working from ladders? who likes it?

Recently got a job as a installer at a hvac company. Been hanging duct work all week in an office building. Next week I have to go change out a unit on a rooftop. I really hate ladders too, it sucks. I also already fell off one a couple days ago from 3-4 feet up.

What do you guys think about ladders?

 

Ladders are good for working at heights you can't reach from the ground

 

Whats wrong with scissor lifts and bucket trucks?

 

You carry those around with you ?

 

I work off ladders.

 

And in most of Canada , you need to wear fall arrest if your over 6 feet . Those harnesses can be rather painful on the jewels but they saved me a few times hanging two miles up in a dark gold mine shaft .

 

Always wear mine on the roof

 

Prob wouldnt bother me to much with a harness on, but I couldnt have it getting on or off buildings I guess thats the scariest.

 

I'm an HVAC service tech. I've done a few change outs here and there. Roof top units are easy. The crane does all the work. Personally I can't stand ladders. I haven't fallen off one yet but I'm sure that day will come. I have fallen through a ceiling before though a few months back. That sucked haha

 

Poll doesn't really offer my real option. I don't want to climb cell towers but, I'm not concerned with climbing a ladder either. I work from ground level to about 60 feet on just about a daily basis and up to 20 feet from a ladder alone or, if the ladder is on a stand, up to about 35 feet.

However (and for different reasons), I would be scared shitless if I ever saw myself in high heels so that was my choice.

ON EDIT: I bet as time goes by you'll be okay with ladders & high places.

 

Say no more... I've been an HVAC installer for 25+ years & still climb a few, I'm no fan of heights either, just remember to get the best ladder you can buy, Usually you'll be on 6'-8' footers, since your talking about commercial it can be anywhere from 6' up to 12' What kind of ducting ? Rectangular,hard /spiral pipe ? flex ?.... theres a bunch, but ask yourself if you like the trade ?? because you'll be spending alot of time on ladders..

 

I dont really want to go up and down the ladder for the rooftop change out all day, I know where its at Im pretty sure the building is about 30 ft or so.

Ive been that high before one time, I was scared as shit to get back on the ladder. But I did the fire department didnt have to get me off either. Hopefully they have an elevator all the way to the top.

 

thanks sherlock

 

I was on top of a ten footer this morning trying to grease a bearing. Finally decided it would be easier to just climb onto the machine, it was, but I hate using the top rung as a foothold. I always get a mental picture of the ladder tipping I do not like using the top two rungs of any ladder 6'+

 

Heres some old job pics i took...

















If you're an apprentice & have some interest in pursuing HVAC as a career choice, seriously, you won't be dissapointed, theres a lot of growth in the industry, learn the wet side of mechanical & you'll never have to look for work again...Or get real dirty...

 

The building Ive been working in the past week already had all the sheet metal duct ran, Ive mostly been hanging up the flex duct. 8 feet ladders, I really just wish I could do residential only haha, Im sure not many people say that.

 

Don't become a framer OP

 

Excellent choice being a service tech, I love package units /downshots, get on the roof , usually nice, open, nothing in your way...cant beat it...

 

Make a check list. Anytime I know I'm goin up on a high roof I'll make a check list consisting of my tool bag, gauges, and anything else I may possibly need. Most of the time I don't need half the things I bring, but at least I don't have to keep goin up and down a ladder

 

Yep those are the best. What's not the best is a 140 degree attic haha