Cleaning Industry News 2006

Since the introduction of of the new Work at Height Regulations (WAHR), there have been many rumours amongst window cleaners that the use of ladders is "illegal" or they have been "banned" by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). In fact this is not the case, the HSE do not ban ladders, but state that they should only be used when all other safer alternatives for work at height have been ruled out.

You are expected to carry out a risk assessment which must show that the task is low risk and of short duration, or the situation is such that use of other equipment is not appropriate, then under such circumstances ladders can be used. The HSE state that sensible risk management is what is required in order to comply with these regulations.

However common sense should also prevail, and using ladder ties to buildings or having someone "foot" the ladder should always be a priority. Remember of the 4000 major injuries caused by falls at work each year, one third follow falls from ladders. In 2004 there were 14 deaths as a result of falls from ladders. Please visit the Health and Safety Executive for further guidance.

July 2006

ENDS

WHEELIE BINS

More and more Councils are replacing dustbins with wheelie bins, which has created a completely new industry of wheelie bin washers. Until recently wheelie bin cleaning services had not existed professionally, now they even have their own category in yellow pages. Most of the wheelie bin cleaning firms are small companies, but despite the "cowboys" working out the back of transit vans, many are very professional and have invested in modern vehicles which lift and clean the wheelie bin.

With around 12 million wheelie bins currently in use, there is a big demand as no one wishes to come home from work and try to hose down a smelly bin, when it can be done for you for about £3. However from a business point of view, as one man can clean 80-100 bins per day, there must be some cash to be made by enterprising cleaners who can create a good regular round.

Although some Scottish Councils demand that such cleaning operators must apply for a street traders licence, that is not the case in England and Wales where the industry is self controlled by the National Association of Wheeled bin Washers.

May 2006

ENDS

LUCY PRODUCTS

Since the taking over of this company by SYR ltd, there have been many changes, initially in the types of bins available and SYR done a good job in their upgrading of the swing top range, but disappointed many with their price increases and the termination of manufacture of plastic dustbins.

Now however, as we come into 2006 they have ceased production of a number of chemicals that they were selling as the Lucy Professional range, including drain cleaner, caustic soda, multi use descaler, non caustic oven cleaner and multi surface polish.

January 2006

ENDS

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