Succumbing to Safety Standards
 Over the years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its fall protection criteria and regulations which has raised awareness of the problem. More recently, the development of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/IWCA I-14 Window Cleaning Safety Standard established new requirements for window cleaning safety and enforcement. Divided into two parts, the first is comprised of safety guidelines for the use of window cleaning equipment. The other is for those who manufacture, distribute, design, install or maintain the equipment.
Today, OSHA's fall protection standard requires those who are working at heights of six feet or higher to use fall protection. Accordingly, cleaning professionals can further adhere to safety regulations by using window cleaning tools that comply with government safety standards.
Products Pioneer Protection
Many window cleaning professionals have at their disposal a large selection of professional equipment that saves time, cleans thoroughly and is easy to use and carry. But equipment for fall protection is also available and should be used regularly. For example, the use of safety harnesses or vests is required by OSHA standards. These products are designed for comfort -- padded, fully adjustable and available in a variety of sizes. To enhance these harnesses and make them more functional, some manufacturers offer tool belts and attachable accessories for keeping window cleaning tools accessible while cleaning from heights.
In 2002, the jansan industry reported more than 15,000 work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), according to a Department of Labor on occupational injuries and illnesses. Common injuries include muscular aches and pains and discomfort of the lower back, neck, knees, right shoulder, wrist and hand. These are exacerbated by awkward cleaning postures such as reaching and stooping to clean hard to reach areas, wringing and repetitive actions, and static motions and equipment weight which cause unnecessary stress and force to joints and muscles. For this reason, ergonomics have become another important safety precaution for the window cleaning industry.
To reduce strain from work, many window cleaning tools are now made of lightweight, durable materials like steel, aluminum or plastic. Buckets can be made of polypropylene and feature ergonomic handles for carrying stability. Casters and other accessories are available for transporting heavy loads without lifting. Ergonomically designed tools adhere to the worker's body rather than forcing the user into unnatural postures. When used properly, these tools can ease physical stress and labor which can enhance cleaning productivity and profitability. Manufacturing advancements include re-designed handles of scrapers, squeegees and washers to improve cleaning performance and reduce stress on hands and wrists.
Finally, Bright credits overexposure to extreme temperatures and elements such as sun and cold with the cause of a small but significant portion of injury in the window cleaning industry. The use of clothing, gloves and equipment that offer protection in harsh conditions can offer further protection to window cleaning professionals.
Handling High Access
The dangers associated with ladder use are another serious industry problem related to falls. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 65,000 ladder accidents requiring emergency room treatment occur per year. Window cleaning professionals can avoid the use of unsafe ladders by switching to lightweight, telescopic poles.
Not only are telescopic poles safer to use because they eliminate ladders, but they are also ergonomic. Telescopic pole systems include adjustable poles with multiple attachments, designed for specific cleaning tasks. Telescopic pole systems keep everything within arm's reach and dramatically decrease the likelihood of injury by eliminating the need for cleaning professionals to climb ladders or hang from belts or platforms. In addition, these systems provide 20 to 30 percent time savings by enabling workers to move freely at ground level while cleaning much larger areas of space. Many telescopic poles offer a variety of lengths and can extend anywhere from four to 30 feet.
Some poles are available with ergonomic handles. They make the poles more comfortable to grasp and use for extended periods of time. When using a pole system, cleaning professionals should use the appropriate pole for the task taking precaution that the base of the pole does not extend beyond shoulder height when cleaning.
In the window cleaning industry, safety is one of the most important but most commonly overlooked considerations. Proper training and education, if instilled early, can become habits for life. But it is never too late to encourage smart decisions and common sense as well as knowledge of and adherence to industry rules and standards.
|
