Safety Harness's/Cleaning Dam's

[John1218]

I have an unique question, that I wanted to get the experts opionion on.

I have been asked to bid on cleaning a dam and gates for a local lake. The front of the dam is approximatley 25' tall by 60' long. there is a 4' catwalk above the dam. My question is has anyone everyone pressure cleaned while being anchored off using a life line and harness? I'm unsure of exactley what kind of harness and other equipment I may need to do the job right. the extension wand works ok, but it's going to require more "up-close and personal attention. Like everyone else capital is in short demand and the harness systems that have been recommended cost upwards to 600.00. I'm torn, do I invest that kind of money into something I may only use once. Or go ahead and get the best stuff with the hopes it leads to additional and similiar work?

Any suggestions?

J

 

[north coast]

If you are not experienced in ropes, rigging and aerial work I think for your own safety that you should pass on this job. A mere $600.00 harness does not compensate for not knowing how to use it properly. Safety is no accident.

 

[John1218]

Thanks Eric for your prompt response.

I have used harness's and other items in the past (both personal and business use). However I've never used it while holding a wand pushing 3500 psi. I;m trying to find out if anyone here has ever done both on a job. Thanks

 

[PressurePros]

I agree with Eric. You're life is worth more than $600. If your capital doesn't permit you to do the job safely and properly you have to pass. If you persist and are going to do it anyway, couldn't you get a short term loan or use a credit card and pay it off when you get paid for the job?

 

[Henry Bockman]

There's one thing you haven't mentioned that I'd be more concerned about if I were you, what about reclamation? Isn't the EPA and every tree lover in the state going to be watching this? Even if you are just going to just use pressure you still have to do it and if so, what about damages to the damn?

I'd hate to hear about some village or city getting washed out and you getting blamed for using 3,500 PSI on it..lol

 

[Mark]

I suspect harnesses etc. were used in the recent
pressure washing of MT. Rushmore.

I just did a search and found this picture:

 

[Mark]

I suspect harnesses etc. were used in the recent
pressure washing of MT. Rushmore.

I just did a search and found this picture:

 

[Stan]

John, If you are a one man show you will not get the job. Go to the Corps of Engeneers web sit and the water way's web sites and look at the safety and such. Talk to the engeneers tat work there they will most likly have all the information you need or can tell you how to get it. You will need to be registered to do government bids and capible of proof of payroll and such. It is a big hassle but the pay is worth it once you get use to the work. Every worker must have a hard hat, goggles, one person to watch each rope used to tie off equipment or people. It is a lot of foot work and investigation to get in a proper bid but once you do it, its good knowladge for the next big job. You also need a safety person in a boat anytime someone is tied over the side find out if the damn will supply this for free or do you have to.
I lost my bid by $6,000.00 for 4 damns - to a person already set up and doing these type jobs.

Good Lock

 

[CTPW]

Go for it!!!

John,

My partner and I just completed a similar job. We had no experience with rigging, aerial work or anything of the sort. We researched, asked questions and bid on the job. We got a cost-plus contract that paid for our new equipment, plus a few pieces we needed for other jobs also. We also got the job for almost $15,000 that took us just over 80 hours to complete.

You will never learn until you try. Don't be discouraged by what seems like a bunch of crusty old guys who don't really want to share information or encourage you. You are only limited by your own desire to succeed.

Keith Reid
Central Texas Pressure Washing
254-498-3332