The future of high access cleaning?
February 1st 2005

Falls represent the greatest hazard to window cleaners in their daily routine.

According to the Health and Safety Commission, falls from height are the most common cause of fatality and the second most common cause of injury to employees.Dave Rogers,General Manager, Unger UK looks at window cleaning outof- reach areas safely and efficiently

Today, the common method of cleaning a high access area is by using a ladder and haphazardly reaching with a handheld cleaning tool.This lengthy and dangerous process includes setting up the ladder, climbing the ladder, cleaning the area within reach, climbing down the ladder,moving the ladder a few feet, and then repeating the long, arduous process until the job is complete.

This method is not only time consuming and inefficient, but has serious health and safety implications.

Ladders are also heavy and cumbersome.The weight and shape of a ladder make using it a common cause of back injury. Cleaning and maintenance staff may be required to move and set up a ladder dozens of times just to complete one high access cleaning task.

To make the job easier and safer, many window cleaners are trading in their ladders for light-weight telescopic poles and high access cleaning systems. Telescopic poles have a wide range of benefits over using ladders.Telescopic pole systems keep maintenance staff on the ground.They include adjustable poles with multiple cleaning attachments, each designed for a specific cleaning or building maintenance task.

A telescopic pole system helps to dramatically decrease the likelihood of injury by eliminating the need for professionals to climb ladders, or hang from belts or platforms.

Beyond converting to a telescopic pole system for high access cleaning, there are many resources available to those seeking education regarding safety. Maintenance staff should attend safety seminars and training sessions regularly. They should also remain upto- date on the latest safety issues and most efficient and safe cleaning tools available.

Some best practices for high access safety include, staying clear of overhead electrical lines,wearing a hat or head protection, when using a pole system, use the appropriate pole for the task at hand, the base of the pole should not extend beyond shoulder’s height when cleaning, use good judgment and common sense! Safety is not the only concern when cleaning a high area. High access cleaning is one of the most inconvenient and time-consuming chores.Telescopic pole systems in place of a traditional ladder system can provide 20 to 30 percent time savings.The telescopic pole system enables cleaners to move freely at ground level while cleaning much larger areas of space.Versatility is the most important consideration when selecting a high access cleaning system. A good high access cleaning system should put everything within arm’s reach. Systems such as Unger’s High Access System range of telescopic cleaning poles can be used with squeegee and washer attachments to allow easily accomplishment of a wide range of tasks. A collection of lightweight, yet strong aluminium cleaning poles, the range is designed to solve the problem of cleaning hard to reach, high access areas.

Unger has recently launched its new ErgoTec Locking Cone.

Ergonomically designed for locking secure Unger’s High Access System, the new ErgoTec LockingCone provides maximum safety when working with telescopic cleaning poles.The product allows tools to be locked securely, preventing attachments from falling off during use. Fitting over the pole, the ErgoTec LockingCone snaps in two holes and allows tools to be easily changed by pressing a quick release spring.

When selecting a high access cleaning system, ergonomics is also a major consideration. Individuals should seek telescopic pole systems that offer a variety of lengths.Good systems include poles that can extend anywhere from four to 30 feet in length. This provides a great deal of flexibility in determining the most appropriate tool for the task at hand. Ergonomic grips for easy and safe use are also an important feature. The pole systems should be easy to manage and comfortable for cleaning staff to use.

There are many considerations when determining how best to clean a high area. Safety, efficiency, versatility and ergonomics are the most critical components when considering a high access cleaning program. By choosing a telescopic pole system, cleaning professionals can achieve decreased cleaning time and increased worker safety.

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