WORKING AT HEIGHT
and glazing at the centre were not damaged, CAM’s expert operatives used industrial jet washers set at the appropriate pressure.
Similarly, when we were carrying out high level cleaning in the atrium at the Grand Buildings, 1-3 The Strand in London, it was not a job for anyone without proper training or equipment. We used rope access techniques and apparatus to reach the higher levels, including the glass roof. This not only meant our operatives were safe while they carried out their cleaning duties, but it also minimised disruption for the people at ground level in the building.
EMBEDDING HEALTH
AND SAFETY There are several trade associations who work to promote a safe, controlled environment for the operation of specialist work at height equipment. These include the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) for powered equipment, and the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) – the leading trade association in Europe for the mobile access tower industry. Duty holders should always choose a contractor that holds these, or equivalent, training accreditations, indicating that it has invested in training and safety.
Accidents, whether causing injuries or worse, affect not just the victim themselves, but also a large number of other people in an assortment of ways. This includes the emotional, financial, reputational and potentially serious legal fallout following an incident.
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (07), employers and those responsible for any work at height activity must make sure it is properly planned, organised and carried out by competent people.
For those with a duty of care who don’t employ specialists in working at height, there could be serious moral, legal and financial repercussions.
www.tomorrowscleaning.com
We are still waiting for enough people to have that ‘lightbulb’ moment and understand what working at height really entails. Once that happens we can ensure that everyone has the appropriate levels of competence for whatever work at height task they are involved with, including employing specialists for high risk activities. That way everyone’s safety can be enhanced.
www.camsupport.co.uk Tomorrow’s Cleaning June 2016 | 61
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