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Scaffolding: common problems

Whats the best way to hold paint and brushes when working off a ladder

Use a kettle-hook. This can be made by bending a strong piece of wire, about 15 to 20 inches long, into an S shape. One end can then be hooked onto the ladder and the handle of the paint container hooked onto the other end.

What is the best way to climb a ladder carrying paint and brushes

Carry the paint kettle and brushes in you right hand(or left if you prefer), grip the left outside rail (NOT the rungs) of the ladder with your left hand, and proceed up the ladder stepping on the rungs with the balls of your feet not with your insteps.

Ladder feels shaky

Don't go up a ladder if it does not feel steady and secure. If the ground is uneven it may be necessary to put a wide wooden support under one leg of the ladder. Where the ladder is resting on a wooden surface nail a short baton to the wood to prevent the ladder sliding.

Bumping head when on scaffolding

When you are working outside on scaffolding and required to wear a safety helmet, it causes a blind spot directly above forehead. You will notice many workers wear their hats back to front to overcome this problem.

Rope operated cradles

When you are working from rope-operated cradles on the exterior of a building you will generally start from the top and lower yourself floor by floor as you proceed. This type of cradle (as opposed to electric or hydraulic ones) must be lowered a little a time (not more than 10 inches), first on one side and then the other, until you reach the required height. The rope is held with both hands and carefully unhooked and let to slide slowly until the cradle is on a slight angle and then refixed onto the catch.