Platform for use on stairs?

[GB]

We have a fairly wide staircase, with a sharp curve in it (it doubles back on itself). The result is a drop from one side to the other of say 6 feet. There's also a gap in the middle which somebody could fall down. The ceiling is also pretty high, and to paint the wall on the 'downhill' side you need to be able to reach up around 15 feet. Any suggestions for a safe way of working, please? This is the staircase between the first and second floor, btw.

One thought was just to paint walls and ceiling in white and use a roller on a very long pole, But then we would have to continue that lack of colour right down to the hall, as there is no natural break.

[Roger Mills]

I've made some extensions to fit to the back legs of an aluminium step ladder so that I can use it on the stairs, and keep the platform horizontal.

[The Natural Philosopher]

I cant quite picture your setup, but I used a ladder with a clip on standoff on it for mine. ideal for me.

[js.b1]

#1 - dado rail, but these are highly decor / taste / fashion specific

#2 - hire a suitable platform from hirestation or jewsons (latter might be cheaper with a cash account, online prices are often beaten if you moan)

#3 - modify a ladder, but if you do that I would use substantial wood size bolted on with mudguard washers and strong bolts - plus most of all a horizontal brace to block the ladder sliding off the step downstairs. The heavy gauge C-section EN131 step ladders with aluminium are particularly easy to modify on a whim.

That said you could always use a pile of 8x2, 2x4 and 4x4, creating an elevated decking platform, mini-fridge etc. Just remember someone will want to go to the toilet the second you have erected anything :-))

[Tabby]

Its simple to make an access arrangement out of wood. The downside is that just one mistake or oversight can prove fatal, and people dont always take all the issues into account.

NT

[GB]

to all for their help. I think one of those combination ladders should do it.