Safe roof construction wih a manlift

[bnentrup]

Hey gang.. I am a framer, and will be building my own project here soon. I am not a 'chicken' but have fallen from 12' up recently and landed on my neck/head (blacked out). I realize that life is too precious, and now I am hesitant to be on the top of a roof. I have an option that I can hire out the crew to sheath and roof my house, or I had a thought: I have read that others rent a man lift for steep pitch roofs. Mine will just be a 8/12 pitch roof though.

questions
1.) the land is fairly accessible around the homesite- but will this manlift help/hurt in productivity to get sheathing in place? I have split thoughts in my head... I think that it may increase the productivity in that I will not have to climb up and down a ladder for stock. I can stage the materials in a way that I can keep from having to move the man lift more than a few times each wall section.
2.) can I reach all sections of the roof with a tall manlift? the roof will be 24-28' to the top of the peak. I am thinking a 40' manlift will allow me to reach the top of the roof (When at an angle) if I can get close to the foundation as possible.
3.) will I be able to reach over the side of the manlift enough to easily secure the sheathing? I am looking at installing a metal roof as well, which will install in a similar fashion from the manlift....I just want to be sure that I will not increase the danger from hanging out the manlift (that will defeat the purpose).

I can rent the manlift for about $500 for the week-- and get many other projects done with it during that time as well. I know I cannot lift a 'bunch' of materials with a standard manlift, but figure I can bring 1 4x8 sheet of plywood up with me as I elevate.

Your experience with manlift roofing is desired.. Thanks guys!

[Don_P]

I've used one for the last sheet on metal and to do various trims. No it won't be faster but you won't be fast up there if you're not comfortable either. You do have to open the door or step out of the cage to do much so you'll still need gear on.

[mjpliv]

Get yourself some fall restraint gear so you can move around the roof with confidence. And the training to use the gear properly is just as important as the gear itself! Any reputable safety gear supplier will offer tutorials to go along with the equipment. Work safe!

[bighammer]

I use a reach lift - telehandler or whatever the kids are calling them these days and they are a life saver - I would think that a smaller verison would be nice to have around and be easy to manuver around. I would think in your current situation I would invest the money and be safe - the candian brought up a good point - TIE YOURSELF OFF - I am a framer aswell and have been lucky not to fall (that often, or that high). but we all need to be more safe