[mr D]

could some one please tell me how easy is it to become a safe contractor? ive seen a few of you have the logo on your sites and at the botom of your posts.

would it be impossable to be reconised as a safe contractor using ladders as my primary method of w/c? i want to find these thing out befor i contact them. what are there pros and cons?

thanks in advance.

[Small but perfectley formed]

if you have all the correct paper work its straight forward,even if you dont they let you know whats required .As for pros and cons only one you have to pay .

[mr D]

any idea what paper work you need and how much?

[Kev R]

I got accredited with Safe contractor this year, within days of getting my certificate I got a major contract from a company that only uses Safe contractor.

The Paperwork was straight forward and I learnt quite a lot too.  The people are very helpful and want you to get accredited so what you don't have they will help with.

The process cost a good few hours of work, just over £100 for the fees, but I gained a contract that will pay  for it for the next 40 years!!!!

I was skeptical and only did it for an existing client but it has payed dividends.

Earlier this year I asked the FWC for help with health and safety and what a load of rubbish the response was. Consequently I have cancelled my membership.

[mr D]

ive heard not too much good about the FWC but the safe contractor thing sounds and looks good to those who think there in the know if you know the tipes i mean :. kev do you think the fact i use ladders means i'd not get accredeted or is it one of these if you pay its yours sceem??

[poleman]

Having been thought accreditation many years ago, there is a lot more paper work involved as it does have to take in consideration that you work at height (working at Height regulations)

PS the company Britannia who run Safe Contractor doesn't get you work! it just shows your commitment to health & safety to you present and future customers, which can get you new work 

[mr D]

i know that i just thought to prospective cliants it looks good to have been aproved as a safe operator by another company.

i'd call them but i'm getting tired of leaving my number with companys only to have them call me all the time trying to sell me rubish i dont want need. i'd rather make my mind up it its something i need b4.

or i might just stick there sticker on me van any way.

[Rob_B]

I think the use of the ladder pictures on your site without footing or safety devices wont help you attract commercial clients in modern times but at least the pictures are your own which is a big plus.

A. i revert back to wfp v's trad arguement not going there any more! i work alone at pressent so i have to be clear how work is carried out by me. yes i know it would be safer footed but it would also be safer if i had a iron man suit on when crossing the road. you cant win them all.

Your ladders will have to be footed, tied or a stabilising device used to satisfy safecontractor.

[Kev R]

kev do you think the fact i use ladders means i'd not get accredeted or is it one of these if you pay its yours sceem??

I am accredited for window cleaning with ladders, wfp and by cherry picker (MEWP). There is nothing wrong with using a ladder as long as you have considered the alternatives and assessed the risks and use it in a safe manner. Exactly the same process for every method. Its not a pay its yours scheme there is some work involved. However when I prepare a risk assessment etc now for a client it is straight forward unlike before I got accredited. Its a learning process just like cleaning a window is.

As to the use of ladders, one of my major clients wouldn't have ladders on site. Unfortunately due to the construction of some large internal paneling with deep sills/frame and the  floor construction (wooden sprung gym floor) we were not able to use wfp,  pole or use a cherry picker. I assessed the task and provided the method statement and risk assessment to the client - we now use a ladder to clean it. Ladders do have their place. I certainly have not given them up and probably never will. They are perfectly safe if they are suitable for purpose, used correctly and well maintained.

Safe contractor don't get you work but you are added to a database of compliant accredited contractors. Companies can access this database when looking for window cleaners, plumbers etc and contact you for tenders etc.

With the increasing emphasis on health and safety and the mis-understanding of the law I think SAFE Contractor is a good organization that offers help and advice. If your not a lawyer or don't have a legal mind this is a good way to go. Since becoming a member of safe contractor I have realised how far behind the FWC is. Just like everyone else in our industry they are scaremainering for profit in my humble opinion.

If you use ladders on a full time basis all you have to ask yourself  have you considered the alternatives and assessed your risk? if you have and have the paperwork with you, if an accident occurs you have covered your behind. However in the future I do believe we will have to adopt the use of wfp for high commercial work weather we like it or not.
 

[mr D]

thank you one and all i've taken all you have said on board and think i shall look in to obtaining a certificate of some shape or form befor applying for safecontractor reconision. this thread has helped me a lot!