Due to some areas within the UK experiencing water restrictions and hosepipe bans, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), concerned over the number of window cleaners who may have to revert to bucket and ladder cleaning, have issued advice and guidance on the need to be vigilant over risk assessments when working at height.
Compliance of the new WAHR, introduced on 6 April 2005, stating that work at height "where reasonably practicable" should be avoided, encouraged the window cleaning industry to use alternative safe measures, such as water-fed pole systems.
However, with some areas now experiencing Drought Orders, window cleaners may be forced to use the bucket and ladder cleaning method until restrictions are lifted.
Dr Elizabeth Gibby, Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Director of Injury Reduction Programme, considering the possible impact of Drought Orders said:
"Our approach to the application of the WAHR remains unchanged.
"Should water restrictions effectively ban the use of water-fed poles and it is not reasonably practicable to clean windows at height, HSE will expect window cleaners to apply the WAHR hierarchy in selecting appropriate equipment and managing risks arising from work at height.
"This may mean, that for the duration of any ban, some window cleaners will return to using moveable ladders. In these circumstances I would urge them to become re-acquainted with the risks, and take the necessary precautionary action.
"In applying WAHR to window cleaning during a drought we need to adopt a pragmatic and practical approach enabling the industry to use alternative equipment in pursuing their business. The nature of the WAHR provide the flexibility to do this.
"Workplace falls from height are the biggest cause of fatal injuries. There were 53 deaths in 2004/05 and nearly 3800 major injuries. Many of these injuries could have been prevented if sensible measures had been taken."
We urge you not to be complacent and take a moment to read the HSE guidance on the safe use of stepladders. The pdf format guidance, can be accessed by clicking the following:
Safe Use of Ladders and Stepladders
Further information on Falls from Height is also available from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:
Article by Alexandra Johnston
