Well, finally we have an answer from the illustrius Andy Willis.
He thinks that if you don't courdon off the area when using poles, then you're in breach of the work at height regulations. And this is because there is a risk of falling poles.
Why is this important? Because it calls into question whether Andy Willis and his crew really do know what they're on about when it comes to using waterfed poles and what is 'reasonably practicable'. It also tells us whether he is the window cleaner's friend or foe.
The work at height regs say that:
"Every employer shall, where necessary to prevent injury to any person, take suitable and sufficient steps to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, the fall of any material or object."
(
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/regulation/10/made )
So, the question really is, is it "reasonably practicable" to courdon off an area when using poles?
To me the answer is totally obvious! Of course it isn't, and anyone who actually uses poles for window cleaning knows that.
Is courdoning off an area an appropriate response to the risk involved?
OBVIOUSLY NO!
Becuase I've never heard of anyone being injured by falling poles, and I would argue that the risk is minimal, and does not justify such a drastic measure of courdoning off. Also, if this were such a risk that it needed courdoning off, then the same would be true of extended ladders.
To put it bluntly, Andy Willis, in my opinion you are talking rubbish.