CM Oct'09 64+4pp 19/10/09 13:08 Page 55
Window Cleaning
Scaling the city heights
IMPACT43 and South Thames College, incorporating Merton College, is ensuring that
High Level Window Cleaning is recognised as a skilled, well-qualified occupation in
Birmingham and beyond
T
he City of Birmingham has raised the bar for “It’s unfortunate that Newcastle and Liverpool have
the High Level Window Cleaning Industry and shown some reluctance to follow this industry-wide
is now showing other cities the shape of the move to establish high level window cleaning as a
future. recognised, skilled, qualified occupation.”
Through its National Franchise Contract with Moving with the times, contractors in Birmingham
South Thames and Merton College, IMPACT43 is able have taken full advantage of the 100% government
to secure government NVQ funding of up to 100% funded training. Salter Cleaning is one of Birmingham’s
for the UK’s leading window cleaning companies. best-established high level window cleaning
IMPACT’s City and Guilds NVQ 2 in High Level companies.
Window Cleaning provides tangible proof of “It is important for us at all times not to lose focus
competency and gives clients total assurance. They on the value of training and staff development,” says
know that the window cleaners working on their properties are well- Carl Salter, MD.“In today’s competitive environment, we must be able
qualified, properly-trained and fully competent. to provide clients with proof that we employ fully trained,
Registration for the course and subsequent training has taken experienced, competent window cleaners.”
place at the training facility at Matthew Boulton College. Recent companies registering for the NVQ include: Salter
“We have had a fantastic commitment from the industry, but take Cleaning, Will Clean, Clifton Cleaning Services, Professional Window
up in Birmingham has been particularly pleasing,” says Andrew Willis, Cleaning, My Window Cleaner, Access Window Cleaning, Arrow
A1 assessor and trainer.“Along with Birmingham, the cities of London, Cleaning, Dream Team Cleaning Solutions, In Depth Cleaning Services,
Leeds, Bristol, Southampton and Manchester are leaving other areas Outdoor Restore and Pure Hydro
42548 or cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
behind. Cleaners.
Tel: 01205 769032
Making problems history
Many listed buildings have no safety anchor eyebolt
systems, and window frames often leak, so using reach
and wash or pure water technology is problematic. UP2
Access has the solution
istoric buildings have been a passion Our access problems are solved.”
H
for me throughout my career,” says “This rig is a CE Marked portable
Peter Hulstrom, UP2 MD. suspension anchorage system that can be
“I’ve worked on many over the years, wheeled into place, and it’s attracting a
including a number of Grade I buildings of great deal of interest from specialist
national importance.” contractors who need safe suspension
These buildings are often not allowed to during rope access,” says Richard Emanuel,
install anchor eyebolt systems, or the Clear Cleaning’s director.“It’s also valued by
appearance of the systems would not be in high level window cleaners who want to
keeping with the aesthetic of the property. use the rig internally to facilitate the need to
Hulstrom says he has enjoyed provide self rescue solutions.”
overcoming the challenges presented by UP2 argues that fixed suspension anchor
such factors, but has always been aware eyebolt systems are expensive to install and
that access difficulties and the constraints have to be annually inspected. There’s also
imposed by the nature of listed buildings an additional six monthly examination at
were areas that needed to be addressed. further cost.The company says portable rigs
“We recently purchased the new CE don’t incur any of those expenses. For
Marked Rope Access Portable Rigs from information call the number in the blue box.
Clear Cleaning Access Solutions,”says
42545 or cleaning-matters.co.uk/enquiry
Hulstrom,“and we’re delighted with them.
Tel: 0845 400 4111
55
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68