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Safety in using telescopic poles for exterior cleaning.
Telescopic pole systems have taken the window & exterior cleaning industry by storm, replacing traditional high-access equipment systems such as ladders and scaffolds.
With a reach of up to 50ft, telescopic poles mean the user can complete cleaning projects efficiently, from the safety of the ground.
However, there are various aspects to consider for these modern systems. The information below presents practical precautions to reduce risks when working:
Operational Risks:
When assessing operational risks, it is crucial to consider the following:
Considering the operator's fitness is also essential - medical history, wellness and identifying any muscular / skeletal disorders that may develop from incorrectly operating the tool.
Consider the time of the cleaning project and the traffic conditions at the site (both motor and pedestrian). High-visibility clothing should be worn by operators, especially when near pedestrian/motor traffic. Furthermore, display warning signs to minimse trip/slip hazards caused by equipment etc.
Associated Hazards Of Telescopic Poles:
Road Safety.
Journeys to and from the workplace require documented risk assessments, which include:
Security of the load - Ensuring the load is secured correctly is the driver's responsibility and prevents the load from shifting during most driving situations, including emergency braking. However, the business owner is responsible for providing safe vehicles, equipment and means of securing the load.
Overloading Vehicles - The potential of overloading vehicles fitted with water tanks (especially when the vac drum or water tank is full).
To assess road safety risks, consider the following:
Manual Handling Of Telescopic Poles.
When water-fed poles extend beyond 10m, the operator should operate with more leg/whole body movement to reduce arm movement and the risk of upper body strain.
However, it is acceptable to operate poles through arm movement alone if the pole reaches a maximum height of 10m.
New staff should gain experience with shorter poles before moving on to poles that extend beyond 10m to develop their balance technique.
Measures to Reduce Fatigue:
Recovering from a Falling Telescopic Pole:
During proper use, it is unlikely for an operator to lose control of the pole to the point where it falls. However, in such an event where the pole begins to fall, the operator must act swiftly - stepping quickly in the direction of the fall should correct the poles' position.
It is easy to simulate a falling pole for a staff training drill. Operators should become familiar with this technique by undertaking regular practice sessions.
Adverse Weather.
Windy Conditions:
Electrical:
Working in Exposed Positions.
The need to concentrate on overhead activity may expose the operator to further hazards, including:
Risk Assessment.
Identifying hazards of a job is essential for minimising risks. Typically, precautions might include:
Lone Working.
Window cleaners shouldn't work alone in any area that would involve increased risk to their safety (such as busy streets).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is not directly relevant to working with telescopic poles and is limited to protection against adverse weather conditions.
However, hard hats may be appropriate when there is a risk of dislodging defective parts of the building fabric.
Training & Competence.
All telescopic pole users should be competent and trained. They should have the required knowledge, experience and practical skills for the work undertaken per their level of responsibility.
There are currently no nationally recognised qualifications regarding telescopic pole use. New employees, therefore, claim competence when joining a company. Management must assess proof of competence at the earliest opportunity (best evaluated on a live contract).
Initial and ongoing assessments should meet the following criteria:
Competent Person.
A competent designated person will possess suitable training, knowledge and experience to enable them to:
DON'T:
DO:
Safety in using telescopic poles for exterior cleaning.
Telescopic pole systems have taken the window & exterior cleaning industry by storm, replacing traditional high-access equipment systems such as ladders and scaffolds.
With a reach of up to 50ft, telescopic poles mean the user can complete cleaning projects efficiently, from the safety of the ground.
However, there are various aspects to consider for these modern systems. The information below presents practical precautions to reduce risks when working:
Operational Risks:
When assessing operational risks, it is crucial to consider the following:
Considering the operator's fitness is also essential - medical history, wellness and identifying any muscular / skeletal disorders that may develop from incorrectly operating the tool.
Consider the time of the cleaning project and the traffic conditions at the site (both motor and pedestrian). High-visibility clothing should be worn by operators, especially when near pedestrian/motor traffic. Furthermore, display warning signs to minimse trip/slip hazards caused by equipment etc.
Associated Hazards Of Telescopic Poles:
Road Safety.
Journeys to and from the workplace require documented risk assessments, which include:
Security of the load - Ensuring the load is secured correctly is the driver's responsibility and prevents the load from shifting during most driving situations, including emergency braking. However, the business owner is responsible for providing safe vehicles, equipment and means of securing the load.
Overloading Vehicles - The potential of overloading vehicles fitted with water tanks (especially when the vac drum or water tank is full).
To assess road safety risks, consider the following:
Manual Handling Of Telescopic Poles.
When water-fed poles extend beyond 10m, the operator should operate with more leg/whole body movement to reduce arm movement and the risk of upper body strain.
However, it is acceptable to operate poles through arm movement alone if the pole reaches a maximum height of 10m.
New staff should gain experience with shorter poles before moving on to poles that extend beyond 10m to develop their balance technique.
Measures to Reduce Fatigue:
Recovering from a Falling Telescopic Pole:
During proper use, it is unlikely for an operator to lose control of the pole to the point where it falls. However, in such an event where the pole begins to fall, the operator must act swiftly - stepping quickly in the direction of the fall should correct the poles' position.
It is easy to simulate a falling pole for a staff training drill. Operators should become familiar with this technique by undertaking regular practice sessions.
Adverse Weather.
Windy Conditions:
Electrical:
Working in Exposed Positions.
The need to concentrate on overhead activity may expose the operator to further hazards, including:
Risk Assessment.
Identifying hazards of a job is essential for minimising risks. Typically, precautions might include:
Lone Working.
Window cleaners shouldn't work alone in any area that would involve increased risk to their safety (such as busy streets).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is not directly relevant to working with telescopic poles and is limited to protection against adverse weather conditions.
However, hard hats may be appropriate when there is a risk of dislodging defective parts of the building fabric.
Training & Competence.
All telescopic pole users should be competent and trained. They should have the required knowledge, experience and practical skills for the work undertaken per their level of responsibility.
There are currently no nationally recognised qualifications regarding telescopic pole use. New employees, therefore, claim competence when joining a company. Management must assess proof of competence at the earliest opportunity (best evaluated on a live contract).
Initial and ongoing assessments should meet the following criteria:
Competent Person.
A competent designated person will possess suitable training, knowledge and experience to enable them to:
DON'T:
DO:
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