SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
1. LADDERS
· Use at correct angle of 1:4 (horizontal:vertical)
· Firm, level base
· Footed where stability requires it, or use of proprietary ladder stabilisers.
· Above 6 metres to be tied to anchorage points in the exterior of the building
· Correct choice, storage and maintenance.
2. PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS
(a) Suspended scaffolds/cradles
· May be manually or electrically powered
· A second (safety) rope must be provided at each suspension point.
· Need to ensure safe means of access to, and egress from the cradle.
· Properly planned inspection and maintenance required
· Proper training of operatives (including the instruction that work is only carried out from the cradle)
· If power driven, then training and instruction of operatives should cover manufacturers instructions, any limitations on use, safety devices and fault/emergency procedures.
· Safety harnesses or belts should be used where appropriate as a precaution against the failure of a suspension rope; attachment should be to the safety rope, for example.
(b) Travelling ladders
· These are where either ladders are permanently installed or can be suspended from a specially designed frame on the roof.
· Operatives should wear a safety harness or belt attached to an automatic fall arrest device on the side of the ladder and have a safe place at which to step on or off the ladder.
3. OTHER SYSTEMS
These include Bo'suns Chairs, power operated mobile work platforms, mobile tower scaffolds etc. These are covered in Guidance Note GS25 (See References/Further Details).
4. FALL ARREST SYSTEMS
There may be circumstances when it will not be reasonably practicable to use other means of access or to work from a safe place within the building. In such cases the use of a safety harness or belt attached to an anchorage point may be the only precaution that is reasonably practicable, all other methods having been first considered. Anchorage points should be capable of sustaining the anticipated shock loads N.B. Recommended maximum "free fall" distance of 2 metres (with safety harness) or 0.6 metres (with safety belt).
Safety eyebolts are the most widely used; they should be positioned so that the operative can attach their rope and harness/belt before being at risk. Other types include a sliding anchorage, an inertia controlled reel, or other automatic fall arrest devices.
CHECKLIST - WINDOW CLEANING
1. Are you aware of the joint nature of responsibilities for the safety
of window cleaning? - YES / NO
2. Has window cleaning at your premises been covered in a risk
assessment? - YES / NO
3. Do you take steps to ensure the (safety) competency of your window
cleaners, where there is significant risk? - YES / NO
4. Do you provide and maintain suitable anchorage points or equipment
/systems to ensure window cleaning can be carried out safely? - YES / NO
5. Do you maintain appropriate records of maintenance examination
of window cleaning facilities? - YES / NO
REFERENCE/FURTHER DETAILS
