Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Sir Squeaky on May 09, 2007, 05:43:40 pm
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I had my first fall since I started window cleaning nearly 10 years ago.
I was trying to hook my hose around a plant pot and slipped on the water I left on the patio.
I fell flat on my side, and couldn't put my arm out to save myself without snapping my carbon pole.
So my left arm took the full force.
It's swollen by the elbow and hurts to move.
It's also grazed and it bled a bit.
Bruised hip too...
You lot are liars.
"Get WFP, it's safer" ::)
B***ocks.
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LOL squeaky it is safe if you look where your going.
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lol
dear me, your still not fully converted are you ;D
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I did look where I was going.
I slipped on a wet patio.
Good job it wasn't the customer.
One day it will be.
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Squeaky have you thought of getting a backpack i might give one a try myself for those houses with plant pots everywhere.
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Nope, got a bad back.
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You made me laugh so much my sides are hurting.
My hose got caught on this kind of clay scarecrow today, broke both of it's arms off. :o Offered to buy a new one but the customer was okay with it.
Simon.
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::) ::) ;D
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You don`t need to put it on your back it`s only a 16ltr can,but i`ve been told you get a couple of houses out of one.
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hiya!
i fell backwards over a raised manhole cover. went flying but luckily landed on my backside. pole stayed up the building with no damage
now i look before every step! :)
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Must admit I've wondered about this esecially where the public are concerned. Won't be funny if a member of public slips on our water or trips over a hose. Seems to me we're swapping one set of risks for another.
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I walk to the furthest point with the hose,that way you can make a mental note of obsticles.
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this is why we've got public liabilty...or should have
what are they gonna do when it rains? not go out?
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So my left arm took the full force.
It's swollen by the elbow and hurts to move.
It's also grazed and it bled a bit.
Bruised hip too...
'Hardy hardy har'
That'll teach you! ;D
Still, giving the choice between falling off a ladder (which I've done) and having a bit of a slip; I'd choose the lower level fall anyday!
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this is why we've got public liabilty...or should have
what are they gonna do when it rains? not go out?
Well they're expecting it then aren't they? ::)
Not just a small slippery patch outside the door.
Besides, once it's rained for a few minutes the grease is washed away.
The first splashed of water just sit on the grease.
Ask a biker.
When it first starts raining it's dangerous.
If it's been raining for a while it's not so bad.
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Still, giving the choice between falling off a ladder (which I've done) and having a bit of a slip; I'd choose the lower level fall anyday!
That's the point, I never hurt myself off a ladder. :(
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Still, giving the choice between falling off a ladder (which I've done) and having a bit of a slip; I'd choose the lower level fall anyday!
That's the point, I never hurt myself off a ladder. :(
There's always a first time. We both know a local window cleaner, very experienced, whose had a few falls; the worst being when he had two broken ankles (SG), and he's done lots of other stuff too.
So my point is, you can't predict the future.
If WFP is so bad, then send the van back and go back to using ladders!
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Whoever said you can't fall off the ground.... ::) :P
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Wait until you step back without looking and fall flat on your a**e into the pond ;D ;D
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roger, your not related to frank spencer are you ;)
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Squeeky's been up ladders for sooo.... long that he still hasn't firmly got his feet back on the ground. What's your next trick, falling over your own bootlaces? ;D You crack me up sometimes!
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roger, your not related to frank spencer are you ;)
roflmao
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I once slipped on wet ground whilst carrying my ladders. Would have rather been carrying a pole. It really hurt.
Simon.
Oh Betty.
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Should have stayed with your ladders squeeks, you go wfp and now they want you to buy a backpack, where will it end !!!
I have wfp and will never give up my ladders, more H&S hazards with wfp than ladders.
Regards 8)
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Where there is decking or grimey patios and i have left water on them, i tell the customer before i leave to be carefull, but if they are not in i leave a slip to tell them to be carefull, just in case!
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Squeaky,
Ive got to say that is the first time I laughed out loud at anything written on cleanitup ;D
And after the day ive had I did think anything could make me laugh today.
Squeaky your a gem ;D
Alistair
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Thats it then. wfp is to dangerous.
I am selling up and going back to my ladders.
Though I read today that fraud reckons that the rythmic effect of climbing a ladder is very Therapeutic.
Squeaks you need some therapy.
Nel ;D
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I know we are are a miniscule percentage of the actual window cleaning profession, but has ANYONE heard of a WFPer being prosecuted by a member of the public for tripping over their hoses or slipping on water... ::) ::) ::)
we will be stopping the kids playing conkers next :P
if you do not want to do something...then do not do it.
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Squeeks,
Why don't you just SELL your "Bog brush" kit and go back to your ladders ;D ;D
David
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but has ANYONE heard of a WFPer being prosecuted by a member of the public for tripping over their hoses or slipping on water...
We live in a society where people do seek damages for every little thing. I wouldn't be supprised it someone tries it before long.
As for the kids and their conkers comment, I've often said they'll have us wearing crash helmets in cars before long 'cause it reduces risk of serious head injury in the event of an accident.
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well...if you want to live out your relatively minute time upon this earth worrying about what MIGHT happen in the future...then that is up to you...but it is a sad waste of valuable time.
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Steve K
but schools have already banned the playing of conkers in schools!
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we have gone back to trad too many hassles wfp is for commercial for me now
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JohnL,
Exactly.. ;)
it can get quite pathetic at times...
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I had my first fall since I started window cleaning nearly 10 years ago.
I was trying to hook my hose around a plant pot and slipped on the water I left on the patio.
I fell flat on my side, and couldn't put my arm out to save myself without snapping my carbon pole.
So my left arm took the full force.
It's swollen by the elbow and hurts to move.
It's also grazed and it bled a bit.
Bruised hip too...
You lot are liars.
"Get WFP, it's safer" ::)
B***ocks.
I've tripped ovwer a couple of plant pots and even over my own hose (bragging again) since going WFP.
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I know we are are a miniscule percentage of the actual window cleaning profession, but has ANYONE heard of a WFPer being prosecuted by a member of the public for tripping over their hoses or slipping on water... ::) ::) ::)
It'll definately happen.
My missus slipped on water left by the window cleaner when she worked in a shop.
No injuries, so no worries, but it could have happened.
One of the reasons I'd never dream of using it in town on the shops.
Waaaayyy too dodgy.
On houses just keep a look out and be aware what you're doing.
I did some houses yesterday, and it only occurred to me after, I'd run the hose past the front door of a pub.
Someone comes out chatting to their mate, had a few...you can guess the rest. :-\
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imagine if it had been raining and you had gone up your ladder . ;Dit would have been more than your arm .
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I wouldn't be up a ladder cleaning windows if it was raining would I? ::)
Blimey, wish I hadn't mentioned it now.
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squeaky be honest. Would you go back to ladders if you hadnt made the investment on wfp?
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squeaky be honest. Would you go back to ladders if you hadnt made the investment on wfp?
I actually like Squeaks honesty. He was trad for yonks and yonks and went over to wfp due to health. But unlike the fanatical wfp'ers on this forum he doesn't claim that it's the be all and end all of w/c and trad is like something out of the Ark.
Also this stuff about how wfp can double your earnings cos it takes half the time...well I guess it could...if you can find twice the number of customers who want gallons of water hozed down their windows!
And FYI ladders ain't gonna be banned.
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wfp isnt any quicker for me on the whole on houses. If your slow on a ladder as many window cleaners are, and you have priced accordingly then your on a winner to go wfp. But if your quick on a ladder like me then although the actual cleaning of a window is quicker, on the whole im not quicker. but it still has its benifits for sure. e.g leaded and awkward windows.
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I know we are are a miniscule percentage of the actual window cleaning profession, but has ANYONE heard of a WFPer being prosecuted by a member of the public for tripping over their hoses or slipping on water... ::) ::) ::)
I know of another WFP user who didn't display trip hazard signs whilst working on several large blocks of flats. He had also let his public liability insurance expire by ignorance. I will not name this chap as he wouldn't appreciate me naming him. One of the old residents tripped on his hose and fell hitting her head right on the sharp corner edge of a brick wall gushing her head and falling down unconscious and was rushed off in an ambulance. The window cleaner involved ceased trading because he was being taken to court by the housing association where the work was being carried out. SO, a word of warning: always display warning signs, be aware of potential hazards to members of the public and never let your public liability insurance lapse.!!!!
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if that were true...the details...and there would be some in the press...would have made their way onto the various forums...If you cannot prove it, I really don`t believe it happened.
I know the potential exists but I think too many people tie themselves up worrying too much.
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It did happen! I'm not a liar!
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I know we are are a miniscule percentage of the actual window cleaning profession, but has ANYONE heard of a WFPer being prosecuted by a member of the public for tripping over their hoses or slipping on water... ::) ::) ::)
I know of another WFP user who didn't display trip hazard signs whilst working on several large blocks of flats. He had also let his public liability insurance expire by ignorance. I will not name this chap as he wouldn't appreciate me naming him. One of the old residents tripped on his hose and fell hitting her head right on the sharp corner edge of a brick wall gushing her head and falling down unconscious and was rushed off in an ambulance. The window cleaner involved ceased trading because he was being taken to court by the housing association where the work was being carried out. SO, a word of warning: always display warning signs, be aware of potential hazards to members of the public and never let your public liability insurance lapse.!!!!
this is why i prefere a trolley system, only 10 M of pipe and most of thats up the pole
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Steve K, when you did a day in pictures your hose was extended by at least 50m and not a warning sign in sight !! this was a residential area now that is not good H&S is it.
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I wouldnt put a warning sign up...and if anyone from H+S walked by and enquired, I would explain that:
1- I dont have a written risk assessment as I do not need one as a sole trader
2- I lay my hose along the gutter as much as possible with 4-5 ft crossing any pavement area
3- I use bright blue hose as a visual warning
4- the area has very low level of pedestrian traffic
5- the reason I am using WFP is to comply with work at heights regs
6- the work is very short duration and any trip hazard is LOW risk
7- they would walk away happy that I had minimised risks
2 years now of sensible risk observation and monitoring my working areas...not one near miss involving my WFP hose!!!
That account above reads like a Casualty" script... :P
Show me the proof... :-X
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Steve K
but schools have already banned the playing of conkers in schools!
my son got sent to the head teacher today cause bother is a naughty word apparently
hmmm I think i could show them a few stronger words
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It would be great if someone tripped over a hazard sign. Its not like they could have you for putting it there
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There's always a first time. We both know a local window cleaner, very experienced, whose had a few falls; the worst being when he had two broken ankles (SG), and he's done lots of other stuff too.
Well he must be a bit thick then!! Once bitten twice shy. Experience doesn't mean a thing if you don't learn from it, if you've ever come off a ladder it's your own stupidity thats at fault not the ladders. Anyone who has come off knows thats the real reason, ladders are only as safe as the person using them.
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It would be great if someone tripped over a hazard sign. Its not like they could have you for putting it there
Funny you should say that but when I was doing a general cleaning job in an office, some guy tripped over my wet floor sign. He used to walk along reading his paperwork. Not only that but he did it a few times. I thought he might have figured it out after the first time.
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Well he must be a bit thick then!! Once bitten twice shy. Experience doesn't mean a thing if you don't learn from it, if you've ever come off a ladder it's your own stupidity thats at fault not the ladders. Anyone who has come off knows thats the real reason, ladders are only as safe as the person using them.
Absolutely spot on Foxy.
I never worried about it, and never thought I would.
It's just carelessness.
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It would be great if someone tripped over a hazard sign. Its not like they could have you for putting it there
Funny how things put in place to help can actually cause problems.
Not quite the same thing I know, but I've had a couple of older folk on my round that have become disabled as a result of falling over facilities that have been put in place to help those already disabled. In one case it was a ramp with a step at one end for the able bodied and in the other just a ramp.
As for w/cleaners and ladders though, I nearly had a heart attack a couple of years back, watching another local w/cleaner working on the back of a three story town house. The ground floor had a small extension of about 5' to increase the size of the kitchen. He was cleaning the top floor with his ladders on the extension and the feet were within inches of the edge. How he even got on the ladder was a mystery.