[empire_cleaning]

Hi,

We have been asked to quote for a job where they have a slightly inclined glass roof at 3rd storey height.

This glass roof is covered in algae and it will not be possible for a WFP to get to it because of the angle and it need more than just a squirt and rub.

To keep the cost down I suggested we could do the work from the roof (which is higher than the glass roof and above) using a harness. The roof is very nearly flat and where the glass stops it becomes metal roof cladding.

I just wondered the safety implications of this method, would I need training? The company is very hot on health and safety  (we were asked to quote because their current cleaner didn't foot his ladder!)

A cherry picker would do the job but I was hoping to cut the cost of that out.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Empire Cleaning

[rosskesava]

I have a friend who does high level window cleaning in London and he said that most companies require some type of proper certification from a reckonised source for working from a harness.

He did his training originally with IRATA - http://www.irata.org/

[Roy Harding]

Yes your right also for a cherry picker I belive?

[Roy Harding]

My brother in law took one a while back Ill ask.

[rosskesava]

When my friend did his IRATA courses 4 years ago they were about £1000 for each of the levels. The problem is that after passing level 1 you need upto 1000 hours experience before doing the other 2 levels and with just level 1 - you can't work on your own.

He suggested you contact IRATA and find out if there's any windows cleaners in your area who could do the work for you with ropes.

My friend also said that companies do expect to shell out for window cleaning if done by ropes and for a days work the going rate where he works in London is £80 to £120 although if it's less time than that, sometimes the cost is worked out pro rata. Also, in other areas of the country it's a lot cheaper.

[rosskesava]

For fu*ks sake - be carefull and take no chances.

Please.

[Jonathan Adams]

Hi Empire

You can use a fall arrest harness connected to a horizontal lifeline or anchor bolts or a portable roof anchor. Have a look at this site http://www.safesite.co.uk/index.php.
Regards
Jonathan