advice on painting the outside of a semi-detached house alone

If I want to paint the outside of my house, is a ladder enough safety? Should I get a harness and if so, how much might this cost me and where can I buy one? When would scaffolding be necessary? I live in an ordinary sized semi-detached home.

Asked by Patrick on 22nd Aug 2020
Expert Trade Answers
"The best choice scaffolding
Good luck with your Projects"
Answered on 22nd Aug 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"It’s relatively safe on a ladder if you feel safe but scaffold is always safer"
Answered on 6th May 2021 - Member since Apr 2021 - report
"When painting the exterior of your home, safety should be your top priority. While a ladder can be useful for reaching high areas, it may not be enough to ensure your safety. Using a ladder alone can be risky, especially if you need to work at height for an extended period. Therefore, it's recommended that you take additional safety measures, such as using a harness or scaffolding.

If you decide to use a harness, it's important to ensure that you have the right equipment and training to use it safely. A basic harness can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the brand and features. However, you may also need to purchase additional equipment, such as a safety line or anchor, which can add to the cost.

To purchase a harness, you can visit your local hardware store, home improvement store, or online retailer. It's important to choose a harness that meets safety standards, such as those set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States.

In some cases, scaffolding may be necessary to ensure your safety when painting the exterior of your home. Scaffolding provides a more stable and secure working platform than a ladder and can be especially useful if you need to work at height for an extended period. If you're unsure whether scaffolding is necessary for your project, it's best to consult with a professional painter or contractor who can assess the job and recommend the appropriate safety measures.

Overall, when working at height, it's essential to prioritize your safety and take appropriate precautions to prevent falls or injuries."
Answered on 20th Mar 2023 - Member since Sep 2022 - report
"Scafforder should be use if your not professional,
Ladders can be dangerous if you got no experience."
Answered on 22nd Aug 2020 - Member since Apr 2019 - report
"Hi, if you're not confident on a ladder then don't use one.
You dont need a harness but if you can, secure the ladder to the house.
In my mind, as someone who has lost a colleague who was working off a ladder, and another with life changing injuries, I believe that ladders are to be used for access only.
I hope this helps. Thank you."
Answered on 22nd Aug 2020 - Member since Jun 2020 - report
"Your best bet is to hire a aluminium tower and you can get more painted and be much quicker as well."
Answered on 23rd Oct 2020 - Member since Jul 2020 - report
"You would need to have one awkward house for scaffolding and I’m sure if you did need one, I would recommend hiring a Scaffholding tower which would be far cheaper. It all depends how confident you are on ladders, just make sure you put a sand bag on the bottom of the ladder if your are paint on your own"
Answered on 22nd Aug 2020 - Member since Aug 2020 - report
"When working at height a fall arrest harness should be used many are available from retailers, working from a ladder can be difficult and would require a second person to foot the ladder, towers are available from local hire companies."
Answered on 18th Sep 2020 - Member since Sep 2020 - report
"Safest option is a scissor lift or a scaffold ladders can be unsafe best to be safe than sorry"
Answered on 23rd Nov 2020 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"Using a ladder is safe if your a competent person and not afraid of heights. A aluminium scaffold would be the safest way"
Answered on 19th Apr 2021 - Member since Mar 2021 - report
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