[tam]

 Tam here  I read the debate, and just want to add that there is no legislation out at the moment regarding w/fed poles. You can spout all the Regs about ladders, like it was said, to the cows come home but, I think the manual handling issue with using W/fed poles is a big one. O K, the poles are getting lighter but the getting them up in the air and taking them down must be quite difficult. I also hear that they might be faster than using ladders?
If someone is using W/fed poles and they are working from a vehicle, by the time they get their equipment set up and the appropriate sings up warning the public of the hazzards( that is if you do that ) a guy using a ladder could be finished the house using tools.
I do not want this post to end up in an arguement, this is just my opinion. Tam     

[poleman]

Tam Moffat with you being a Council Member of the Fed, think you view is wrong, the whole of the window cleaning industry use's many tools of the trade my...Ladders, WFP's, Cherry Pickers, Abseiling, Cradles, it seems you view needs to move with the times, having knowing you from a another forum it would seem you love to have a dig just for the fun of it and no doubt you love my replay with glee, as one fames ref said before a boxing match "lets get it on"

Andy

[thewindowcleaner1]

I go to the back of my van open the door put cone on pavement, grab pole and take to windows pulling hose behind me,


With ladders I go to roof rack unsecure ladders, get bucket on belt, Take ladders of vehicle and go to windows (when ladders are used thier should be a warning sign informing the public that ladders are in use)

By now using pole Have done all upstairs windows (including the one above the conservatory) put pole back into van and wound hose on to reel..put cone back on van

Ladders just finnishing the last window at the back ( can't get the one above conservatory ..safely)

With pole now finnished the btm windows with blade, ticket through door on to next customer..

Ladders finished btm windows, ticket through door put ladders back onto vehicle and re secure them on to the next call...

As a pole user I at times have to use ladders, I still use blades for the down windows as I find it as quick as a pole, but without doubt WFP not only is safer for up windows but is a least twice as fast as ladders(if not faster) but like all the equipment that I carry WFP and Ladders are the tools of my trade and I use the tool best suited to the particular job..


Alan

[Sir Squeaky]

I'm still happy with my squeegee.

Alan, like you say, it's quicker to unload for you, but when I get home I grab my bucket and take it in.
In the morning, pick up clean scrims, fill bucket and leave.

No filling tanks, carrying them, charging battery etc.. and all the other maintainance jobs associated with wfp.
Less electricity and water bill too, it's much cheaper.

I'd rather save on the logistics. Only my opinion!

Roger.

[poleman]

WARNING when Tam comes back to the post he will have a dig it's just his way, he seems to be at his best at having ago, around closing time (which I know he would agree)

Andy  

[dai]

Trying to be totaly objective here, as a trad cleaner going over to WFP.  The risks of working off ladders is mainly to the ladder user himself. Indeed any injuries substained from a fall from height would tend to be serious.
It is fare to point out that there are risks associated with WFP too. Appart from the obvious risk of electicution, the other risks, though less serious are mainly to third parties. I'm talking about the obvious risks, tripping over hoses, slipping on wet floors etc.
I think that insurance company's will be mindfull of this in an increasingly litigeous society. I don't expect we will see any reduction in insurance premiums for changing to WFP.
 Just one more thing about electricution. Be carefull where you spray your water you WFP guys. I once heard about a dog that was electricuted whilst peeing on a disslodged keep left sign. DAI