Specialists Window Cleaning Induction

Specialists Window Cleaning Induction

Mobile Tower Scaffolds Mobile tower scaffolds are used on flat firm, stable ground to access higher levels. They have toe boards, mid rails & guard rails to prevent the person on the platform falling. They have casters on the bottom which can be unlocked to roll the tower into position. Assembling A Mobile Tower Scaffold You must be trained and competent to assemble a mobile tower scaffold. Check that the environment is safe: floor flat firm & stable and able to take the weight, no power lines or other obstacles likely to collide with the tower scaffold. Never build the tower on staging or other objects to gain extra height. Is traffic a risk? If so cordon off a safe working area or use traffic control measures. Are other people or pedestrians at risk? If so cordon off a safe working area or use control measures If using outside check that the weather is safe: do not use in thunderstorms or high winds. Assemble according to the manufacturers instructions: don t forget the toe board, mid rail & guard rail. Once assembled check and complete a mobile tower scaffold checklist. If the tower is not safe do not use it: re-build it or contact a team leader If a tower is to be left in place re-check and complete a mobile tower scaffold checklist every seven days

Using A Mobile Tower Scaffold If you do not think that tower scaffold is not safe DO NOT USE IT. If you are competent reassemble, or report to a Team Leader or Manager. Ensure that the castors are locked before climbing the tower. Climb the tower using the ladder NEVER up the structure (& as you would safely climb a ladder). Our mobile tower scaffold is climbed through the inside of the tower, and a hatch is used to access the platform. If it has a hatch makes sure it is CLOSED once you are on the platform. Mobile tower scaffold are not designed to carry heavy items. Use your holster and pocket to store window cleaning hand tools. The reach and wash pole can be passed up from ground level. Only take the equipment you need onto the mobile tower scaffold. Never throw equipment up or down from the tower. Do not over reach: if you need to come back down and reposition the tower. Never move the tower whilst people or equipment are on the platform. Climb back down before moving to a new position. Check that the castors are free running and free of obstacles. On some ground surfaces it may take more than one person to move the tower. Keep work equipment secure (for example in a holster or on a lanyard) when using the tower to prevent it falling. Report any damage, defect or missing parts to your Team Leader or Manager. If Towers are to be left remove or board up ladders where possible, or if on a construction site and not possible display a warning sign prohibiting other contractors from using it

DRIVING or TOWING MEWPS Check that your driving licence is valid for driving the size of truck or for towing trailers. If you are under 25 years of age you are not insured to drive the truck mounted MEWPs. Plan your route: consider the width, height and weight of your vehicle, and weather conditions: liaise with the office if necessary. Check the vehicle before setting off, including that you have enough fuel for your journey. Check the machine is stowed in travel position. When Loading & Towing Trailers Check the condition of the vehicle & trailer, including visual tyre checks and that the tow bar is in good condition, the ball head cup is well greased & the lights are in working order. Ensure trailer is suitable for machines (weight & size). Only load machine when the trailer is attached to a tow vehicle. Park tow vehicle in suitable position to load or unload the machine. Check for hazards and if necessary control them (for example pedestrians or other vehicles). Always check that the trailer is properly attached to the towing vehicle, and that the electric lead and break away cable are attached. Position machine in the centre of the trailer with even gaps side to side. Keep weight over the axles as much as possible. The trailer should be level. Attach a minimum of four ratchet straps, one to each corner of machine and trailer. Only strap to anchor points or suitable chassis members; not the side of The Trailer. Use Protection (E.G. Cloth) To Protect Ratchet Strap From Sharp Edges. When Towing Check the load before you set off. Leave more time for your journey: speed limits are different when towing. Leave more breaking distance & a wider turning circle

OPERATING MEWPS Do not operate a MEWP unless you are trained and competent to do so. Each MEWP is different: read the manufacturers operating manual. Ensure that you are familiar with the use of the platform emergency descent. If you are unsure STOP & ASK. Inspect The Work Environment Site risk assessment to be conducted each site every day that the MEWP is used. This includes checking weather, ground loadings, the environment, the platform, overhead services. Compete the MEWP site risk assessment checklist and return it to the office with the job sheet or hire note. Never use MEWPs at wind speeds above 12.5 meters per second or in lightening storms. Never use MEWPs where they could come into contact with power lines. Ensure you, your basket is a minimum of 15 meters away. If you have concerns about safety STOP & ASK.

Inspect & Familiarise Youself With The Platform Inspect the MEWP including the controls, emergency stops and a visual walk around inspection of the machine. Check that the operators manual is present. Check that the LOLER (through inspection ) is present & in date. If you have concerns about safety STOP & ASK. Ensure you and another appointed person are familiar with emergency descent. Set Up The Platform Follow the manufacturers instructions. Assess the ground conditions carefully before deploying outriggers. Working platforms must be positioned safely on ground which can bear the weight of the vehicle. Identify any ground hazards such as ducts, manhole covers, voids etc. Always use spreader boards under outriggers. On grass use 8ft x 4ft (exterior ply grade) spreader boards. Make sure the machine is level. Check that each outrigger and its packing is in full contact with the ground, both before starting work and regularly during the operation. Check the tyres are off the ground when the outriggers are in position. The area around the working platform should be cordoned off / safety signs or cones erected. This area must be sufficient to protect all parts of the platform, including jib and outriggers, from potential collision with a vehicle. If the vehicle is positioned on a road ensure that a traffic management plan is in place. No part of the platform should protrude into areas where vehicles may strike it. Ensure that any pedestrian walkways or footpaths are not obstructed: if there is no option a safe pedestrian redirection route must be established. If you feel that the working platform has not been positioned safely DO NOT USE IT. Reposition.

Safe Use Of The Platform Follow the manufacturers instructions. Always enter and leave the MEWP when it is in a fully lowered position using the steps or walkways designed for the purpose Before operating the controls of a MEWP make sure that you know the position, function and correct operation of the emergency (auxiliary) lowering controls and the emergency stop switches. Never allow the safe working load to be exceeded (or the maximum number of persons in the basket). Telescope last and first and avoid coarse movements near the workface. Always engage the controls gently and smoothly Where horizontal travelling controls or other operations are controlled at ground level, use mobile phones or two way radios to communicate (if voice communication is not possible) between the person in the basket and the operator. Under no circumstances does the working platform vehicle move whilst carrying passengers unless the platform is designed to. Only take the necessary equipment for cleaning the windows into the cage / basket with you. Ensure that items do not fall from the cage / basket and that you do not leave them on window sills or other parts of the building. Never step from the working platform, for example onto balconies, to access windows. Remain in the basket at all times. Where ever possible show a responsible person the emergency lowering procedure. If this is not possible you must ensure that you have a working mobile phone with you for communication in the event of an emergency. Continually observe before and during the raising and lowering of the platform- always checking for the possibility of hitting obstructions or people. Always be particularly careful to prevent objects or equipment striking or interfering with the controls of the machine. When parking the machine ensure it is safe and secure and unauthorised use is prevented (e.g. lock it and remove the key).

Abseil Only trained and competent operatives are permitted to abseil. WEATHER CONDITIONS MUST BE SAFE Do not abseil or work from any roof in high winds or a lightening / thunderstorms Never abseil alone. There must be a minimum of two trained abseilers, both trained in rescue. All abseilers must understand the plan of works (methodology of the clean) All abseilers must be aware of the rescue plan on each job. If you work out of site of one another, ensure that you have either walkie talkies or mobile phones to communicate with each other. Cordon off a safe landing area, which also reduces the risk of equipment falling onto other people. Ensure that your equipment and personnel belongings are secured when abseiling, and that you return your squeegee and applicator to your holster / bucket when they are not in use. Always wear your helmet when working on roofs or abseiling. Wear your safety harness at all times, including when setting up for abseil: If there are eyebolts or latch way available you harness should be clipped onto them. If they are not available, ensure that you are clipped onto a safe anchor point at all times when working close to an unprotected edge. Inspect all your safety equipment every time you use it. If it is damaged DO NOT USE IT AND REPORT IT FOR REPAIR.

Always use twin anchor points, a main line and a safety line. Only fasten your safety harness to approved fittings (e.g. eyebolts, latchway, A Frame, Weight Box, Parapet Clamp). Always check that your anchor point is safe before use. If it is not DO NOT USE IT and report it to your Manager. Eyebolts must hold a current test certificate (tested within the last year). A Frames, Parapet Clamps, Weight Boxes and other assembled anchor points must be assembled as per the manufacturers instructions, and all of the weights used every time. Complete a Abseil safety check list after setting up. Always use an ASAP and ID. Your harness, ropes and safety equipment must not come into contact with abrasive or corrosive surfaces or substances, or be left on roofs or exposed to weather damage. If there is risk of damage to your rope use a rope protector. Never drag ropes, carry them. Do not walk along parapets, cornices or similar projections. Never attempt to pass from sill to sill on the side of a building. Do not stand on decorative balconies or window sills, they are not designed to hold a persons weight. Abseil equipment must be stored in a secure area when not in use: for example the locked abseil cupboard in the unit or in a locked van.

Cradles Some of our Customers buildings will have permanent cradles designed for accessing the windows. Each cradle is different. Only use if you are trained and competent in the use of cradle / this model, or that you are under supervision of someone that is trained and competent. Ensure that you have a mobile phone, or some other method of communication if the cradle malfunctions. Never attempt to use cradles in high winds or thunder / lightening storms. Check the test date on the cradle. If it is out of date do not use it and report this to the relevant person in charge of the building as well as your Manager. Only access or leave the cradle at the designated safe access point. If there is not edge protection when setting up close to the edge of a roof, ensure that you are clipped to a safe anchor point. Put on your harness, this must be clipped using an energy absorbing or inertia-reel lanyard to the clip on points in the cradle at all times. Cordon off an area on the ground underneath the cradle.

Take only the equipment that you need into the cradle. Do not exceed the safe working limit of the cradle (for example the amount of people it can safely carry). Set up cradles according to the Manufacturers instructions. After setting up complete a Cradle Checklist. This checklist is returned to the office for filing at the end of the day. Check that all safety features, such as anti tip mechanisms, and emergency stop system are operational before using the cradle. Again if they are not working DO NOT USE IT, report to the person in charge of the building as well as you Manager. Check that the cradle has no faults and that it runs smoothly. If there are faults or it does not run smoothly DO NOT USE IT, report it to the person in charge of the building. For electric cradles visually check any electrical cables before use. If they are damaged do not use and report to the building manager for repair. Dry your hands before plugging in or unplugging cables. When working from the cradle stay within the confines of the platform. If a cradle malfunctions, stop work and report it to the building manager. If necessary use your mobile phone to do this. Do not drop equipment from the cradle. Never overreach to clean windows. Ensure that your hands are dry before moving any electrical sockets. When operating or if you are a passenger in a cradle you must pay attention of any hazards such as open windows, and alert the operator if you are a passenger.