high access panels

[kmjt1021]

With access panels that are high above a drop ceiling, like in a mall situation, how do you get to them?
I have sometimes had to dismantle a large portion of the ceiling to make room for a ladder that will go high enough, and still sometimes can't get the ladder where it needs to be to work safely.

 

[kmjt1021]

Ok am I being stupid, is the answer right in front of me or something. Many of you have viewed this question but no replies. If I am being stupid feel free to tell me, I can take it.
Is this a common problem for all of us?

 

[Grant]

No, your not being stupid, yes, they are a pain, yes you need to take down a lot of panels sometimes, and most of all if you cannot do it safely, tell the customer AND note on the invoice that that area is not safely accessible.

 

[kmjt1021]

Thanks Grant I thought I must be missing something.

 

[Dave Olson]

We have used single man lifts and scissors lifts to reach them! These types of jobs can get pricey! Ain't it Great!

Dave Olson

 

[kmjt1021]

The single man lift I have rented locally in the past would not go through a 2ft X 4ft space in a drop ceiling, so I would still have take out a large portion of the ceiling.
That lift cost me $80.00 a night. I can see me adding that to the bill now. I think most of my customers would opt not get that section of duct cleaned before they shelled out another $80 bucks. Isn't that sad? !!!!!

 

[Grant]

If you rent the lift for $80.00 a night, do you only charge the customer the $80.00? Or do you add a bit to cover your extra work for coordinating the delivery and pick-up, paperwork etc.?

 

[Michael T]

access panels

Bryan, Im guilty! Just viewing . We just note it on the after service report. I think, I know some architechs dont follow up on instalation of cleanout ports. Alot of different trades working on a jobsite dont always look ahead or care. Thus you have access panels in inaccessable areas. ( Is that a contradiction of terms ? ) I have seen panels blocked behind rows of conduit or behind light coffer furdowns with only 6 " of access at arms length. Makes you want to scream. What are these people thinking.

Sorry for the rant.... I guess its my construction background.

 

[cgibson]

Bryan,

These "folding" ladders work great sometimes....I use mine all the time.

I like it because it works as an "A" frame and an extention ladder which helps to move those tiles and then get up there above the false ceiling.

Obviously it won't work for the really high ceilings you are probably talking about.