" In Canada, more than 40,000 workers get injured annually due to fall accidents. In addition to great economic loss, falls cause pain and suffering and also claim lives. If these falls happen to trades, construction workers and EXPERIENCED people, what makes you think it won't happen to you?"
by Bill Mauger
Feb.24, 2016
Feb.24, 2016
5 Mistakes To Avoid While Cleaning Your Gutters
1. CONVENIENCE BEFORE SAFETY
Always plan for safety before convenience, regardless of the job size. Reaching the second storey of a home is often difficult, and requires the use of a safety harnesses and proper gutter cleaning tools. Never attempt to place a stepladder on the roof of your home to reach the second level. An extension ladder is required for a two-story or taller structure. If you do not have the proper tools, do not do the job.
2. FORGETTING A SPOTTER
Ladders are considered dangerous when used incorrectly but also because they give a false sense of security. When they are braced against the ground, the user doesn't feel the need for a spotter. Regardless of the type or size of ladder you plan to use, always have second person to act as your ground spotter; holding the base of the ladder with both hands.
3. LEANING & OVERREACHING
Ladders are heavy and awkward, so moving them every few feet can feel cumbersome and time-consuming. This makes it very tempting to try and reach out as far as possible when cleaning to avoid having to move the ladder again. This is a classic rookie DIY mistake. Do NOT lean to one side or try to move a ladder while on it. Instead, climb down and reposition the ladder to the next area of you project.
Always plan for safety before convenience, regardless of the job size. Reaching the second storey of a home is often difficult, and requires the use of a safety harnesses and proper gutter cleaning tools. Never attempt to place a stepladder on the roof of your home to reach the second level. An extension ladder is required for a two-story or taller structure. If you do not have the proper tools, do not do the job.
2. FORGETTING A SPOTTER
Ladders are considered dangerous when used incorrectly but also because they give a false sense of security. When they are braced against the ground, the user doesn't feel the need for a spotter. Regardless of the type or size of ladder you plan to use, always have second person to act as your ground spotter; holding the base of the ladder with both hands.
3. LEANING & OVERREACHING
Ladders are heavy and awkward, so moving them every few feet can feel cumbersome and time-consuming. This makes it very tempting to try and reach out as far as possible when cleaning to avoid having to move the ladder again. This is a classic rookie DIY mistake. Do NOT lean to one side or try to move a ladder while on it. Instead, climb down and reposition the ladder to the next area of you project.
4. NOT INSPECTING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT BEFORE
All tools should be inspected regularly, including your ladder(s). Inspect it for loose steps, cracks and broken or loose hardware before use.. Pay attention to the maximum load capacity or duty rating to avoid over loading it and collapsing it.
*FOOTWEAR NOTE: Remember to wear clean, dry shoes with rubber soles to prevent slipping, no flip flops!
5. NOT USING PROTECTIVE GEAR
Eye protection is a must; you never know what can fly out of that downspout when cleaning gutters. When power washing, debris can come at your face at astonishing speed, be careful. People have also found rats, birds, frogs, wasps and bees leaving at high speeds once they start removing a clog. Not things you want coming at your unprotected face. Also, always use gloves to protect your hands from surprises and injury.
Take the time to inspect your tools, ladder and hose or power washer. Have a spotter at all times or if you feel remotely nervous about tackling this seasonal task, call Your Local Handyman for a quote, locally in Langley & Lower Mainland at 778-549-2135
4. NOT INSPECTING TOOLS & EQUIPMENT BEFORE
All tools should be inspected regularly, including your ladder(s). Inspect it for loose steps, cracks and broken or loose hardware before use.. Pay attention to the maximum load capacity or duty rating to avoid over loading it and collapsing it.
*FOOTWEAR NOTE: Remember to wear clean, dry shoes with rubber soles to prevent slipping, no flip flops!
5. NOT USING PROTECTIVE GEAR
Eye protection is a must; you never know what can fly out of that downspout when cleaning gutters. When power washing, debris can come at your face at astonishing speed, be careful. People have also found rats, birds, frogs, wasps and bees leaving at high speeds once they start removing a clog. Not things you want coming at your unprotected face. Also, always use gloves to protect your hands from surprises and injury.
Take the time to inspect your tools, ladder and hose or power washer. Have a spotter at all times or if you feel remotely nervous about tackling this seasonal task, call Your Local Handyman for a quote, locally in Langley & Lower Mainland at 778-549-2135
About the Author:
Bill Mauger, originally from Nova Scotia, was brought up in a large family of lifelong trades professionals and businessmen. Skilled, comfortable, and fluent in many trades, he moved to the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia in 1992. As a busy entrepreneur, Bill has taken Your Local Handyman into well-known and respected business in the area. Now actively recruiting and training franchisees for his growing business model, Bill hopes to expand his service area and offerings further into the Fraser Valley. Interested in becoming a self-employed franchisee? Contact us!
Bill Mauger, originally from Nova Scotia, was brought up in a large family of lifelong trades professionals and businessmen. Skilled, comfortable, and fluent in many trades, he moved to the Lower Mainland area of British Columbia in 1992. As a busy entrepreneur, Bill has taken Your Local Handyman into well-known and respected business in the area. Now actively recruiting and training franchisees for his growing business model, Bill hopes to expand his service area and offerings further into the Fraser Valley. Interested in becoming a self-employed franchisee? Contact us!
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