How to install a floodlight safely while up ladders

captaincaveman · Dec 15, 2021

Hi guys & gals,

I'm just curious at how other sparkys install or replace accessories (floodlights, cctv cameras, etc. - domestic work in mind) while working on extension ladders?
Supposedly you should be doing it with 1 hand while the other holds on to the ladder but holding a floodlight, for example, in place while you put screws in is not an easy feat with one hand! In theory a pen pusher would say put scaffold up but show me a sparky who puts scaffold up to replace a customers home floodlight and I'll run round Manchester naked.
I was looking yesterday at gooseneck clamps and such to hold the accessory in place. Does anyone else use a particular gadget for this kind of job or does everyone else just grip the cable in their mouth, to stop the floodlight falling, while they thumble around dropping screws like me?

ipf · Dec 15, 2021

If you watch Sky 'engineers', they have to drill the wall and fix their ladders to the wall.
Personally, if possible, I back the van up to the wall, open back doors and use it as a stopper......with the hand brake on, of course.
Mostly non domestic, though.
Regarding working up ladder with 2 hands....been doing that for years. I suppose the height factor comes in to it.

Mikegh · Dec 15, 2021

I've always worked 2-handed up ladders , can't do much otherwise , gotta watch the footwear though

When you're working at height you've also got to be highly organized.

Getting more wary of it now with age. Mate of mine I went to school with he's up on roofs doing TV aeriels I couldn't hack that.

captaincaveman · Dec 15, 2021

ipf said:
If you watch Sky 'engineers', they have to drill the wall and fix their ladders to the wall.
Personally, if possible, I back the van up to the wall, open back doors and use it as a stopper......with the hand brake on, of course.
Mostly non domestic, though.
Regarding working up ladder with 2 hands....been doing that for years. I suppose the height factor comes in to it.

I do sometimes latch the ladders down to an eyebolt or at least to something solid even if it's just a rigid soil pipe. Still doesn't solve the one handed issue though. I had a nightmare putting a cctv camera up other week when I had to get three small screws into the roof overhang while holding the camera. I managed eventually but I wouldn't call it safe working

captaincaveman · Dec 15, 2021

I was looking at one of the below (meant for holding a dog grooming hair dryer lol).
Worth a go?

[ElectriciansForums.net] How to install a floodlight safely while up ladders

Mikegh · Dec 15, 2021

Reminds me back in the day early 20s trying to climb a ladder leaning against a lighting pole , bosses orders

Did a few jobs working off a teleporter at height

Wouldn't do it now , risk averse or lack of stupidity, I dunno

pc1966 · Dec 15, 2021

Kind of depends on how stable it all is. Certainly I work two-handed on step ladders but only if it is well within my comfortable and manageable range of distance and weights. Often it means a couple of trips up and down, first to drill the holes, next to get the item screwed in place at least on one point, then 2nd point, etc. Finally doing the connections, etc. Though in some case I put the cable on first and run it from then, but a long and/or thick cable can make it too hard to wrangle the item in to place and fix it.

In a couple of cases I put studs in to the wall (rawlbolt things with protruding thread) so I could just hook it over and spin a nut or two on for fixing a heavier item. In those cases sometimes had a mate on a 2nd ladder for help in holding it or putting fasteners in.

But whatever you do never EVER push your luck on reach - take the extra time and effort to go down and move the ladder!

ipf · Dec 15, 2021

captaincaveman said:
I was looking at one of the below (meant for holding a dog grooming hair dryer lol).
Worth a go?
View attachment 93032 View attachment 93033 View attachment 93034

Does it bite?????

catdog1121 · Dec 15, 2021

Rojak Ladder Stopper 24" : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Toptower-Rojak-Ladder-Stopper-24/dp/B00TVEV05U

These things are surprisingly good.. I hate working at heights and try to where possible use a platform ladder, I have one that will get up to close to 4m. If its higher than two stories then you are talking about a picker or I insist on scaffolding.. Usually means I dont get those jobs but frankly I dont care..

rsgaz · Dec 15, 2021

captaincaveman said:
1 hand while the other holds on to the ladder

I always make sure one arm is through a rung hole in the ladder if I need two hands. That way I'll happily drop whatever I'm holding and grab the ladder in the event of a problem.

You could always buy a fall arrest harness? The two hook ones are better than single, of course.

Moley · Dec 16, 2021

captaincaveman said:
I was looking at one of the below (meant for holding a dog grooming hair dryer lol).

I don't think I would want to blow dry a dog while up a ladder

mattg4321 · Dec 16, 2021

Get a decent ladder too. None of these flimsy ones that sway about.

Mine is completely solid working at about gutter/eaves height on a normal house, which is as high as I’d ever go up a ladder anyway. It is quite heavy though.

I always refuse the option of using the customers ladders as they are usually Mickey Mouse things.

pc1966 · Dec 16, 2021

A decent ladder makes a lot of difference!
I think this is the model we have, not too heavy and non-conductive:

Werner UK - #1 Choice for Trade Professionals

For a century, Werner is the No.1 choice for trade professionals when it comes to working at height. Durable, innovative ladders and access products.

www.youngmanaccess.com

Here is UK site, not cheap at around £200 inc VAT, but has lasted well:

404 Not Found - Youngman Boards | The widest selection of quality staging boards

Lightweight Staging Boards, Super sturdy, lightweight stagings of unbeatable quality. All aluminium sides joined by aluminium cross rungs support a strong anti-slip coated ply deck.Years of experience

www.youngmanboards.co.uk

captaincaveman · Dec 16, 2021

pc1966 said:
Here is UK site, not cheap at around £200 inc VAT, but has lasted well:

404 Not Found - Youngman Boards | The widest selection of quality staging boards

Lightweight Staging Boards, Super sturdy, lightweight stagings of unbeatable quality. All aluminium sides joined by aluminium cross rungs support a strong anti-slip coated ply deck.Years of experience

www.youngmanboards.co.uk

They look fine pc but I don't think they'll rech the eaves. Not unless you balance several of them pyramid style

captaincaveman · Dec 16, 2021

I get the impression most people seem to take care using good ladders and securing them etc, but everyone seems to be in the same boat as to breaching the 3 points of contact rule by using 2 hands to work. Interesting

nicebutdim · Dec 16, 2021

captaincaveman said:
I get the impression most people seem to take care using good ladders and securing them etc, but everyone seems to be in the same boat as to breaching the 3 points of contact rule by using 2 hands to work. Interesting

Your knees can be points of contact.

captaincaveman · Dec 16, 2021

nicebutdim said:
Your knees can be points of contact.

My knees are far to buggered to rely on 5m up lol

SparkySy · Dec 16, 2021

I have a ladderboard like @catdog1121 posted earlier which is great for stopping the ladder from sliding or swiveling round! I will Park something heavy at the bottom of ladders as well and on occasions have them tied off to an eyelet bolt if I think it's looking dodgy.
For post work I have a pole adaptor for the top that is great and will tie them off to the pole or stake the feet if possible. I do have a proper pole harness as well just in case. I recently worried a customer while removing a large streetlight head as she didn't realize I had it on as I leaned back to remove the head she thought I was falling off!
If and wherever possible I will use a platform or tower for things that are above eves height. Sometimes it's just not possible.
Plus I hate ladders with a passion, I would rather be swinging from a well fixed rope than climb a ladder!

telectrix · Dec 16, 2021

so.... how to install a floodlight here?

Kids Climb 2,500-Foot Bamboo Ladder to Get Home From School

Just to get home from school, they climb more than 2,500 feet toward the sky — on a ladder made of bamboo and secured to a sheer cliff face.

www.nbcnews.com

pc1966 · Dec 17, 2021

I'm not usually trying to work 5m up, that is a touch high for comfort unless helper at bottom of ladder, etc. I never really though about "3 points of contact" but I guess indistinctively try to keep knees/shins in contact so there is some leverage to stabilise myself.

I have a a fall-arrest harness sort of thing somewhere, but (a) it is well past its certified date for the rip-tape thing, and (b) I suspect if attached to the ladder and not a proper bolt point it would do little to stop me hitting the ground.

DJAndy · Dec 17, 2021

nicebutdim said:
Your knees can be points of contact.

My belly wedges in between ladder stiles leaving both hands free for the task

DPG · Dec 17, 2021

DJAndy said:
My belly wedges in between ladder stiles leaving both hands free for the task

Not bragging or anything, but I wrap my nob around one of the rungs a few times to maintain the 3 points of contact. Never seen this method mentioned in any guidance leaflets though.

Mikegh · Dec 17, 2021

pc1966 said:
I'm not usually trying to work 5m up, that is a touch high for comfort unless helper at bottom of ladder, etc. I never really though about "3 points of contact" but I guess indistinctively try to keep knees/shins in contact so there is some leverage to stabilise myself.

I have a a fall-arrest harness sort of thing somewhere, but (a) it is well past its certified date for the rip-tape thing, and (b) I suspect if attached to the ladder and not a proper bolt point it would do little to stop me hitting the ground.

Reminds me of a recent safety course

Instructor showing a slide demonstrating how some guy was half killed not using a harness correctly

He then asked the rhetorical question " did the harness do its job ? "

mickhelectrica · Dec 17, 2021

captaincaveman said:
Hi guys & gals,

I'm just curious at how other sparkys install or replace accessories (floodlights, cctv cameras, etc. - domestic work in mind) while working on extension ladders?
Supposedly you should be doing it with 1 hand while the other holds on to the ladder but holding a floodlight, for example, in place while you put screws in is not an easy feat with one hand! In theory a pen pusher would say put scaffold up but show me a sparky who puts scaffold up to replace a customers home floodlight and I'll run round Manchester naked.
I was looking yesterday at gooseneck clamps and such to hold the accessory in place. Does anyone else use a particular gadget for this kind of job or does everyone else just grip the cable in their mouth, to stop the floodlight falling, while they thumble around dropping screws like me?

I saw a guy using one of these on Next doors house. Looks like a good bit of kit but don't step backwards. Lol.

extending ladder platform - Bing

La recherche intelligente de Bing facilite la recherche rapide et vous récompense.

www.bing.com

ipf · Dec 17, 2021

DPG said:
Not bragging or anything, but I wrap my nob around one of the rungs a few times to maintain the 3 points of contact. Never seen this method mentioned in any guidance leaflets though.

Might have proved a bit difficult when I was swimming in the Olympics................. but might have come in useful doing my world renound, individual, circus high trapeze act.