3-4 story roof inspections

Specific Inspection Topics Exterior Inspections
1

I have a general question for everyone. How many of you would try to do an inspection on a 3 to 4 story roof that has no roof access. The only way up to the roof would be to climb an extension ladder. A lot of the row homes here in Philly have no way up to inspect them.

My thinking is it is against OSHA’s ladder safety regulations to try to climb a ladder that high without it being tied off and additional safety personal. Besides, you would need a tractor and trailer to carry an extention ladder big enough to get up to some of the roofs around here.

I would like to hear what you guys think.

2

You are not bound by OSHA, unless you’re an employee or employer.

In any event, if it can’t be safely accessed, simply disclaim it. . .

3

Scott

It is just money - I would rent a cherry picker with an operator

If a rig like this could not get safe access – Then a fly over with a chopper would be in order – It is all a question of money

Safety is always the first issue

rlb

4

Hi to all,

Scott, I have done many commercial inspections where the roofs are high and not accessable, in the past I have used a roofing contractor to set up ladders for me, this has worked well and can be very economical.

Regards

Gerry

5

I concur. I’ve used this procedure several times.

Gerry, I wish you’d purchase a damn razor.

6

David,
Don’t forget the Right Gaurd, man:D

7

I have actually considered a cherry picker but would not need the operator as that was part of my past life in a oil refinery.

I have a long extension ladder that sticks over the end of a 16 foot trailer that I take on the commercials that gets me most every where I need to be.
I prefer to have at least 2 feet of ladder above the top of a flat roof. I have only had one ocassion where my extension would not clear the top. Kind of gives a tight pucker factor to make that final reach.

8

Scott, whatever you decide to do, be careful . . . don’t want to hear about another inspector falling.
Agree with Jeff, safety first, disclaim it if inaccessable.

9

i would not climb it. Safety before death

10

The only time I get up on roofs is for my TECH inspection, and even then I don’t get up on the roof. Rather, my subcontractor, the licensed roofing contractor, gets up on the roof. More technical, hence the name of the inspection.