[gordons]

I think when someone actually is prosecuted against for using ladders then it will answer some questions and the truth will finally be revealed although i dont think even the official bodies know what the real law states.

[Adam Boss]

IT IS NOT AGAINST THE LAW TO CLEAN WINDOWS USING LADDERS !!!
What is your problem ?? can you not get enough work ?? are the ladder guys giving better results than you ??.
Making statements like that just causes trouble and you should not be allowed to post. It's like me saying I hope there are drought orders so you can't use WFP
and if you do you should be prosecuted and have a heavy fine.
WFP is a tool and I use WFP and mainly trad because that's how I like to work.
Gordons stop being a tool and stop stiring it.

[sussex187]

not this old chestnut again if u wanna pole ..pole ..if u wanna use ladders do so we all know the risks i personally do it trad out of choice and maybe one day i will do it pole.........out of choice

[gordons]

asboss i just think you should keep quiet if you dont have the facts i actually use traditional but my fear is that we are breaking the law. It says that if a safer option is available it must be used now i know with 100% of my customers i could easily use wfp, my customers might prefer trad and i feel it is better but i also know that wfp is safer

[EasyClean]

I have nothing against the traditional window cleaners. I use to be one and I'm sure most of us WFP brigade use to be one previously. I hope the traditional window cleaners stay around for many years to come because it keeps the competition down searching for WFP work so a big thank-you to the traditional cleaners!!!!

[Adam Boss]

Gordons,
 I won't keep quiet whilst people keep writing posts like your opening post. If you want to go WFP then do it .
The facts regarding ladders are there for you to read, just go to the H&S web site and read.
Think before you post matey and it will avoid these types of thread.
Regards.

[AuRavelling79]

I think when someone actually is prosecuted against for using ladders then it will answer some questions and the truth will finally be revealed although i dont think even the official bodies know what the real law states.

Gordons,
 I won't keep quiet whilst people keep writing posts like your opening post. If you want to go WFP then do it .
The facts regarding ladders are there for you to read, just go to the H&S web site and read.
Think before you post matey and it will avoid these types of thread.
Regards.

Asboss - I think your over-reacting - go back and read Gordons post again without leaping down his throat!

He is simply saying that a prosecution (which isn't the same as a conviction) will bring out some sort of precedent as to what the regs are really saying.

[Trevor Knight]

I think when someone actually is prosecuted against for using ladders then it will answer some questions and the truth will finally be revealed although i dont think even the official bodies know what the real law states.

I wouldn't wish for someone to be prosecuted for using a ladder as that would mean they have probably suffered a serious injury sustained from a fall, and irrespective of wether or not they should or shouldn't have been using a ladder, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

This debate always seems to raise its ugly head from time to time and to be honest I am always puzzled by some of the thoughts regarding this subject.

I had a meeting with a H&S executive yesterday and we spoke about this. His feeling is along the lines of a pyramid of risk. Working from the top down eleminating potential dangers to a conclusive safe practice.

In english this means, look at your job, assess the most practicable, safe and cost effective method and approach the task that way.

Ladders are acceptable PROVIDED they are used in a safe and responsible manner and that the operative works within the Guidelines set out by the WAH directive.

If I could wave a magic wand and change how we operate in this industry I wouldn't focus on Ladders, Water usage but I would make ALL window cleaners out there a compulsory requirement that they are INSURED, PAY TAX and operate a REGISTERED business.

Why?

I feel that there is a certain element of the w/c fraternity that give the WHOLE industry a bad name and help the general public believe that we are ALL a "here today, gone tomorrow, looking for a real job window cleaner!"

In reality pretty much ALL of us take this seriously, hence why we use this forum etc... and yet we ALL pay the price for that certain w/c. Not only do they tarnish this industry but they also cause legitimate w/c's problems with pricing and customer management. Don't get me wrong, I am all for healthy competition but when is done by a legitimate, professional w/c. I would say that they also contribute to an vast amount of accident data especially when the accident results in damage to a customers property for them then to dissapear and never return back?

I may be wrong, I may be talking rubbish, but thats my opinion. At least the general public would have a much more improved perception of a professional w/c and accept that we do PAY Insurance, Tax etc. and take our profession very seriously indeed!

[steve m]

I just wish that someone would  write it all down in a simple,easy to read form that ALL OF US could understand