[dish]

I have just spoken to the HSE, they have looked into this for me and said that they were not aware of anyone being instructed to look into window cleaners using ladders. 

They said that there were no plans in the pipeline to stop window cleaners using ladders.  

Specifically, they quoted the relevant section of the WAHR and said that as long as a risk assessment was done and that ladders were used safely, eg: secured if a device was available and had a secure footing that was sufficient, bearing in mind their duration of use, height etc.. (advised to read the WAHR and the safety leaflets - which I have done anyway).  It was about safe and responsible use.

I think if you read the leaflets, make yourself aware of the risks, record your risk assessment and method statements and work safely and sensibly the HSE doesn't have a problem.

[billozz]

i havent read the WAHD buti understood it to say that if the job can be done in a safer way than off a ladder then you had to do the job that way......i might have that wrong but if i am right then sesutton has been misinformed .....hasnt he?

[dish]

Hi billoz.

You really should read the work at height regulations and all of the safety leaflets issued by the HSE, and their press release concerning ladder use.  I have.

If you still have any queries - give the HSE a call - I did.

For your information here are some relevant links - happy reading

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm#sch6

http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladders/evaluation.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2005/e05110.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/press/2003/e03207.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/fallindx.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/misc613.pdf

[billozz]

thanks for the info but from what i read in reinforces what i said earlier

"These Regulations do not ban ladders but say they should be used only when all other safer alternatives for work at height have been ruled out. "

" ladders should not be the automatic first choice of access. They should only be used after a suitable assessment of the alternatives and the prevailing site conditions."


"Where external cleaning from height is the chosen
Method, using the safest equipment is the best
Approach to reducing risk. Ladders should not be an
Automatic choice and alternatives should always be
Considered first."

like i say very interesting to actually read though

[poleman]

This is what you should be reading, as it says...HOT OF THE PRESS as the FWC had a meeting with the HSE last Sep which is a follow on from WAHD.

Andy
Page 13
http://www.f-w-c.co.uk/documents/WINDOW_TALK_JAN_2006.pdf

[DASERVICES]

  I have also heard as it has not been published yet that the HSE will direct all
  new companies that they must use WFP. All other companies have 2yrs to
  change over.

  Doug

[stephen.b1]

i have also spoken to the hse today an said the same thing to me as sesutton
 i also read the first post and there answer was   its a bit over the top isnt it
 as for speculation and roumor mongering. frightering window cleaners into going wfp or trying to justify why you have gone wfp is not on.
the HSE said if any people have any concerns regarding legislation then look at the web site. and asked me to put a link up so hear it is  http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm and also you can ring the information line 0845 345 0055 stop the roumours get the information first hand???  lets not hear i think. ive heard or its my interpritation.
as for the HSE officer, rogue officers are going around and are being looked into by the HSE and police the HSE are interested in this persons name and area HSE do not do on the spot fines regardles of what you have heard its allways a court case
quot

 I have also heard as it has not been published yet that the HSE will direct all
  new companies that they must use WFP. All other companies have 2yrs to
  change over.

          this is exactly what i have been on about
                          absalout B_______S






-

[stuart webster]

This is what you should be reading, as it says...HOT OF THE PRESS as the FWC had a meeting with the HSE last Sep which is a follow on from WAHD.

Andy
Page 13
http://www.f-w-c.co.uk/documents/WINDOW_TALK_JAN_2006.pdf

Has anyone any comments on the transition period mentioned here?

[Paul Coleman]

 I have also heard as it has not been published yet that the HSE will direct all
  new companies that they must use WFP. All other companies have 2yrs to
  change over.

          this is exactly what i have been on about
                          absalout B_______S

Stephen.
I have also heard about this from someone who I regard as a very reliable source.  Two years to change over for existing businesses (dated from April 2005 I think so that gives until April 2007) and immediate compliance from any new business start-ups.

[stephen.b1]

just rang the HSE again and asked them this

i have heard that all new companies that they must use WFP. All other companies have 2yrs to change over.
 
ANSWER   no sir this is not true and is not in the legislation as long as the new company conforms to the relevant working at hights act there will be no problem

tel no HSE info line 0845 345 0055
if you think or arnt shure get the info first hand  call them

[DASERVICES]

  Stephen,

  As you know in any major company if you talk to the voice on the phone they
  do not know what is going on up top.

  This is not absurd, the big major companies in WFP and HSE ( not the telephone
  operator but the top people ) are always in discussion.

  The news has not been released yet, but a major WFP company has had this
  info from the top people in HSE. So the guy on the phone will not even know yet,
  nor anyone else within the Window cleaning industry.

  I heard this with my own two ears so and I do not beleive he would have been
  talkng rubbish as it is in his interests if this happens, they make WFP.

  This is an open forum so if guys here news that will be of benefit to people then
  its worth disclosing it as long as it is true. Hence why I disclosed it, I was not
  told at the meeting to keep quiet.

  As regards who the company is I will not disclose them as they regularly post
  on here, so I will leave it up to them to hopefully keep us updated.

  Cheers

  Doug
 

[stuart webster]

well said DA

[stephen.b1]

(dated from April 2005 I think so that gives until April 2007) and immediate compliance from any new business start-ups.


 what date dose this read ?
what is todays date??

if guys here news that will be of benefit to people then
  its worth disclosing it as long as it is true

to whose benifit ?
how many wfp people do you think there are compared to traditional
who gives the wfp companies the right to talk to the HSE about ladders  who is acting for the traditionalist
how many other trades use ladders window cleaning is just a small proportion can you imagine no ladders for firemen

[stephen.b1]

in two years when the next window cleaning invention comes out will you start kicking the wfp people

[stuart webster]

Stephen,

Stop ranting and do somthing useful.

Bear

[Sir Squeaky]

Sorry, but Stephen's absolutely right.

[geoffreyspecht]

i agree

[Paul Coleman]

in two years when the next window cleaning invention comes out will you start kicking the wfp people

I merely passed on what I know as I thought it might be helpful to you.
As you clearly don't want to hear it, I don't think there's any point in me discussing with you any further on this issue.
Don't shoot me, I'm only the messenger.

[pjulk]

I have also heard the very same thing about 2 years to change over and all new businesses that start up now don't have a choice.
Also from a very reliable source

Paul

[John Conroy]

YES its time for change, it’s a changing industry, move with the times or get left behind, YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD