Health & Safety

 

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:

• Building Location
• Building Design
• Site Conditions
• Obstacles
• Underfoot Terrain
• Weather Conditions
• Overhead Power

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:

• Trip hazards (from trailing hoses and the operator concentrating on the work)
• Slip hazards (from wet pathways)
• Falls from flat roofs
• Electrocution from a pole making contact with overhead power lines
• Injury from dislodged items or falling poles
• Incorrect manual handling of poles and equipment leading to injury
• Carrying tanks and other equipment that are heavy, unstable, unsecured, or installed incorrectly within a vehicle

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:

• The vehicle payload capacity and the potential for overloading
• Security of the load
• Driving and braking conditions, including reducing speed due to a change in the handling and allow greater braking distances
• Drivers should also be aware of their driving license limitations and the vehicle's towing capacity if using trailer-mounted equipment

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:

• Operate poles with greater leg use, with a single step forward or back
• Pole sharing with other members of the team
• Switching to and from each side of the body
• Taking regular breaks to undertake other tasks
• Taking periodic breaks free from activity 

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:

• Telescopic pole use is not recommended in 30mph winds
• Take care when moving from a sheltered elevation to one more affected by the wind
• Never leave telescopic poles unattended in an elevated position, regardless of wind strength

Electrical:

• Don't operate poles when there's a risk of a lightning storm
• Aluminium poles should not be operated in environments where they may contact or come within 2m of high-voltage electricity sources

Working in Exposed Positions.

The need to concentrate on overhead activity may expose the operator to further hazards, including:

• Trips / Falls
• Falls from flat roofs
• Collisions with pedestrians 
• Collisions with road traffic 

Risk Assessment.

Identifying hazards of a job is essential for minimising risks. Typically, precautions might include:

• Operator's awareness of surroundings
• Providing adequate PPE and roof-edge protection
• Considering the day / time of cleaning
• Provision of high-visibility clothing
• Cordoning off the work area to prevent public access

Lone Working.

Window cleaners shouldn't work alone in any area that would involve increased risk to their safety (such as busy streets).

• If working in a team on a single site, hourly checks should be made on any lone worker.
• If a worker is dropped off at a job to work solo, hourly contact should be made.
• If a window cleaner is working solo for an entire shift or day, establish an hourly contact system (e.g mobile phone or radio)

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:

• Daily pre-use check
• Manual handling
• Ground conditions
• Cordoning Off
• Common hazards
• Do's and Don'ts 
• Assess gaps in knowledge with appropriate training
• Provide supervision until staff have sufficient competence

Competent Person.

A competent designated person will possess suitable training, knowledge and experience to enable them to:

• Carry out their required duties at their level of responsibility
• Fully comprehend the potential hazards relating to their work
• Detect any defects or omissions in their work
• Recognise implications that defects may have on Health & Safety
• Identify appropriate responses to rectify issues (including refusal to work if it's too dangerous)

DON'T:

• Don't use a defective telescopic pole
• Don't use a telescopic pole in high winds
• Don't use a telescopic pole near overhead power lines
• Don't use a telescopic pole during lightning storms

DO:

• Do carry out pre-use checks of equipment
• Always cordon off working areas in public with suitable warning signs