The ‘Working at Height’ regulations became a compulsory rule in April 2005.
Ever since then there has been widespread speculation that ladders would be banned for Window Cleaners. So, are ladders banned for window cleaners?
The short answer is NO. That said, ladder use should be justified.
When can ladders be used?
The Health & Safety Executive is quite clear in their message… that ladders should only be used for low-risk, short duration work.
Ladders can be used, if after assessing the risks, the use of more suitable work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration.
A ‘short duration’ is understood to be less than 30 minutes depending upon the task.
Ladders can also be used for low risk work where there are ‘features on the site’ that mean a ladder must be used.
These comments were made by the HSE during the Windex 2006 Seminars:
- The health and safety executive recognises that it is unrealistic to expect every window cleaner to adopt new working practices overnight and also accepts that the industry accident record is low and is anticipating a period of transition to allow the industry to settle into the adoption of any new working methods needed to comply with the new regulations.
- During this period the HSE will expect all window cleaners to consider the safety benefits of using alternatives to ladders and plan to change their work practices where possible.
- The HSE will advise shortly as to the length of the transitional period.
- The following examples illustrate situations where, provided a proper risk assessment has been done and equipment is properly used, ladder use may be appropriate during the transitional period.
Situations where ladders may be suitable:
- On ground floor windows both internally and externally using ‘A’ frame ladders.
- Internal of high windows in schools, shopping malls, atriums etc.
- Up to and including 1st floor using ladders no more than 6 metres on domestic and small commercial properties.
- Removal of heavily impacted waste. Eg. Builders Cleans
- To access windows above flat roofs.
- Where the number of windows to be cleaned at height is very small relative to the total, making use of more expensive access or cleaning methods unreasonable
(eg. Less than 6 1st floor) on an isolated property. - On city centre red routes and in other areas where you can’t get the water fed pole vehicle near to the building to be cleaned and trailing hoses would cause a hazard.
- On properties where the use of a trolley system is not suitable because of site conditions (i.e. steps or other physical obstructions)
- On isolated domestic and small commercial premises. (i.e. in rural locations where you may have, say only one or two houses on a street/housing estate)
- On domestic and small commercial premises where ladders are required to access above a flat roof and there is a limited number of 1st floor windows which are not above a roof.
If you do decide that the use of a ladder is the most suitable means of access then you should conduct a further risk assessment into the actual use of the ladder and ensure that you use it safely.
In practice, it is impossible to get a window cleaner to use a ladder, so that where the street in front of a first floor flat is inaccessible by van, it has become impossible to get the windows cleaned. I’ve asked a great many window cleaners and they’ve all said no.
In this particular instance, where access is very restricted, you might need to look for a window cleaner who uses a backpack or trolley system. These solutions mean if there is enough space to walk in front of your property, there is enough room to clean it.
Like our business, you will likely find many professional companies have a number of different ways to clean your windows. I would recommend looking for a well established business and give them a call to explain the situation. I’m confident there is a business in your area who can still do this for you, although you may have to pay a little more for a bespoke solution.
I’ve tried, but no one is willing and there ARE no backpack cleaners in my area (Bath city Centre), as most of the buildings are high. Mine is only one floor up. I’ve sought locally and further out, even Bristol.
The safety of window cleaners is paramount, and this article delves into the question of whether ladders are banned for window cleaning. Ensuring the safety of professionals who maintain our windows is crucial. Learning about the regulations and alternatives to ladders in window cleaning showcases the commitment to both effective cleaning and worker well-being. This information is not only relevant to professionals in the field but also offers homeowners insights into the safety precautions their chosen window cleaning service follows.