Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: [GQC] Tim on November 16, 2006, 10:32:59 pm

Title: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 16, 2006, 10:32:59 pm
Ugh, my ladder rungs are right in the middle of my kneecaps, I've done windows for a while like this, but today it was really bad, knee still aches. It only comes in contact if I need to use both my hands (for wiping the blade with straightdown windows)

What would be a good solution for this problem? Wear kneepads under my jeans? I'm 6 foot 1, so I suppose that has got alot to do with it, people less tall might not have this problem(?) Don't wanna wreck my knees!

Thanks!
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Jeff Brimble on November 16, 2006, 10:48:23 pm
Look for a different make of ladder, I used to have the same prob, and it also mucks up your arches.
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Pj on November 16, 2006, 10:57:29 pm
Look for a different make of ladder, I used to have the same prob, and it also mucks up your arches.

Say what you mean Jeff!

I cleaned windows off a ladder for 18 years.  My knees and arches have had ladder work!

I wfp now 8)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 16, 2006, 11:00:10 pm
Look for a different make of ladder, I used to have the same prob, and it also mucks up your arches.

Aw man, where the heck am I gonna get that money from  :-\ :-\ :-[
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Sir Squeaky on November 16, 2006, 11:14:30 pm
Aw man, where the heck am I gonna get that money from  :-\ :-\ :-[
Armed robbery. ;)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Ian_Giles on November 17, 2006, 06:30:13 am
A new ladder is relatively inexpensive, you can at least experiment with them before you buy them.
I'm a shortarse, and I didn't realise it until after I had gone WFP, and then spent a day up a ladder helping out another window cleaner who'd had a hernia op and couldn't do his ladder work.
I've had both my knees key-holed and serviced ;) (a shame they can't fit a grease nipple, would make things so much easier ;D) and always assumed the damage was through a lifetime of sport and being overweight.

But after climbing the ladder for just a few hours, over the next few days I was really crocked again :-\

So for me it was the cumulative effect of a lifetime up a ladder that trashed my knees.
And it is that resting them against the rungs that did the damage...

Would I also recommend knee pads?

Yep.

Also get the ladders with the angled rungs so that when you are stood on them, you are stood on the flat of the rung and not on the corner of the square rung ladders.

Ian
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Moderator David@stives on November 17, 2006, 06:39:57 am
My knees have gone worse since i stopped climbing the ladder.

Just one point for anyone reading this always remember the 3 point of contact rule
i.e     3 out of your 4 limbs should always be in contact with the ladder at any one time,

never work with both your hands off the ladder at the same time.

Dave
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: S_RICHARDSON on November 17, 2006, 08:02:23 am
Why not consider these knee pads if you use the right work trousers you can buy knee pads to fit them!!

It is worth considering i think! :)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 17, 2006, 08:27:27 am
Why not consider these knee pads if you use the right work trousers you can buy knee pads to fit them!!

It is worth considering i think! :)

Which ones?

I'm looking for a ladder on the net, but no single one has the extended bar at the bottom with the rubber stops on them. I do not want a normal ladder, since IMO they are far from safe!
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: RO-Sheen on November 17, 2006, 08:31:38 am
Im mainly wfp but occasionally use a ladder. I always wear kneepads to protect my knees cos a friend of mine works on his knees alot (!!!!!! :-\ :-\) and his knees are now knackered.
I got my knee pads from Wickes for about £6.99. They are made of thick foam with velcro to hold around the back of your knees. Quite comfortable and make a big difference
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: gaza on November 17, 2006, 08:48:09 am
GQC: Snickers trouses have knee pads you slip in a poccket on the knee very expensive but very smart.Have you a Macro or a ARCO near you worth a visit for work wear DE-WALT are a good make got a sleveless for about £14 very warm De -Walt from Maccro
ThanK God he gave me in length and not in height  ;D :-X

  gaza
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: wimbledonhandyman on November 17, 2006, 10:42:55 am
Hi,

Have a look at these people for work wear including trousers with knee pads using slip in pockets - a little expensive maybe but a good range of gear and offers that may suit.

http://www.strauss-direct.co.uk/

Steve.
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 18, 2006, 12:48:19 am
Thanks for the advice guys! I got some kneepads at my dads workshop, gonna give em a go! :)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Jeff Brimble on November 18, 2006, 05:33:06 am
I got some expanded foam pipe insulation and taped it to the ladder on the most used rungs, I did not like the straps on knee pads and suggest pocket type pads may be more comfartable.
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: drakestar! on November 18, 2006, 08:55:57 am
i use pipe lagging works a treat
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Pj on November 18, 2006, 10:34:42 am
My knees have gone worse since i stopped climbing the ladder.

Just one point for anyone reading this always remember the 3 point of contact rule
i.e     3 out of your 4 limbs should always be in contact with the ladder at any one time,

never work with both your hands off the ladder at the same time.

Dave

Tried hard to apply this yesterday.  Although I can still get my leg up over my head, I couldn't grip the squeegee with my left foot! ;D
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: edd on November 18, 2006, 05:39:35 pm
pipe lagging every time 4 me , theres no restictions in movement but the Snickers trousers are very smart?
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 18, 2006, 11:37:30 pm
Hi,

Have a look at these people for work wear including trousers with knee pads using slip in pockets - a little expensive maybe but a good range of gear and offers that may suit.

http://www.strauss-direct.co.uk/

Steve.

Hmm, call me stupid, but I cannot find the right trousers, is the description maybe 'Knee pockets with velcro fastening'?
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: S_RICHARDSON on November 18, 2006, 11:40:04 pm
Try these: http://www.brookessafety.com/?c=903 they have a decent range, that's the firm we use!
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 18, 2006, 11:48:02 pm
Try these: http://www.brookessafety.com/?c=903 they have a decent range, that's the firm we use!

Nice one! :)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: S_RICHARDSON on November 18, 2006, 11:48:40 pm
Try these: http://www.brookessafety.com/?c=903 they have a decent range, that's the firm we use!

Nice one! :)
Glad to be of assistance!  ;)
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: Glen on November 19, 2006, 04:55:57 pm
Had the same problema couple of years ago.  I fitted some pipe insulation to the top three rungs and secured it with insulation tape. The bottom of the three does get stood on so wears out eventually but it is so cheap and easy to replace. Had no problems since.
Title: Re: Ladder rungs and Kneecaps.
Post by: [GQC] Tim on November 19, 2006, 05:38:21 pm
Had the same problema couple of years ago.  I fitted some pipe insulation to the top three rungs and secured it with insulation tape. The bottom of the three does get stood on so wears out eventually but it is so cheap and easy to replace. Had no problems since.

That's great, out tomorrow, so gotta put it on!! ;D