[Ross Cobbold]

whats the score with using ladders then..can we...

Thanks

[daz1977]

yes and no,  u can only use them when no other alternative is available or suitable, basically its up to you, but if you have an accident, its weather the insurance will pay out, as they say you shouldnt of used it  its a grey area

[daz1977]

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


have a look at this link, itas what the h and s said about ladders on newsnight

[Jack Wallace]

Using ladders is fine, as long as you dont climb up them.

Personaly I use mine to hang my washing on.   

[Sir Squeaky]

Depends how you interpret it. It can be read either way, as has been proved on here before.

But no, ladders are not against the law!

[gewindows]

Ladders CAN be used, if they were illegal they wouldnt be sold, go see what BT use to access their poles in the street, its a ladder.

Ladders can be used, just be responsible.

[adixon]

But BT secure top and bottom at least they do here

[gewindows]

Thats because theyre up them for a longer period of time. It only takes 2 minutes to clean a window.

The H & S havent banned ladders, end of story.

[Window Washers]

Thats because theyre up them for a longer period of time. It only takes 2 minutes to clean a window.

The H & S havent banned ladders, end of story.

H&S have limited the use of them and covered the nanny state rules on them, not banned but hurt yourself and leave yourself option to ridicule from the hse

[Andy Foster]

If you have a risk assessment and method statement written for going up ladders (generic one is fine) then that goes a long way to proving you were using them responsibly if a problem occurs.

A small cost to get them done in the first place and then you have them if you need them.

I know it is a pain, but if you want some backup, that's what you need.

[gewindows]

Exactly Ian (windowashers), we shouldnt get confused between rules/guidelines/suggestions though and law.

The thread question was can we use them. The answer is yes.

[Ross Cobbold]

can i use them on my own like my dad used to or do i need to be footed?
i am100% is ok with the people that are saying they dont like wfp but i hear wfp guys saying i cant use a ladder and should get a wfp ...
i dont take risks with ladders and will leave a window if the ground is green or bad angle for the the ladder
i do have ladder mats on order

anything eles i can buy for my  trade ladder that will keep hs happy

thanks

[Andy Foster]

As long as you have used, and can prove you have used all safety precautions, then you can use ladders.  It is NOT illegal to use them, but if you have an accident, you will need to prove that you took every step (no pun intended) possible to prevent an accident.

That is why having a company policy on ladder use along with method statements and risk assessments covers your back, I can't stand all the paperwork, but unfortunately they are a necessary evil today.

[gary mallett]

a mate down the pub said his mate told him they are all gunna get confiscated by the ladder police . so they must be banned

[Ross Cobbold]

im still not se what saftey precautions can be used when taking my ladder of the roofrack and cleaning a window..surley i dont have to secure the ladder at either end just to clean a window for 30 seconds or 2 mins etc

[martinsadie]

can i use them on my own like my dad used to or do i need to be footed?
i am100% is ok with the people that are saying they dont like wfp but i hear wfp guys saying i cant use a ladder and should get a wfp ...
i dont take risks with ladders and will leave a window if the ground is green or bad angle for the the ladder
i do have ladder mats on order

anything eles i can buy for my  trade ladder that will keep hs happy

thanks

i use my ladder 7 hours a day unfooted any bad work i save till saturday and my mate foots the ladder

[Ross Cobbold]

and is that legal with hs frostie m8?

thanks

[gewindows]

surley i dont have to secure the ladder at either end just to clean a window for 30 seconds or 2 mins etc

No you dont.

[martinsadie]

yes ,i never had any dealings with them,they leave one man bands alone they are only interested in people who employ others,thus looking after workers safty

[gewindows]

and is that legal with hs frostie m8?

thanks

To be honest mate, if you're so unsure why dont you call the H & S

Ask Infoline

0845 345 0055

Get it from the horses mouth. Tell them you are a sole trader window cleaner, can I use ladders.