Using Ladders

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recognizes that it is unrealistic to expect every window cleaner to adopt new working practices overnight and also accepts that the industry accident record is low and is anticipating a period of transition to allow the industry to settle into the adoption of any new working methods needed to comply with the new regulations.

During this period the HSE will expect all window cleaners to consider the safety benefits of using alternatives to ladders and plan to change their work practices where possible.

The HSE will advise shortly as to the length of the transitional period.

The following examples illustrate situations where, provided a proper risk assessment has been done and equipment is properly used, ladder use may be appropriate during the transitional period.

Situations where ladders may be suitable

On ground floor windows both internally and externally using ‘A’ frame ladders.
Internal of high windows in schools, shopping malls, atriums etc.
Up to and including the 1st floor using ladders no more than 6 metres on domestic and small commercial properties.
Removal of heavily impacted soilage, e.g. Builders Cleans.
To access windows above flat roofs.
Where the number of windows to be cleaned at height is very small relative to the total, making use of more expensive access or cleaning methods unreasonable (e.g. Less than 6 1st floor) on an isolated property.
On city centre red routes and in other areas where you can’t get the water-fed pole van near the building to be cleaned and trailing hoses would cause a hazard.
On properties where the use of a trolley system is not suitable because of site conditions (i.e. steps or other physical obstructions).
On isolated domestic and small commercial premises. (i.e. in rural locations where you may have, say only one or two houses on a street/housing estate.
On domestic and small commercial premises where ladders are required to access above a flat roof, there is a limited number of 1st-floor windows which are not above a roof.

So, the bottom line is that working with ladders is a very risky business.