Steeplejack

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A steeplejack is a

Processes and techniques

Steeplejacks erect ladders on

Once this has been done it is possible to use this access to begin building scaffolding to carry out any repairs which may be required. This is done by fixing anchors into the wall (whether concrete, stone, or brick) and "kicking" the scaffolding off from there.

It is also possible to carry out repairs from "suspended access cradles". These are the same type of rig window cleaners use on skyscrapers. The cradle is suspended from four wires. Two of these run through an electric motor which can "climb" or "descend" the wire, and the other two run freely through a box which allows the cradle to travel upwards with no obstruction, but will stop it instantly if it starts to fall. These "suspended access cradles" are popularly called "swing stages" by their crews.

Duties

Steeplejacks are called upon to repair or replace masonry (brick, stone or concrete), carry out general carpentry or painting or roof repair, remove and clean and repair windows, as well as sandblasting and other masonry cleaning tasks.

Ontario

In

In the UK steeplejack companies may be members of the industry association ATLAS (Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists). Britain's most famous steeplejack was Fred Dibnah, who became a television presenter and celebrity as a result of his craft and personality.^[1][2]

Gallery

• 
  Laddering a chimney in central Bristol, England, taken around 1960. The enlargement shows the total lack of safety precautions.
• 
  Raising the steeple on the Hoboken Ferry Terminal Clock Tower in New Jersey.
• 
  Steeplejack with climbing rope and

  The Rondout section of Kingston, New York

  .

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Steeplejacks.

See also

• Tobishoku [ja] – Japanese scaffolding men
• Fred Dibnah – England's most famous steeplejack

References