also useful when working on ceilings and though they are more cumbersome some folding work platforms are available.

Work Platform

Work Platform

Extendable or extension ladders are good for working outdoors and are rested against a wall. These ladders are however, the most dangerous type of ladder as they can slip and topple and as they can extend they are also very high. When using an extendable ladder its vital that you rest it the correct angle on a non-slip floor. Getting someone to foot it for you is also a good idea.

Often when working at the top of walls or on roofs its better to use a roof ladder. These ladders extend down and can also allow you to rest against a roof without fear of falling through.

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Choosing the Right Ladder for the Job

December 23rd, 2009

By Richard N Williams

There are a vast array of different types of ladders on the market and it can be often confusing when it comes to buying a ladder to find the exact one that suits your requirements. Despite the myriad of names and terms given to some ladders, they pretty much fall into three categories:

  • The platform or step ladder
  • Extension ladder
  • Suspended ladder (such as a rope or roof ladder)

Each type of ladder is best suited to a particular purpose and to decide which one you need to assess what you require the ladder for.

A platform or more commonly called a step ladder offers a stable working platform for placing tools and materials on. They also fold and open up like scissors which means they can be easily stowed away in the back of a van of under a staircase.

They are very sturdy and are useful for working at low height such as indoor decorating where access to ceilings is required.

Extension ladders are more useful for working at greater heights. They usually comprise of two or three separate ladders that are joined together and can slide apart and extend. Extension ladders require a wall or surface to prop them up. They also need to be rested against a surface at an appropriate angle and can slip if they are too vertical or too horizontal. Extension ladders are responsible for more serious injury than other types of ladder.

Suspended ladders such as rope and roof ladders are used when there is no surface or floor to rest another type of ladder on. Rope ladders are often used to lower from height such as off helicopters and have the advantage of being able to be folded up.

Roof ladders tend to be made from aluminium and have a hooking system to suspend from a roof. They are often used on sloping surfaces as a vertical surface would require permanent attachment to the floor and/or roof.

Roof Ladder

Roof Ladder

Another consideration when it comes to buying a ladder is always make sure it is long enough for the height you will be working. Over reaching on a ladder is a common cause of falls and it is better to buy a ladder rather than make do with an insufficient one.

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The Funny side of Ladders

December 20th, 2009

By Richard N Williams

When the word ladder is ever uttered. Our minds always turn to think that aluminium ladder in the garage or the step ladders under the stairs. But the word ladder has had many uses over the years and not ladders can be climbed.

The word ladder for instance, is often used to describe a tear in a pair of tights or stockings but has been used dozens of times for different things here are just a few:

Investment brokers use laddering: It is used to describe buying lots of different investments with a variety of expiration dates.

  • A ladder is also a move in the game of GO
  • The rock band yes released an album in 1997 entitled ‛Ladder’.
  • A UK Heavy Metal group go under the name of ‛Ladder’: they have released one album.
  • A ladder describes a series of piercings up0ion certain body parts
  • ‛The Ladder’ was the name of a lesbian publication, published during the 1960’s in America.
  • Ladder theory is scientific explanation of how men and women rate each other on attractiveness.

But ladders do have a serious side. Last year falls from ladders resulted in 16 deaths and 1146 Injuries that required hospital treatment. Often the cause of accident is down to either three things:

  • The ladder is being used inappropriately
  • The ladder is damaged
  • It is the wrong ladder for the job in hand

In ensuring you remain injury free when you are using a ladder it is important you think about the type of job that you will be doing. Do you require a step-ladder or an extension ladder? Is that ladder long enough and have you enough room to work? All these questions should be asked before you consider using a ladder as should a good examination of the ladder itself.

A buckled or bent ladder can easily slip and if there are any breaks or splits in any part of the ladder its time to consider a new one.

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The Fascinating World of Ladders

December 17th, 2009

By Richard N Williams

There is more to the humble ladder than you may think. Most households have them, under all that junk in the garage, or propped up in a cupboard, and yet little thought goes into what are quite fascinating tools.

Ladders are one of the oldest tools still used by humans today. The humble ladder is right up there with cooking utensils and axes and their use dates back at least over 10,000 years. They have been depicted in Mesolithic rock paintings and show early man using ladders to reach honey and fruit.

Without ladders, many of the world’s greatest monuments such as the Pyramids of Geza couldn’t have been constructed and even today, it would be incredibly difficult to build anything without a ladder or two.

Across the globe they are to be found in every culture. From bamboo scaffold in Asia to rope ladders in Peru, they are propped, hung and climbed everywhere.

The world’s largest ladder is owned by the coastguard of San Fransisco, They have rope ladder they call the ‛debarkation ladder’ that spans an incredible 320 feet (100 metres)!

debarkation ladder

And most of us will have had to use a ladder at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, not too many people give them any thought which is why every year, thousands of people are injured climbing ladders.

Ladders are incredibly useful but they are can also be dangerous if they are used incorrectly or they are damaged.

It is always important to use the correct ladder for the task in hand. If you need to reach a ceiling then a step ladder will be required, while if you need access to a roof, an extendible ladder will be required.

Whatever is the case, all ladders should be checked before its used. A damaged ladder can cause serious injury if it slips or breaks whilst you are climbing it. Always ensure there are no warps or bends in the metal. If it is a wooden ladder ensure there are no cracks or splits in the wood and that the rungs are sturdy. If any sign of damage is spotted you shouldn’t think about using the ladder and its time to buy a new one.

It is far better to buy a new ladder will be safer and will probably pay for itself in saved hospital bills.

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