Answer to Question 2:

Dear Ian

Portable ladders have traditionally been used by window cleaners mainly for cleaning windows on ground, first and second floors.  Most falls to window cleaners involve the use of portable ladders.  These accidents are usually due to the misuse of a ladder or error by the operative; very few are caused by faults in ladders.  Misuse includes over-reaching, stepping off the ladder and working from window sills and ledges with no safeguards; working from sloping roofs; and working from excessively long, unsecured ladders.  Building owners, designers, and window cleaners need to understand that window cleaners will continue to suffer regular accidents unless a different approach is taken.

Although window cleaners have traditionally worked mainly from outside buildings, cleaning from inside can effectively eliminate the risk of falling, and should be considered wherever window design allows this to be carried out in safety.  In some situations, use of long pole systems can also help avoid risks of falling.  However, these cannot be used in every situation and risks from falling poles or contact with power lines need to be considered.  Also the large quantities of water created on the ground can result in an increased risk of slipping, especially if it freezes or is carried into shops.

Some windows may be so dangerous to reach for external cleaning from a ladder that window cleaners and customers will have to accept that cleaning must be done from inside, or at greater expense, for example using other means of access.

Where external cleaning from height is the chosen method, using the safest equipment is the best approach to reducing risk.  Ladders should not be an automatic choice and alternatives should always be considered first, as part of the risk assessment.

Regards, Paul