Health & Safety Policy
General Statement
All reasonable steps will be taken by CGL Window Cleaning Services to ensure the safety of all personnel engaged in window cleaning operations. Full risk assessments will be carried out on every site window cleaners are operating on. Any control measures found necessary as a result of the assessment will be introduced. These assessments will be reviewed periodically to ensure safety procedures are up to date and relevant. Full training will be provided to all personnel to ensure every window cleaning task is completed safely and efficiently.
Arrangements for Securing the Health and Safety of Personnel
CGL Window Cleaning Services will:
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Carry out risk assessments, monitor and review all work activities involving Window Cleaning, Gutter Clearing, Fascias & Soffit Cleaning, Property Facades and High Reach Operations.
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Ensure all necessary measures are taken to reduce any risks found as a result of the assessment.
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Ensure all equipment used in the operation is suitable for its purpose, is in good working order, and free from defect.
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Ensure that all equipment is obtained from reputable suppliers and manufacturers and conforms to the relevant British and European Standards (further guidance on the correct use of the equipment is contained in HSE guidance note GS25 Prevention of falls to window cleaners).
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Ensure that all equipment used is regularly inspected and maintained.
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Ensure all equipment is stored correctly.
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Ensure weather conditions are appropriate to carry out operations on High Reach.
Safe Systems of Work
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The major hazard of window cleaning is falls from external window sills or ledges, from ladders, from suspended scaffolding or through fragile roofs or from parts of the building being used as handholds or footholds. The following precautions should help reduce the likelihood of such accidents occurring:
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Selection of suitable equipment and system of work.
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Operations carried out safely from the ground with selective and specialized equipment.
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Checking equipment before commencing any window cleaning operation.
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Removal of any defective equipment from service.
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Replacement of any defective equipment.
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Correct storage of equipment between operations.
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Where the exterior side of a window can be cleaned from the inside, ensuring that there is no risk of falling through the open window. (This will depend on the window cleaner’s height, the length of his or her reach, the depth of the sill and the arrangement of furniture).
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Ensure all personnel have the relevant information and training related to general procedures and specific procedures to be followed in order to avoid risks.
Summary Policy Statement
The three most important steps with regard to safe window cleaning operations are to:
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Carry out risk assessments of each operation in order to identify specific as well as general hazards related to each operation.
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Use trained staff to carry out the operations and ensure that they are familiar both with the general and specific procedures which must be followed.
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Use suitable, well-maintained plant and equipment.
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Weather conditions assessment for high reach operations such as wind, heating temperatures and poorly rain.