Water Fed Poles v Ladders
Hazards of the trade
Falls from height are the foremost risk for window cleaners. Unlike in Scotland, there is no government licensing in Ireland, England or Wales this means anyone can claim to be a window cleaner.
Dangerous job
Window cleaning is considered the most dangerous job in the UK. Several window cleaners die each year, and many are injured.
European directive
Many window cleaning businesses are claiming that laws are about to come into force due to European Directive 2001/45/EC that will make ladders illegal for window cleaners.. However, the government denies this stipulation, as ladder used for window cleaning is "low risk and short duration" To be honest ladders should only be used today for gaining access or internal windows as carpet will not enjoy two litres of water per minute being poured onto it.
Guidance
To clarify the situation HSE is not attempting to ban ladders or stepladders, but ladders should not be the automatic first choice of access. They should only be used after a suitable assessment of the alternatives and the prevailing site conditions. The selection process for access equipment is coming under increasing scrutiny at HSE inspections. This guidance clarifies that for short duration work like window cleaning, provided a number of well-recognised precautions are taken, ladders will remain a common tool for many jobs.
Be safe
But why have the risk, High Reach clean 99.9% of Outside Window using Pure Water Fed Poles. We are stood in the ground were it is safe!
Industry standard
To aid safety, High Reach were one of the first businesses in Ireland to use telescopic poles, to pump pure water through a cleaning head, to clean windows. This technique has become the industry standard as it vastly reduces the need for ladder.
Save money
As a by product, this technique also improves cleaning time and the overall finish, as all the window frames get cleaned as part of the standard price.
More Information
If you are in a hurry please give us a ring today on 0505 47886 or 087 7413992.
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