How to use a ladder safely?

[sue62]

Can anyone give me an idea of how I can attach my straight ladder to side of she or house so it doesn't fall . Not to a gutter of course. I want to be able wear a safety harness. I'm on my own and don't have anyone to hold a ladder. I have some painting to do and flashing to put on a shed.

Thanks

[sue62]

Thanks Dave . I've tried loading photos but it won't let me . I've decided to use scaffolding with a fence so I can't fall off. My photos are in Google but when I go to load them it says their not supported. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @sue62,

It sounds like it could be a file format issue.

If you can send them to workshop@bunnings.com.au I would be happy to upload them for you.

I think a scaffold is the way to go. Safety is always super important, and the scaffold will ensure you are safe when you are working at heights.

Jacob

[sue62]

Thanks Jacob just sent you the photos. 

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @sue62 

Scaffolding will be a safer option tho at the height of what you have shown us, a decent 6ft -8ft ladder would aslo be fine. I would suggest moving out all the plant pots either way to create as clean an area as possible to work with.

With the ladder for the painting I would lean it against the sid eof the house. At an angle of around 30 degrees (easiest way is to lean it and stand on the bottom rung, lean back a tiny bit and if the ladder feels like it want to move, then move the foot of the ladder out from the wall a little more)

With the flashing, I would lean the ladder the same way against the middle of the wall. The flashing should sit up over the edge by itself and should be screwed in fromn the side, making sure that the right angle stays that way compared to the roof on the other side (dosnt kick up) I would paint that timber first tho.

My last story is, if you "think" you can reach out to do that last little bit while up the ladder "DONT" get down and shift the ladder a foot and then go back up. Yes I have listene dto the guy on my shoulder and yes I have fallen off doing so. Its not worth it.

Dave

[sue62]

Thanks Dave for the clear instructions on how to place the ladder. Much appreciated.