[Londoner]

Just a quick question but there is a reason behind it.

Does anyone know if anyone has actually been prosecuted (or threatened with prosecution) under the new ladder regulations?

Come to think of it, has anyone actually had a brush with the authorities over the subject?

[Roy Harding]

I have not yet heard of any body.

[Duke]

no, probably a bit early yet.....though it'd be interesting to see what happens, the next time someone has a ladder related accident, and it's reported (by the hospital, or insurance claim,customer, etc)....only a matter of time I guess. !!!

[Justin H]

Don't be silly! These new regulations will be nearly impossible to implement.
If anyone is prosecuted I would be amazed.
If someone has an accident it's just another excuse for the insurance companies not to pay out.

[Duke]

Maybe it'll get to a situation where WFP is the accepted norm......therefore, anyone else going round with 'a bucket and some ladders' as they see it......would be informed on by well wishing neighbourhood watch types....who knows...

[Justin H]

Hope it never comes to that day.Common sense must win the day.
What safety devices I have to use for an A-frame ladder is unknown to me so why should some nosy old biddy know?

[Duke]

H&SAW go through many proceedures to arive at their decisions....I doubt many old biddies have much to do with it. The information seems clear.....if you can use any other system to clean a window apart from ladders, then that's it. (not withstanding abseil,cherry pickers...etc, different story)  That's what I've gleaned so far, anyway.....

[rosskesava]

This is all so muddled because what i've understood is that if a ladder is the only real option for that person doing that job of work (I don't mean employess within an industry) then appropriate safety must be excercised.

i.e. someone at the bottom of the ladder, using wall ties if they are there etc etc.

The HSE bloke I spoke to on the phone (who didn't seem so sure of the new law either) said it definately does not mean 'no ladders' and it's perfectly ok to use them.

Having read the other posts - why is it all so unclear?

[Staybright]

 

I been using a 40ft ladder for 4 years and have never been pulled for it? so whats gonna change!!. All the window cleaners I know of have never been pulled by H&S so I don't think it's gonna make any difference at all - many winodw cleaners are breaking H&S rules without even knowing on a daily basis with no outcome even though it's actually illegal?


Rob

[Duke]

I think what's implied, is, If you can clean it without ladders...then you should....

[AuRavelling79]

HSE information sheet MISC613 Safety in window cleaning using portable ladders was issued in Sept 2003. It is still the most up to date sheet from them on their website.

Just type in     HSE window cleaning ladders safety and you'll soon find it on the hse.gov website

[rosskesava]

Thanks. Found one leaflet easily enough.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc613.pdf#search='HSE%20window%20cleaning%20ladders%20safety'

[stevekennedy]

I don't think anyone will ever be prosecuted for non-compliance. What will happen is that a company will be sued by an employee or their family following an accident in which a ladder wasn't secured properly according to HSE guidelines. If the prosecutor can show negligence in that, the guidelines were there, and the employer chose not to implement them, then he could succesfully sue.

Another incidence may be when a window cleaner has accident insurance. If the accident could have been prevented by implementing the temp work at hieght directive or other guidelines then they could withhold payment. You would have to sue them and show that you took every precaution. You could be left disabled and penniless.

Be careful out there!

[Jon T.C.]

Thanks. Found one leaflet easily enough.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc613.pdf#search='HSE%20window%20cleaning%20ladders%20safety'

Interesting reading.However too many grey areas. A definitive black and white must be issued so everyone knows where they stand.

[littlejack]

The law is full of grey areas, on purpose. How else would lawyers make a living?.

If the law was black & white and everyone understood it...(and followed it)... Lawyers would go broke,.. Insurers would pay out...TOTAL  CHAOS....lol