Look! Up In The Sky Is That Spiderman?
Who is that person hanging over the edge of that tall building? No, it’s not Spiderman. It’s one of our brave Spectrum Sign Systems installers hanging 100 feet in the air.
Ever wondered how they get those signs up so high and what type of person wants such a scary job? Learn more about the life of a professional sign installer.
At Spectrum Sign Systems, our sign installation team is second to none. Led by lead sign installer Eric Cota, Chad Bauman and other members of the team do some pretty amazing things.
Up, Up and Away
Eric and Chad are no strangers to heights. Hanging by a cable on a small platform called a swing stage (think window washer platform), these guys install massive signs on the sides of buildings. “I remember one job where we were incredibly high and suspended over the river. I looked down and the river was way down there. Good thing I am comfortable with heights,” laughs Eric.
How do they do that?
When it comes to great heights, there are a couple of ways to go about the installation job. The crane truck can go 65 feet in the air and has a two man basket. It has a cable ball and hook to lift material in the air. When the crane truck isn’t an option, we use the swing stage. The swing stage is suspended over the side of a building by cables. “When using the swing stage, we are limited in our movements. We plan for the safest way to do the job when using the swing stage,” says Chad.
Careful Planning is Important
Whether it's a monument sign on the ground or 10 stories up on a building, every sign installation starts with scouting of the site. “Each installation is unique when it comes to how we are going to get our equipment where it needs to be, what sign types we are installing, what materials we will be working with, what safety equipment we will need, and what tools the job requires,” explains Eric.
Chad agrees. ”You need to be a jack of all trades. We may be welding, grinding, cutting, hammer drilling, drilling into brick or concrete, building cages, pouring concrete. Each job is different. Sometimes I use every tool in my bag. When dealing with installations from a swing stage or bucket, you really have to think about what all you need to have with you to do the job.”
Safety is of Utmost Importance
Sign installation can be a bit harrowing, especially when suspended 100 feet in the air on a swing stage. Safety is a major area of focus.
Safety harnesses, fall protection, hard hats, safety goggles, and gloves are part of the required gear. “We have safety visits, follow OSHA protocols, wear proper PPE, and sometimes the general contractor has more stringent safety rules that we follow. We want everyone to go home to their family every day,” remarks Eric.
“We are a union shop so we get good training. We take lots of classes and have lots of certifications. We stay up to date on all the training,” says Chad.
Challenges of the Job
Both installers describe the weather as one of the biggest challenges of the job. Extreme cold during Minnesota winters and hot, muggy summer days can pose less than ideal working conditions. Chad mentions run-ins with hornets, wasps, and the occasional stray dog, and Eric recalls many pigeons who need to be gently relocated to new homes.
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Both installers list the variety of work and being able to work outdoors with their hands as major areas of satisfaction. Eric enjoys the satisfaction of seeing happy customers and being able to drive by and see his work on display as sources of pride. Chad adds that the mix of big and small projects and the change of scenery every day keeps the job interesting.
“Spectrum Signs is the best place I have worked in my lifetime,” Chad explains. Eric adds, “We have a good team with a fun mix of personalities. I really enjoy the friendly, family type of atmosphere here at Spectrum.
Next time you look up and wonder “Is it a bird or a plane?” it might just be one of Spectrum Sign Systems installers doing their job.
