Window cleaning is one of the most lucrative businesses in the UK. This business is easy to start and operate as a few tools are needed to start operating the business. However, this business has its own shares of risk, especially when it comes to cleaning high windows.
The big question that many start-up window cleaners want to know is whether or not can window cleaners still use ladders?
The answer is yes, but some restrictions were put in place in 2005 on where the ladder should be utilized. This was implemented after many window cleaners underwent fatal accidents and several injuries every year.
Therefore, before you decide as to whether to use the ladder or not, you need to find out if you meet those regulations or not.
The regulations are clear and want to ensure that workers are employees are working in a healthy and safe environment. So, when choosing window cleaning equipment, you need to be very careful so that you choose the right tools.
For instance, besides getting a portable ladder and a cleaning brush, you need to get protective equipment such as the fall prevention equipment. Other safety tools that your workers should have include gloves, safety helmets, high visibility clothing, and protective footwear.
Is it Illegal for Window Cleaners to Use Ladders?
No, it is not. Window cleaners can use ladders to clean windows but under certain restrictions. The Health and Safety act of 1974 requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees and to make sure that those affected by their activities are not at any risk.
The regulations laid down in 2005 requires employers and those in control of work at a great height to ensure that the cleaning work is well planned, supervised, and performed by a qualified individual.
This includes utilizing the best type of equipment for working at a greater height. Note that you should not use a ladder to clean windows where you can use other tools such as telescopic water fed poles or are capable of cleaning the window from the inside.
In areas where window cleaning at height cannot be avoided, you should first look at some of the options that are present such as cleaning from the balcony of cleaning the windows from inside before resorting to using a ladder.
And if you cannot find a perfect place for cleaning high windows, then you should acquire the right equipment. Moreover, if the risk of falling is not reduced by using one of these methods, then you should assume extra measures to reduce the distance and effects of any fall by utilizing the ideal type of fall arrest tools.
If your client has high-rise windows, then you should discuss with them and plan accordingly before proceeding to clean them. This will help you to reduce the risk as the client can tell you where to position yourself or whether to clean from the inside or not.
Things that determine whether to use a ladder or not when cleaning windows?
Location – some locations are very busy and using a ladder may risk the life of the cleaner as well as that of traffic. Also, in case of an accident, the ladder may fall causing damage to other people’s property close by.
That’s why you should consider cleaning time and prevent the public from passing around the danger area until you’re done with the cleaning.
Height – the height of the window is also crucial. Using a ladder on low heights or windows slightly above flat roofs is acceptable. But if it’s longer than that, then you should use alternative equipment like a water-fed pole and a long brush.
Using such tools is also convenient for shorter people or those who are not strong enough.
Weather conditions – you cannot work at heights when the weather is unfavourable. For instance, you cannot use your ladder when the wind is strong or when it’s raining. This greatly endangers the life of the cleaner and a ladder should not be utilized in this case.
Type of surface – it is not advisable to place your ladder on any surface. Therefore, you need to inspect the surface and find out if it’s suitable for placing the ladder on. If you think that the surface is not strong enough to hold the ladder in place, then you should not endanger the life of the window cleaner.
Check the surface and find out if it’s slippery, muddy, uneven, or stable. Only place the ladder on a stable surface.
Tools and materials – before you mount the ladder in place, you need to identify how you will get other tools such as brush and cleaning solution up the ladders. This is vital as just a small mistake can make the cleaner fall off the ladder and injure herself/himself.
Even though using ladders to clean high-rise windows was and is still very effective, it is not the only option. Actually, this procedure is riskier than other methods of cleaning high-rise windows.
For instance, the window cleaner can use telescopic water fed poles and high pressure to clean high rise windows.
Currently, ladders are being terminated where they are not needed or where the risk of using them is high to the cleaner and the people and property around them. There is no direct ban on using ladders but several measures have been put in place to limit their usage, especially where they pose a high risk to the cleaner.
Conclusion
Cleaning high rise windows is very dangerous as several window cleaners die every year, while some get badly injured during cleaning. That’s why a new regulation was put in place in 2005 to guide people on when to use and not use ladders to clean windows.
If cleaning the window is risky and can lead to injuring of the worker or people close-by, then one can opt to use poles, which are not only quick but as well as safe and increase productivity.
So, if you’re opening a window cleaning business, just ensure that you have the right tools and equipment to clean high-rise windows in places where ladders are not accepted. In short, ladders can be utilized to clean windows at height but not in all cases.