Question about what harness/equipment for gutter cleaning

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1

I have a house that I bid on that I would like to use a harness system to access the gutters. I saw a you tube video of a firm out of Atlanta that seems to work well. I looked into rock climbing harnesses and the d ring is in the front. I also looked at a full construction harness, but the ones I saw the D ring is up at the shoulders. I think I would want the D ring in the back at waist level. Any suggestions on what harness to use, and any other equipment needed. Thanks

Ralph Wiens
Got It Maid Cleaning Services

2

There are harnesses available with D-ring both front and back.

3

Put the ring behind you. More practical for walking. Get at least 100 ft of line. There are a lot of safety methods you should use. Pm me if you need advise.

4

I recently read up on the OSHA stuff and even though I do mostly residential it sounds like I could be fined $4000 for being on a roof over 20 feet tall without using a “fall prevention system” AKA being harnassed. I’m curious how others cope with this. Because I’m having a hard time figuring out the logistics of tying off to most roofs. I have a harnass and the 100 foot rope, any advise would be appreciated.

5

likely ignore it

6

D-Ring/rope in front. That way you’d end up in ‘sitting position’ rather than face down.

  • Keep yourself vertical by holding the rope in front of you.
  • Attach your descender (assuming you have one,) descend to the ground.

After you [U]kiss[/U] that ground… call it a day! :smiley:

7

We use OSHA approved harnesses, lanyards, and ropes. And we tie off using either pre installed roof anchors(about 30 % of roofs have them) or we use a temp anchor that we screw threw the roof into the roof truss( when we remove it we use a couple dabs of roofing mastic to seal the holes). I used to only use ropes on 2 story or steep roofs, but after shattering a vertabrae last year falling from 3 stories I now require my crews to use them on all roofs. no exceptions.
You can get harness, lanyard , temp anchor, and 50ft rope"compliance in a can" at home depot for about $125

8

Hey great question Ralph. I have been wondering the same thing. I recently fell off a one story roof while cleaning gutters. the roof was easily walk-able but I accidently stepped on a palm leaf that was hanging over the roof. there goes my traction. I was OK nut it scared me because the rest of the roof I had already been on was three stories high and I had more three story work to do. I went to Home depot and bought a rope and just tied a makeshift harness with the rope to do the rest of the job.

9

I have a question, what does PM mean? also I am a 280 plus give or take a little mman, and would like to know what a good harness would be for my size? also is thier any videos that show were to place an anchor on a tile or shake roof? Please help a fellow WC out. Thanks

10

Well that doesn’t sound safe.

11

Judge for yourself:

Knot of the Week - Swiss Seat - YouTube

llaczko, I would not use this method on a regular basis but in a pinch it woks.

12

You are only required to be harnessed if you are an employee, however you should be harnessed on any roof

13

That was very educational and a quick in the field adjustment…Good job Travis on a quick fix ! now like what Mark has said, buy yourself a harness.

Dange