Pump Jacks For Siding Installation
Written by Todd Fratzel. 
Pump Jacks Make Siding Installation Safer
Pump jacks make siding installation much safer and productive. One of our crews recently installed James HardiPlank Lap Siding on a three story addition for a private school with the assistance of pump jacks. You can buy pump jacks from most building supply companies and some online specialty stores.
As you can see in the photo above we were using the pump jacks to access a portion of the building that was 30 feet in the air. Two men can work comfortably from the long span OSHA approved plank system.
We often use the pump jacks for several tasks including:
- Siding
- Windows
- Trim
- Painting
- Roofing
Using Pump Jacks Safely
It’s important that pump jacks are used safely and in accordance with State and Federal safety regulations. If you’re new to pump jacks (or even ladder jacks) you may want to check out a publication that OSHA has prepared:
- Pump Jack/Ladder Jack Scaffold Photo Compliance Guide
Werner Ladder also published a useful summary of pump jack safety references:
The big key is being sure that you or your crew are using all the safety devices. Most pump jack systems come with safety netting, back scaffolding planks, etc to prevent falls and dropped equipment. It’s also VERY important to follow maximum working loads including people, tools and materials.
Using pump jacks has drastically improved our safety and production. Workers feel much more secure while being able to move about more freely. If you don’t use pump jacks you really should consider them. Some rental centers also rent them so that’s an option for home owners looking for a safer way to work on their homes.
Related posts:
- Pump Jacks Are Better Than Ladders
- Cement Board – Alternative Siding and Trim
- Warped/Buckled Vinyl Siding
- How To Cut Fiber Cement Siding
- Certainteed Vinyl Siding
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Just thought I’d point out that the photo doesn’t appear to show toe boards and mid rails (or a net) so I don’t think that the set up as shown is in compliance with OSHA regs.
Mark – Actually OSHA allows this set-up because the distance between platforms is only about 24″ (http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/pptpresentations/pumpjack_0398/slides/slide14.html). Also, no toe boards are required in this set-up, again per OSHA site and the pump jack manufactures site. The net is missing because the workers are finished using it and preparing to take it down.
Actually, if you read OSHA: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10752#1926.451%28g%29%284%29%28ii%29
The nets are not specifically required. They only give guidelines for them if you choose to use them. Obviously the nets are quite important especially to protect against falling debris.
Just to be clear, toe boards are not required IF there is a safety net in place, right?
1926.451(h)(2)(ii)
A toeboard shall be erected along the edge of platforms more than 10 feet (3.1 m) above lower levels for a distance sufficient to protect employees below, except on float (ship) scaffolds where an edging of 3/4 x 1 1/2 inch (2 x 4 cm) wood or equivalent may be used in lieu of toeboards;
Mark – Couple things.
1. Neither toe boards and/or nets are required if the area below is barricaded to keep people out 1926.451(h)(2)(i) OR
2. you must meet the requirements of 1926.451 (h)(2)
So basically you can follow either criteria and be within the limits of the regulation.