Reaching heights above Stairs

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milwaukeesteve

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Milwaukee, WI
I have a long stairwell/escalator(up/down w/ stairs). Above this is a ceiling that is 'stepped'. The front of this ceiling area is 10' from the treads, where the back of the ceiling area is 20' from the treads. I have 9 can lights that need rearranging in this suspended ceiling.
Mind you that this has to be safe and OSHA approved, but does anyone have any help as to how to reach this ceiling?
Suggestions (real ones please) are welcome.

PS. lamps are Par30's that are changed with long pole and bulb changer.

Thank you!

If someone can assist in placing pics in a post, I will post a pic of the stairs for reference.
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

if this is a enclosed stairway,you maybe able to build a narrow scaffold to get up there,they make them for stairway.and if its a open stairway they make a small boom lift that will fit throught a double door that will reach the light fixtures.

[ April 28, 2005, 04:41 PM: Message edited by: hess ]
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

Post a link with pictures and you will get some more specific comments. Probably most of us had to do similar things at one time.
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y156/milwaukeesteve/HPIM0816x.jpg
Thanks for the link.

If you can see this photo, I can't us a boom lift to get to it. I would need some kind of ladder/scaffold setup. Unfortunately at 17ft for a baker, I would need outriggers. I don't know if I can get scaffold, and the adjustable ladders are only 11ft tall.
Again, any suggestions are welcome, because I need a little help.
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

this may sound a bit awkward and probably wouldn't pass osha, but here goes. I had to do something akin in vaulted ceiling home, except the stairs weren't as wide.

I had to borrow ladders. Two at base to start scaffolding, planks from top of step ladders level to stairs. Secure ladders and planking, however it works for the installation. two more ladders for next stage, planking level to stairs. use cripples to support planking. Sheet of 5/8 minimum to make step ladder base. I think it's better to use the shortest step ladder on top. You might even get by with one stage. (the second set of ladders sets as close to the uphill step as possible for stability, as only the legs facing downhill are "floating" on the planks.

I'm not sure if that is clear, but i think it's more stable than cribbing a set of steps on the stairs to make a level platform.

make sure you have room to get by. start by figuring where you want your platform, and maybe you won't need a step ladder on the platform.

looks like a pain either way; rent big boom lift if available and cost effective.

paul
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

Man, that look's tuff.
How did the electricians get up there the first time?

I don't see any way around building some serious scaffolding. And if and when you do, make sure you "Lock Out" the controls to the Escalator!

Dave
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

I'd have to go with hiring a scaffold company to setup staging. This is their specialty and the only sfae way to go. Do the cans really need rearranging?
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

Yes,I strongly agree. Hire a prof scaffolding co. If the job cost too much to do it safely, then it shall not be done. That's just me. :p
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

I've seen things like this done. Guy I worked with probably had gone through 100000 guardian angels, he'd use a step ladder and have the other guys hold the foot of the ladder on their legs, and he'd shimmy up. Or his other trick two extension ladders rigged into an A frame.
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

The best way (which would be the safe way, also), is to have a scaffolding co. build you a work platform(s) at the desired heights.
A properly constructed platform would allow the stairs/esc to be in operation during the fixture changeout/renov.
I have had the "pleasure" of working on such platforms at heights of 60' to 100' over "live" areas...in airports and over highways.

The last thing you want to do is cut corners (aka be cheap) about it. OSHA will shut you down just as quickly as an injuried employee or innocent. Resulting in your paying for proper scaffolding and increased insurance premiums...and who knows what else (fines).
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

Thanks for the assistance. I will most likely choose the scaffold, and least likely choose the 2 extension ladders tied together in an A.
Yes we can lock out the escalators.

Thank you,
Steve
 
Re: Reaching heights above Stairs

Originally posted by milwaukeesteve:
...least likely choose the 2 extension ladders tied together in an A...
Click to expand...
Not even an option or a consideration....do you really want to be seen like this clown with some makeshift tool when you KNOW what the proper means and methods are?


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