[Fast 1 *]

it may be a silly question,but when i was doing building work(pebble dashing etc),i often used a ladder stay.Do window cleaners ever use them?

[Morph]

Not anymore.
Too unstable

[Fast 1 *]

I think i need to get some triples,big time

[windows_chepstow]

Fast One,

Personally, when using ladders I only cleaned second floor (third story) once and didn't like it.  It's just too far to fall.

Until I got a WFP I didn't take on anything above first-floor.

Anyway, if you want a good ladder safety device, try the Rojak Ladder Stopper:

http://www.rojak.co.uk/testing2.html

It's a bit bulky to carry around, but fits on top of a large Unger Bucket and I only ever used it for those 'dodgy windows' where the ground surface wasn't very good, or I had to place my ladders at an unsafe angle.

They definately stopped me from falling on one occassion.  They just slowly slipped backwards and inch or two, giving me time to carefully climb down.

Laddermats are good too for uneven surfaces.

[Fast 1 *]

very kind sir

[craig jwc]

Hi Fast One,

I have the ladder mats and find them very useful if i ever need to use my ladder on uneven ground.

I also have what they call "Ladder Legs" attached to my other ladder if i need to go higher like doing Guttering etc.

These are attached to the ladder and point towards the wall. They are linked to the bottom of the ladder by a chain when they are angled out to use to stop the ladder slipping. The also let you use the ladder at an lower angle than you would normally use it at and have tried it.
They also take away the need for a person to foot the ladder.

I don't think i have worded it quite right but hope you get my meaning.
I will try and find a picture of them for you.

Craig

[craig jwc]

I can't find a picture of the ones i have and i am sure i got them from "ladderstore.com"
I have looked on their site and the picture below is the only ones i could find.
They work on the same basis but like i said mine are actually attached to the ladder and also by a chain from the end of the legs.
Hope this helps.
Craig 

[rosskesava]

When using ladders we use both the Rojak ladder stopper and the neopreme/rubber  mit things that go over the top of the ladder which help to make the top of the ladder less 'sliddy'.

The problem with those is that you tend to rely on the fact that the ladder is more stable and can, and I stress 'can', think you are safer than you are.

Anything that increases safety is good unless you use that to act in a way you would not have otherwise done.

The best ladder we've got and use sometimes which cost a bomb (£280) was a 2 extension A frame ladder. How you use it when needed is very different to a normal ladder but it is so much more stable and secure.

As for 3 extensions - never ever again will I do that. Not under any circumstances what so ever.

Cheers