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Health & Safety

Experienced window cleaners from the North West

Putting safety first

Window cleaning hasn’t always been such a safe profession. Portable ladders, platforms, scaffolds, bosun chairs, and cradles are methods that have been used for years to gain access to high-up windows, after all, someone has to clean them! However, that could all be a thing of the past…

 

Don't take risks

In recent years Clear Rain has adopted the use of waterfed pole systems that facilitate the cleaning of windows up to 60ft/20 metres high from the ground level. Avoiding the need to work at height is an obvious immediate attraction; however, there are various considerations to be taken into account.

Provision of uncluttered access to building facades. Designs of buildings to ensure reasonable access. Acceptance by everyone, including homeowners, that if they want clean windows they will have to accept that any windows above the ground floor will be left in a wet condition but will dry to an acceptable standard.

Waterfed poles are not suitable for all types of window access.

Risk assessments

In order to comply with current legislation Clear Rain must make a suitable and sufficient assessment of any and All hazards in the workplace, and the likelihood of the risk of these hazards causing harm to persons or property. Then suitable provisions for preventing or controlling the risk should be put in place. If there are five or more persons employed by Clear Rain all risk assessments must be recorded.

The purpose of risk assessment is simply to identify particular risks on any job in order to take precautions to minimise them, typically these may include:

  • Instruction in the need for the Clear Rain operator to be vigilant with regard to the surroundings.
  • Providing adequate PPE and/or roof edge protection or other systems.
  • Giving consideration to the day and time of cleaning.
  • Provision of hi-viz vests.
  • Cordoning off work areas to prevent public access.

Road safety

The design and manufacture of tank systems and equipment should comply with HASAWA 1974 and PUWER.

All Clear Rain vehicles are fitted with the most updated water systems and have been professionally installed which meet the requirements of:

  • The road traffic act.
  • The road vehicle (constitution and use) regulations.
  • The code of practice “safety of loads on vehicles”.
  • BS: 12195 Load restraint regulations.

Legionnaires disease

Legionella Bacteria can be found in low levels in most water sources, the presence of a few bacteria is in itself unlikely to cause a problem, it is when they begin to multiply that the risk increases. Legionella requires nutrients to multiply; these can be provided by sediment scale, sludge and biofilms. These materials build up in the filters used to purify water, if not replaced at specified intervals filters may become a fertile breeding ground for legionella bacteria. Water temperature is a particularly important factor in the survival and multiplication of legionella, when the temperature of water rises above 20 degrees the bacteria begin to multiply.

Legionella will not normally multiply in cold water systems or even hot water systems when the water is heated at a point of use, or when the system is in regular use. However, Legionella will multiply when the right conditions exist:

  • When sediment scale,sludge and biofilms build up in filters.
  • When water temperatures rise above 20 Degrees (optimum temperature 37 degrees)

Measures Clear Rain have taken to control the risk of legionella:

  • Replacements of filters at recommended intervals.
  • Keeping the system stored in a cool place if not in regular use.
  • Drain tank and filters whenever the system is to be left idle for more than three days during warm sunny months.
  • Follow the manufactures serving recommendations.

The release of legionella is also subject to the control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)

Working safe

More than a third of over 3-day injuries reported in England, Scotland, and Wales each year arise from the manual handling of loads by hand or bodily force. As with standard risk assessment, Clear Rain will consider the risks of manual handling to the health and safety of its employees. Record the significant hazard and put in place measures to prevent or control the risks.

Keep your top on
Health risks from working in the sun…

A sunny day makes most of us feel good, but too much sunlight can harm the skin. It is not simply sudden exposure while on holiday that is harmful. Even a tan that has been built up gradually can be harmful to your health. A tan is a sign your skin has been damaged.

The problem is caused by the ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. People whose jobs keep them outdoors for a long time, such as farm or building site workers, Market gardeners, Outdoor activity workers, and some public service workers could get more sun on their skin than is healthy for them.

Such people can be at a greater risk of skin cancer. All Clear Rain employees are provided with Sun creams, Caps and Sunglasses to help reduce the risk.

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    Testimonials

    What our customers say

    We've been using them for a long time. They have always been professional, knowledgeable, and courteous.

    Helen Mather

    In December 2022, we used Clear Rain. They were both professional and kind. They did an excellent job. We will be in touch again.

    Alan Moore

    I've used the service several times and have always received outstanding service. I've recommended them to others.

    Michael Norton

    Clear Rain's work has always been professional. We've been recommending them to clients for years when it comes to selling property.

    Elaine Houghs

    Always professional and helpful, pleasure to be around, great attitudes

    Carl Robinson