[Big Dave @ CWC]

i got an offer to put a quote in for a job with a housing association, but in the contract they say i need to provide a risk assessment... what the hell does that look like when its at home?  i normally only do domestic, so this would be a nice bonus on top of the work i do..............

[Busby]

A risk assessment is paperwork detailing the risks involved in carrying out your work on a clients premises

they will also require a method statement, which shows the method in which you will carry out your work.

[Big Dave @ CWC]

so, if i were doing the job wfp, the risk would be someone tripping over ther hose........ easy huh lol

[Busby]

Quick example:



METHOD would be:

1, Check weather conditions on arrival
2, report yourself as on the premises
3, display warning signs = Trailing hoses, window cleaner at work
4, set up hose & pole
5, carbon/glass fibre poles will supply purified water up pole to the brush head
6, operative to place brush head onto the window
7, brush head will be moved up & down on the glass to aggitate the dirt
8, water will then rinse the glass to leave desired results



Risks using Pole/s

overhead power cables
client tripping over hoses
high winds
poor weather conditions
poles falling
poles left unnatended    etc


if you need help & need it explaing better, give me a ring in the morning & will try and help you out

07788 503775 chris

[Big Dave @ CWC]

are you serious, is this the kind of nanny state we live in, i'm not disputing your knowledge here but that to me sounds waaaay over the top.  i can't believe they'd expect that kind of detail...

[Busby]

Thats how it is today,

obviously you clean houses & therefore dont need to submit these details, but for the bulk of work i do this is standard practice.


If you cannot provide these dont even attempt to quote for the work, if they are wanting these requests of risk/method & possibly insurance documentation.

I dont wait for them to ask, i tell them THEY WILL be given all these details before any work commences on their premises, its the law.............

[Kevin R]

It does however depend on how many employees you have. If your on your own there is no legal requirement to submit a written risk assessment. However most commercial companies will require them as a standard before work can begin. I personally supply them weather asked for or not as standard practice. You must also have a copy with you on site.

[Busby]

Kevin,

i employ staff, so can only speak for myself.

However, even if i was on my own, i would supply these items as:

1, it save any trouble down the line, should any incidents/accidents occur

2, as far as i am concerned it is standard practice to submit even if they are not requested by the client

3, it is also more professional

[Kevin R]

Kevin,

i employ staff, so can only speak for myself.

However, even if i was on my own, i would supply these items as:

1, it save any trouble down the line, should any incidents/accidents occur

2, as far as i am concerned it is standard practice to submit even if they are not requested by the client

3, it is also more professional

I totally agree with you, and I do the same. Personally I took the decision to do this as a standard as it does set you above the competition, provides for a safer working environment in terms of staff or sub-contractor education and in most cases and it also makes your site surveys more thorough.  Of course if an incident ever did occur I have crossed the t's and dotted the i's so to speak.

[Busby]

  Nice one Kevin 

[Big Dave @ CWC]

ok thanks guys, ill do that, i have public liability insurance, is that enough or should i get any other insurance to back that up, if so how much am i looking at and what particulars am i looking for, bear in mind its a care home, elderly and possibly disabled........

[lovewindows]

A WFP risk assessment is available to buy online costs £25 , can't remember the site but if you e-mail me i'll look it up and send link, i used to do these on a regular basis in a previous life so any questions on filling in just ask.

[Busby]

D Prosser,

where are you ?

im in bolton, if you where near , you could have met up & i would give you the things you need and explain them to you.

[Big Dave @ CWC]

im down south mate, maidstone in kent

[Busby]

call round, i will get the kettle on pal 

[pjulk]

d prosser - said

i have public liability insurance, is that enough or should i get any other insurance to back that up

How much public liability have you got £1mill

If so they may ask you to up that to £5mill.

[AJ]

prosser - post your  email. might be able to help

[AJ]

I've tried to copy & paste it, hope it makes sense. Its usually laid out in boxes

wfp RISK ASSESSMENT
SITE ADDRESS   
WORKS   WATER FED POLE WINDOW CLEANING
SITE CONTACT      TEL:   

HAZARDS
Fall from ladder   NO      Pedestrians walking into ladder   NO
Fall from window   NO      Slips & trips   YES
Fall from roof   NO      Overhead electrics   NO
Ladders slipping sideways at upper resting point   NO      Cuts from broken windows   NO
Ladders slipping outwards at bottom   NO         
Failure of ladders/ access equipment   NO
         
PERSONS EXPOSED TO HAZARDS
Company employees   YES      Anyone visiting site during works   YES
General public   NO      Special groups (state which)   NO
            
ACTION TAKEN TO REDUCE RISK
Ladders will be footed or tied over 3 metres & always where stability requires   YES
A harness will be worn at all times when working on the roof or leaning from window   YES
Fully trained operatives to be used   YES
All ladders are fitted with non-slip feet & stabilizer bars used where practicable   YES
Warning signs displayed or cordon used at work area   YES
Person to foot ladder at all times   YES
Ladders, equipment tools & chemicals will not be left unattended at any time   YES
Will not work in bad weather (electrical storm/high winds)   YES
Wet areas to be left dry according to flooring type   YES
Broken, cracked or unsafe glass will not be cleaned   YES
Windows to be cleaned using water fed pole system wherever possible   YES
All hoses to be of bright colouration   YES
Hose to be run from vehicle along the shortest route to work area   YES

ASSESSMENT OF RESIDUAL RISK SHOWN IN RED:     LOW  /   MEDIUM   /   HIGH

ADDITIONAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN TO FURTHER REDUCE RISKS


COMPLETED BY……………………………………………………       ISSUE  DATE      ……………………………………………………….


SIGNED               …………………………………………………..        REVIEW DATE   ……………………………………………………….

METHOD 1. CONE OFF WORK AREA.
                  2. PULL HOSES FROM VAN TO WORK AREA, ALONG THE SHORTEST ROUTE
                  3. ERECT WATER FED POLES IN SAFE MANNER
                  4. COMMENCE WORKS
                  5 . REPEAT ALL STEPS FOR EACH WORK AREA

[Big Dave @ CWC]

dave1pros@aol.com