Hi Gaza and everyone else;
The full copy of the working at height regulation is located here :-
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm#sch6This regulation affects all trades including painters & decorators and window cleaners: -
Here is a brief description: -
• avoid work at height where they can;
• use work equipment or other measures to prevent falls where they cannot avoid working at height; and
• where they cannot eliminate the risk of a fall, use work equipment or other measures to minimise the distance and consequences of a fall should one occur.
After speaking to a HSA officer some months back, he believes that window cleaners are directly effected by this and should not use ladders, as equipment is available for them not to use ladders, not just wfp, but extension poles are available for the normal window cleaning tools.
I was also told be the same person, any person operating above 2 metres, must have the ladders tied to an eyehook or something similar and the top run of the ladder must be above the hieght of the operavtives head. So this means, not propped on the window ledge. It is also the property owners responsibility to install eyehooks or similar devices and for them to have them safety checked every year. If this is not done, the property owner is also liable to prosecution.
What I also took from this lenghy conversation was, until a serious accident is reported that accurs via ladders and a window cleaner nothing will really be done. But when the accident accurs, there will ba a massive clamp down. The window cleaner and property owner (if they are at fault) will both be prosecuted. If and when that happens and it goes public, that’s when the trouble will start.
As for that window cleaner giving you stick, some people don’t like change and feel threatened by it. Don’t let it get to you. At the end of the day I utilise both wfp and traditional methods, I do not use ladders, I do from time to time utilise a scaffold tower for gutters and fascia’s. I cannot afford to risk an accident on ladders and be out of work and I would not allow any member of my staff to use ladders either.
I hope this information helps people and I don’t want the information to affend anyone either. If you wish to use ladders, that is your responsibility, just use them safely
Andrew
