Are your prices making money? Run the free shop rate check
Overhead door work frequently requires ladders and lifts, creating serious fall hazards
Much of the work on overhead doors is performed above floor level. Torsion shafts, operators, and horizontal tracks are typically 7–15 feet up. Commercial installations may require work at 20+ feet. Ladder falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the trades. Uneven floors, cluttered work areas, and reaching beyond the ladder's safe zone increase the risk.
Use the right ladder for the job
Select a ladder that is tall enough to reach the work area without standing on the top two rungs (step ladder) or above the support point (extension ladder). Use a Type I or Type IA rated ladder for commercial work.
Follow the 4-to-1 rule for extension ladders
Place the base of an extension ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet of height. Secure the top of the ladder to the structure to prevent it from sliding sideways.
Maintain three points of contact
Always have two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, on the ladder while climbing or descending. Carry tools in a belt or haul them up with a rope. Do not carry them in your hands while climbing.
Use lifts for commercial heights
For work above 12–14 feet or where sustained overhead work is required, use a scissor lift, boom lift, or scaffolding. These provide a stable platform and reduce fatigue.
Secure the work area below
Keep the area beneath the ladder or lift clear of other workers. Use a tool lanyard or bucket to prevent tools and hardware from falling onto people below.