Bird Ladder Annual Open House May 14th, 2015

I would like to invite you to our annual open house May 14th, 2015.  We will again feature our pig roast for lunch.  All our equipment will have an additional 10% off that day.  We will have factory reps doing demos on their equipment.  We will be featuring a couple of new items.

The first is the redesigned shingle hoist from Tranzsporter.  It features a new platform, the 200lb model hoist features a 25% increase in lifting capacity, up to 250 lbs(TP250). The new collapsible carriage comes with cam followers for better tracking and handling. Carriage also features an aluminum deck and flap for lighter weight and longer life. A rolled goods/plywood bracket comes with unit and pins into carriage.  For heavier roofing materials, the 400 lb. platform hoist features a  lighter weight carriage and revised track system. The TP400 carriage has a 30% reduction in weight over previous models. The aluminum deck and flap provide longer life and lighter weight.  This carriage also features a re-engineered and simplified cam follower system with less wear parts than other hoists. Rolled goods/plywood brackets comes included and pins into carriage.  Tranzsporter has also developed a new roof guard rail system.  It’s the quickest and easiest guardrail system to install, tear down and no tools required. Galvanized for the same price or less than competitor’s painted steel guardrails.

We will also be demonstrating the Reechcraft powermast system.   The PowerMast is great for mid to high access needs, offering unmatched portability and simplicity for a wide variety of wall access needs, up to 200+ feet. The tools-free mast assembly is not only easy to put together and connect, it is so compact a 65 ft. twin system can fit in the back of your truck or van!  We will have a unit set up at the show.pm_main1  We will also be demonstrating the Powerlift.   The PowerLift is a triple threat: convenient, secure and easy to use. It provides additional security and safety, while still helping you gain access to difficult-to-reach indoor and outdoor spaces. One person can easily move and operate this equipment up stairs or inclines – it’s the lightest low-level lift on the market.ml20

Knaack reps. will also be demonstrating the new model 118-M Data Vault.  A step above the traditional jobsite protection device, KNAACK® DataVault™ mobile provides a highly mobile jobsite connectivity solution, empowering productivity and digital collaboration. KNAACK® DataVault™ arrives on the job ready for use, and is supported with a nationwide manufacture certified support network to bring agile solutions to customers.118-M_PI_outlined_front_doors_open

We will also have our free ladder safety and fall protection classes again this year.  The class times are as follows:

10:00 and 2:00- Ladder Safety      11:00 and 1:00  Fall protection

Please contact chuck@birdladder.com to reserve a spot.  The fall protection classes are limited to the first 20 registered.

 

 

Four Tips for Safely Using Ladders

Learning how to safely use ladders is crucial for workplace safety, and it’s a great way for homeowners to reduce the chance for injuries while handling minor projects around the home. Falling from ladders is a leading cause of downtime on the job, and instructing employees how to work while at heights is a proactive way to protect workers. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when working at heights. Continue reading

Work Safe, Fast, Smart and Easy

ReechCraft PowerLiftEver get in those difficult to reach situations at work or in the yard? Do you get tired of lugging heavy and awkward stage scaffolding from job to job? The ReechCraft PowerLift system is the ideal solution for these common job-site headaches. It’s easy to setup and move, lightweight and convenient. Ensuring you get the most productivity possible out of your time on the job.

Work Safe
The ReechCraft PowerLift system is fully compliant with the ANSI safety guidelines. A fully enclosed basket with metal guardrails and a harness anchor point means you’ll be safe and sound high in the air. Feeling a sense of security and having a stable platform from which to work will increase productivity and decrease workplace accidents or injuries. If the power goes out, there is a secondary manual crank to lower the lift. Continue reading

Prevent Injuries and Increase Occupational Safety with Ladder Stabilizers

image of Ladder StabilizerIf you are a builder, contractor, handyman, construction foreman or work in an industrial environment like a warehouse, you and your staff members likely use various ladders and lifts on a daily basis. Therefore employee safety is likely a high priority for you. When it comes to using ladders on the job, there are several simple steps you can take to ensure you and your workers are always safe while ascending, descending and working on industrial ladders.

One easy and inexpensive method to improve workplace ladder safety is to affix a ladder stabilizer to a nearby vertical surface to ensure your ladder does not sway, tilt to the side or accidentally tip over when in use. Although many quality stabilizer devices can be purchased for under $60, these injury prevention tools can actually save your business thousands of dollars annually by: Continue reading

Self Closing Safety Gate

image of self closing gate system
The best way to stop a fall is to eliminate the hazard. By using a self closing safety gate many falls can be prevented. Applications for a safety gate would be: ladderway openings, stairwell openings, equipment access ladders, scaffolding, mezzanines, and working platforms to name a few. Safety gates can be ordered painted safety yellow, hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or aluminum. They are shipped fully assembled, meet OSHA standards, self closing, and are easy to install. They feature dual stainless steel springs, adjustable lengths, and reversible swing direction by simply inverting gate. Such a simple solution to eliminate a fall.

OSHA Job Site Safety

This summer OSHA is promoting two new job site safety programs. The first is OSHA’s National Stand Down.  The week of June 2nd thru 6th will be their week to raise awareness of preventing fall hazards in construction. In 2012, 269 construction worker fatalities out of a total 775 were caused by falls. Many of those deaths were preventable by proper job planning and instruction. Fall prevention safety standards were among the top 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, during fiscal year 2012. Here is a link to planning a step down program for your organization.

In conjunction with this program they are concurrently promoting OSHA’s Plan, Provide, Train program. Using OSHA’s three simple step program, many job related falls can be prevented. OSHA’s website is part of a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about the hazards of falls from ladders, scaffolds and roofs. Plan ahead to get the job done safely. Provide the right equipment equipment. Train everyone to use the safety equipment safely. Three simple steps that save lives.

Bird Ladder Open House May 15th

Bird Ladder will be having their annual open house May 15th. Every year we have customer appreciation day which includes a truck load sale on everything. Werner ladders, pump jacks, planks, Granite scaffolding, MBW compactors, trowels and mixers, Werner fall protection, Acro roofing equipment, Tie down shingle hoists, Van Mark brakes, Knaack job boxes, Weatherguard truck and van equipment, Reechcraft PowerPole, PowerLift and PowerMast to name a few.

We will also have factory reps demonstrating their products. We will be introducing new products at the show.  The NEW Knaack 118 data vault will be on display with demonstrations. We will also have the new Reechcraft Powermast set up. They also have a new free standing base that will be shown. We will also have new MBW plate compactors on display.

Free safety classes will also be returning this year. We will offer ladder safety courses, fall protection courses and also a presentation by Acro products on use of their roof edge protection. Cards will be issued for the ladder and fall protection training. We are also attempting to have a representative from OSHA here to answer questions.

We also serve lunch from 12:00 till the food runs out. So bring your shopping list, save money, get trained, and have lunch.

Ladder Mitts: A Simple Solution for Some Common Problems

image of ladder mitts

Ladder mitts keep your ladder from slipping and prevent damage to support surfaces

Climbing a ladder propped against the side of a customer’s home or building is bad enough. Angry birds, irate yellowjackets and strong breezes are only a few of the normal hazards you face.

A screeching building owner is something you do not need. You can protect your sanity and a building’s siding when you use a set of ladder mitts from Werner’s. Not only do they keep a ladder from denting or scratching siding, they also prevent the ladder’s sliding out of position.

We have all seen a cartoon or comedy skit involving a character riding a ladder to the ground as it slides down the side of a house. In real life, you could do the same thing, windmilling your arms, making scary faces and screaming as you get near the ground.

What is funny in a cartoon is not that amusing in real life. Gravity is not our friend. A colorful pair of ladder mitts adds a hint of style to an extension ladder. They can also save the day for you. Continue reading

Podium Ladder promoted by Coach Tom Izzo


 

WernerCo podium ladder

WernerCo podium ladder

Podium ladder from Werner.

Coach Tom Izzo who has cut down many nets at NCAA finals is helping Werner promote their new fiberglass Podium ladder.   Ideal for working at fixed heights and easier to maneuver than scaffolds or lifts. Another advantage this fiberglass podium ladder offers in non conductivity.  Fiberglass does not conduct electricity, so it is much safer to use around electrical sources than highly-conductive aluminum.  The extra-large podium platform with toe guard feels like you are standing on the ground and 4X Work Zone allows you to work facing any direction. This podium  ladder features full aluminum bracing and a full set of rear horizontals. The extended guardrail provides an extra point of contact and conveniently organizes tools and accessories. The newly designed EDGE360™ gives the bottom of the ladder protection from every angle with integrated rail shield, EDGE bracing and over-sized foot pads.

Using a platform type ladder reduces fatigue, increases productivity, and is safer than a standard step ladder.

Choosing Sturdy Step Ladders For Safer Workplaces

300 lb. rated Werner Aluminum Step Ladder

Werner Aluminum Step Ladder

Aluminum step ladders are vital tools in many different workplaces. Every day, millions rely on step ladders for routine tasks. The right ladder can make all the difference when it comes to workplace safety. Investing in quality equipment can ultimately save organizations quite a bit of money in the long run. Accidents are costly and can lower productivity and profit margins. In addition, quality equipment is important for maintaining a loyal, productive employee base.

Step ladders are among the most versatile ladders in wide usage. Though single-sided step ladders are smaller, these ladders are incredibly handy in a variety of situations. One never knows exactly who will end up using a step ladder. To account for any possibility, consider investing in units with generous maximum weight ratings. For surefire safety assurance, never purchase a ladder with less than a 300 pound maximum weight rating. Continue reading