CONTRACTOR F.A.Q...

Did you know that any person using an unsecured ladder system effectively renders their & your insurance for all accidents and damage invalid? No? Read on and be able to identify rogue tradesman/contractors before they spot you.

As from the 6th April 2005 all window cleaning that requires the use of UNSECURED LADDERS now requires; ladder stabling devices, safety harness & lanyards to be connected to the ladder equipment/building, regular equipment inspections and maintenance with full risk assessments carried out to ensure the safety of the public and property. These measures are aimed at reducing the risk of personal injury and the prevention of accidents while operating on clients' properties/premises.

Q. Surely window cleaners working on private houses do not need to follow the same rigourous health & safety procedures that commercial companies demand?

Actually, ANY tradesman/contractor that erects an unsecured ladder system, particularly if he is a lone worker to any property/building, effectively renders any insurance impotent and therefore pointless. So if a policy costing £2000+ a year in premiums is useless - why have it in the first place? Food for thought when you consider how many trades regularly use ladders in the discharge of their respective occupations!

Therefore we should all ask who would pay for damage to our properties and where liability would rest if someone were injured while uninsured tradesman carry out work for us.

Q. We have questioned another cleaner and he says, 'It's ok' because he is self-employed and the working at height regualtions do not apply to him?

The Working At Height Regualtions protect the client and operative while conducting work/cleaning at any height. It clearly requires compliance by the self-employed and therefore applies to all workers employed or otherwise. So anyone telling you otherwise is fibbing and should be avoided!!

Q. What about other cleaners using ladders then, without any of the safety precautions or equipment you speak of?

Pinnacle is the areas largest and fastest growing commercial window and building cleaning company; we invest heavily in the best equipment, staff and training around.Others clearly do not! It is sad that there has been little advertising within the media or tabloid coverage to heighten the awareness of this serious legal obligation that tradesman/contractors have to us all.As it stands, each homeowner must make the choice between the uninsured, non-compliant, cash only one-man bands and the continuity offered from an established, professional and reliable company that takes its responsibilties and duties seriously.