IONIC Zero PPM - Electrical Safety & Training Needs

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Operational Procedure – Cleaning Windows

Pure water is a poor conductor of electricity, however waterfed poles of aluminum

construction should not be operated in any environment where they may contact or come

within 2 m of a source of high voltage electricity. Waterfed poles should not be operated when

a risk of an electrical/lightning storm exists.

During cold spells the likelihood of pure water freezing in the delivery hoses will adversely

affect the use of waterfed poles. Systems that deliver hot water will be affected to a lesser

extent and precautions should be taken to ensure that any water that may fall on to walkways

is prevented from freezing by the prior application of sodium grit.

Working in Exposed Positions!

The need to concentrate on overhead activity may expose the operator to further hazards that

include:

• Trips or falls.

• Falls from flat roofs.

• Collision with pedestrians or road traffic.

The purpose of risk assessment is simply to identify particular risks on any job in order to take

pre- cautions to minimise them, typically these may include:

• Instruction in the need for the operator to be vigilant with regard to the surroundings.

• Providing adequate PPE and or roof edge protection.

• Giving consideration to the day and time of cleaning.

• Provision of hi-viz clothing.

In general no window cleaner should work alone with a waterfed pole in any area or location

that

would involve increased risk to their safety such as busy or pedestrian area or road.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is not directly relevant to the use of waterfed poles and is limited to protection against

ad6&

verse weather conditions.

Training

Waterfed pole specific training covering all aspects in these guidance notes in greater detail is

available from The British Window Cleaning Academy (Accredited City & Guilds NVQ centre)

Road Traffic Act 1988