Health & Safety
On every contract taken, when the job is about to be started, a risk assessment is done for the health and safety of the worker and those around him.
The law states that when using ladders, a number of precausions must be taken.
Firstly, if there is no other way of cleaning the windows and ladders are required, then the user has to have a secure handhold available at all times, basically not walking up the ladder with things in both hands, the hand hold would be the rung of the ladder.
The order in which to make sure the ladder does not slipp is:
- Securing the stiles at or near their upper or lower ends.
For window cleaning this would be impratical as the ladders are there for only a moment, unlike ladders used for building work or scaffolding. - Effective anti-slip/stability devices.
Specially designed mats and stabilisers are available and must be used. - Other arrangements of equivalent effectiveness.
If non of the above are effectual then A must be carried out, basically to get some one to foot the bottom rung to prevent slipping.
Further information can be obtained by visiting here.