At Diamond View, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional cleaning services while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of our team.
We specialise in high-access cleaning using ladders, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), mobile towers, and roof work, and we understand the inherent risks involved. We adhere to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 to ensure the highest safety standards. We wanted to take a closer look at these regulations to explore innovative solutions and highlight the comprehensive training that helps us mitigate risks associated with working at height.
Understanding the Work at Height Regulations 2005
Did you know that if you employ a contractor to undertake a job at height and an accident occurs, you can be liable for damages if Work at Height Regulations 2005 aren’t followed?
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 were established to prevent death and injury caused by falls from height, which are among the most common causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries. These regulations apply to all work that takes place at height with a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. The regulations are applicable across various sectors, including construction sites, educational institutions, and commercial properties.
At Diamond View, we comply with these regulations through a series of steps:
Risk Assessment: We conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential hazards and determine the best ways to mitigate them.
Planning and Supervision: We ensure all work at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent personnel.
Equipment Inspection: We regularly inspect and maintain all equipment used for working at height to ensure it is in good condition and safe to use.
Training: Provide comprehensive training for our team to ensure they are skilled in using the equipment and aware of the risks involved.
Eliminating Risk: Innovations in Cleaning Technology
While compliance with the regulations is essential, the ultimate goal is to eliminate risks where possible. We have embraced several innovative solutions to reduce the need to work at height.
Telescopic Cleaning Equipment
Telescopic cleaning poles are a game-changer in our industry. These extendable poles can reach significant heights, allowing our team to clean windows, facades, and other surfaces from the safety of the ground. The main benefits of doing this include:
Enhanced Safety: By keeping our team on the ground, we significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Efficiency: Telescopic poles allow for faster setup and cleanup, increasing overall efficiency.
Versatility: Suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks, telescopic poles can be equipped with different tools and brushes to tackle various surfaces.
Drones for Surveying
Another technological advancement we utilise is drones. Drones are beneficial for surveying and inspecting hard-to-reach areas such as roofs and high-rise structures.
No Direct Exposure: Drones allow us to inspect areas without putting our team in potentially hazardous situations.
Detailed Inspections: High-resolution cameras and sensors on drones provide detailed images and data, enabling us to assess the condition of a structure accurately.
Cost-Effective: Drones reduce the need for scaffolding or other access equipment, lowering operational costs.
Comprehensive Training: Ensuring Safety and Competence.
At Diamond View, we recognise that comprehensive and continuous training is the cornerstone of our safety strategy and adhering to Work at Height Regulations 2005. Our team is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to handle the complexities of working at height safely and effectively. Our training programmes cover a range of critical areas, ensuring our personnel are proficient in the latest safety protocols and equipment use.
IPAF Training
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) training is crucial for our Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) operators. This training covers:
Safe Operation: Learning the correct operation of various MEWPs, including scissor and boom lifts.
Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating potential hazards associated with MEWP use.
Emergency Procedures: Understanding how to handle emergencies, including machine malfunctions and rescues.
PASMA Training
The Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA) training ensures that our team is skilled in using mobile access towers. The training covers:
Tower Assembly: Proper techniques for assembling, inspecting, and dismantling mobile towers.
Stability and Safety: Ensuring towers are stable and secure before use and adhering to height restrictions and safe usage practices.
Inspection Protocols: Routine checks to maintain the integrity and safety of the towers.
Working at Height (WAH) Training
Our WAH training provides a comprehensive understanding of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, focusing on:
Legislation and Responsibilities: Awareness of legal requirements and employer/employee responsibilities.
Risk Minimisation: Techniques to reduce the necessity of working at height where possible.
Fall Protection: Use various fall protection systems, including guardrails and safety nets.
Ladder Safety Training
Ladder safety is a fundamental part of our training:
Selection and Inspection: Choosing the right ladder for the task and conducting pre-use inspections.
Safe Usage: Proper positioning, angle, and securing of ladders to prevent slips and falls.
Three Points of Contact: Maintaining three points of contact while on the ladder to ensure stability.
Harness Training
When working at significant heights, harness training is essential:
Correct Fitting: Ensuring harnesses are fitted correctly for maximum safety and comfort.
Anchorage Points: Identifying and using appropriate anchorage points to secure the harness.
Inspection and Maintenance: We regularly check and maintain harnesses to ensure they are in good working condition.
Roof Safety and Systems Training
Roof work poses unique risks, which is why we cover specific points with our specialist operators:
Edge Protection Systems: How to use guardrails, toe boards, and other edge protection measures.
Safety Nets and Fall Arrest Systems: The correct way to install and use safety nets and personal fall arrest systems to prevent falls.
Weather Conditions: To ensure safe roof work practices, we show them how to assess and respond to weather conditions.
Working at Height Rescue Training
In the event of an emergency, our team are trained in working at height rescue procedures:
Rescue Plans: Developing and implementing effective rescue plans tailored to different scenarios.
Rescue Techniques: Practical training in various rescue techniques, including using rescue kits and equipment.
First Aid: Basic first aid training to provide immediate assistance until professional medical help arrives.
Best Practices for Using Ladders, MEWPs, Mobile Towers, and Roof Work
Despite technological advancements, there are situations where traditional methods are necessary. Here’s how we ensure safety while using these methods:
Ladders
Correct Positioning: Ladders are positioned at a safe angle and secured to prevent slipping.
Three Points of Contact: Our team maintains three points of contact (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) while on the ladder.
Limitations: We avoid overreaching and keep tools within easy reach to maintain balance.
MEWPs
Proper Training: Operators are trained and certified to use MEWPs.
Pre-Use Inspections: Equipment is inspected before each use to ensure it is in good working condition.
Safety Harnesses: Operators use safety harnesses and lanyards to prevent falls.
Mobile Towers
Stable Ground: Towers are erected on stable, level ground to prevent tipping.
Guardrails: Guardrails are used on all working platforms to prevent falls.
Regular Inspections: Towers are inspected regularly to ensure structural integrity.
Roof Work
Edge Protection: Guardrails, toe boards, and other edge protection systems are used to prevent falls.
Safety Nets: Safety nets are installed where there is a risk of falling through the roof.
Weather Considerations: Work is avoided in adverse weather conditions such as high winds or rain.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Diamond View, we are committed to continuous improvement and staying abreast of the latest safety standards and practices developments. Regular refresher courses and updates to our training programmes ensure our team remains competent and confident in their abilities. Our dedication to comprehensive training ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and reinforces our commitment to our employees’ and clients’ safety and wellbeing. By investing in robust training programmes, we can confidently tackle any high-access cleaning project, knowing that safety is always our top priority and that we contribute to a safer working environment for everyone involved or affected by our projects.
By adhering to the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and embracing innovative solutions like telescopic cleaning equipment and drones, we minimise risks and ensure our team can work efficiently and safely. We remain committed to elevating our safety standards and providing the best possible service to our clients.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our safety practices or need specialist cleaning services. Together, we can achieve pristine results while safeguarding everyone’s wellbeing.
