IONIC Zero PPB, Руководство оператора

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Operational Procedure – Cleaning Windows
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Hazards associated with the use of waterfed poles
• Trip hazard presented by trailing hoses.
•
Slip hazard presented from wet pathways.
•
Trip hazard for operator while concentrating at work.
• Falls whilst working from flat roofs.
• Electrocution from pole coming into contact with power source.
•
Spread of legionella disease through poor filter maintenance.
•
Poorly designed and installed tank systems fitted into vehicles that may become detached.
Portable ladders have traditionally been used by window cleaners mainly for cleaning
windows at ground, first, second and even third floor level.
Most falls to window cleaners involve the use of portable ladders. In recent years figures for
accidents reported to the HSE and local authorities show that between two and seven window
cleaners have been killed each year in Great Britain and about twenty to thirty suffer major
injuries as a result of falls involving ladders. Many suffer less serious injuries that result in
several days off work.
Building owners, designers and window cleaners need to understand that window cleaners
will continue to suffer regular accidents unless a different approach is taken.
In recent years many window cleaners have adopted the use of waterfed pole systems that
facilitate the cleaning up to 60ft/20 mtrs. Avoiding the need to work at height is an obvious
attraction however there are various considerations to be taken into account:
These will include:
• Provision of uncluttered access to commercial building facades.
•
Designers of buildings to ensure reasonable access.
• Acceptance by everyone, including homeowners, that if they want clean windows they
have to accept the windows will be left in a wet condition and that the process may take 2 -
3 cleans before acceptable standards are achieved.
•
Window cleaners adopting waterfed pole cleaning.
Further legal changes resulting from the European Directive on work at height will further
tighten the law
.
All those involved in window cleaning need to adapt if deaths and injuries are
to be reduced.
This information sheet sets out practical precautions to help window cleaners reduce risks to
as low a level as possible, taking into account the needs of the job. It has been prepared in
co-operation with the Federation of Window Cleaners.