Categories: Safety

Pump Jacks Are Better Than Ladders

Pump Jack Scaffolding

Pump Jacks are better than ladders for many reasons. If you’ve ever painted a two story home or installed siding high up on a ladder than you know safety is surely a top priority. Pump jacks are designed to create a moving scaffold system that allows you to get close to the work area and work safely.

As you can see in the photo our crews use an aluminum pump jack system. The pump jack system includes two aluminum column sections along with the pump jacks and two aluminum OSHA planks. The lower plank is the surface which you stand on. The upper plank acts as a safety stop and a work surface. The planks can be raised and lowered by two people pumping the jacks up or down.

Our crew is using the pump jack system for several tasks on this tall gable end. They are using it as a work platform for installing the windows, installing the ZIP system tape on the wall sheathing, installing the fascia trim and soffit material.

There are two basic types of pump jack systems on the market. There is the aluminum pump jack system like the one in the photo. You can also buy pump jacks that are used with wood columns and wood planks. Both of these systems can be bought at Amazon by following these links:

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

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  • I ran a local painting company for 3 years, and I can certainly say that pump jacks are well worth it. Even the most experienced painter is at risk when using extension ladders. Pump jacks made my staff more efficient, making my company more.

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Todd Fratzel

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