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• Question — Kevin D

  Hi I am just starting out window cleaning, what is the best pole i should buy for safety and quality.

  Sophie

  Hi Kevin, thanks for your question and congrats on getting started. It's a great question because the best pole is not just about weight or price, it's about safety and performance too. If your main priority is electrical insulation, a full fibreglass pole provides the highest level of insulation, but they are heavier and less rigid, especially at height. For a lot of cleaners, a hybrid pole with2 insulated lower sections and carbon fibre uppers is a really strong balance of safety and also day to day usability. Based on the evidence we've reviewed, currently the joint leaders are Ionic Hydra, Equip2Clean Aquaspray Venom, and GVS Kevlar Pro water-fed pole. UltraReach UltraSafe is close behind, with Gardiner CLX also offering worthwhile insulation. But since you're new, I would strongly recommend investing in good training as well as kit. Learning safe working practices and proper risk assessment will make far more difference to your long-term safety than any one piece of equipment. We've listed some recognised providers on the training section of our website if you wanted to go and have a look. And just to underline no pole makes it safe to work near overhead power lines. Electricity can arc through air without contact, so always look up first, stay well clear, and if ever in doubt, stop and call 105 for advice from your local network operator. It's great that you're asking about this right at the start of your career and we wish you every success. Regards Sophie & the Look Up Look Out team.

• Question — Kevin

  What is the best safest type of WF pole to use cleaning a roof and solar panels?

  Sophie

  Hi Kevin, That's a cracking question, and one that doesn't get asked often enough. If I was specifically buying a pole for roof cleaning and solar panel cleaning, I'd personally choose a full fibreglass pole. The reason is simple. Fibreglass is the most electrically resistant material commonly used for water-fed poles, so if your priority is reducing electrical risk as much as possible, it's the best choice. Another advantage is that when you're cleaning a roof or solar panels, you're often able to rest some of the pole's weight against the roof or the panels themselves. That means the extra weight and flexibility of a fibreglass pole aren't as much of a drawback as they would be when cleaning high windows all day. That said, it's important to remember that no pole makes working near overhead power lines safe. Fibreglass is more electrically resistant, but electricity can still arc through the air, especially at higher voltages. The safest approach is always to identify overhead power lines before you start, keep well clear of them, and if you can't maintain a safe distance, don't do the job. So, if your question is simply, "What's the safest type of pole for roof and solar panel cleaning?" my answer would be a full fibreglass pole, combined with good planning, a proper site survey, and constant awareness of overhead electrical hazards. Stay safe, Sophie

• Question — Gerry

  What is the law considering working at height , fall prevention etc , maximum working at height without fall prevention and does your insurance cover you if you fall. ?

  Sophie

  Hello Gerry, Thank you for your question. This is an important area because falls from height remain one of the biggest causes of serious injury and death in the workplace. What does the law say about working at height? In the UK, work at height is primarily governed by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations apply whenever a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury. Contrary to what many people believe, there is no specific legal maximum height at which fall protection suddenly becomes required. The law focuses on risk, not a particular number of feet or metres. For example, falling from a step ladder, a flat roof, a conservatory, a scaffold, a cherry picker, or even into an opening or excavation could all fall under the regulations if there is a risk of injury. The regulations require employers and self-employed persons to: • Avoid working at height where possible. • Use suitable equipment and safe working methods. • Prevent falls wherever reasonably practicable. • Minimise the consequences if a fall does occur. • Ensure workers are trained and competent. When is fall prevention required? The first principle is to prevent a fall rather than simply protect someone after they have fallen. Examples of fall prevention measures include: • Guard rails. • Edge protection. • Scaffolding. • Mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs). • Properly installed working platforms. • Safety barriers. Where these measures are not reasonably practicable, other controls such as harnesses and lanyards may be used as part of a suitable safe system of work. The exact requirements depend on the task, the location, the duration of the work, weather conditions, and the likelihood and severity of injury should a fall occur. What about window cleaners and pole work? Window cleaners often reduce risk by working from the ground using water-fed poles rather than climbing ladders. This is one of the reasons water-fed pole systems have become so widely adopted across the industry. However, working from ground level introduces other hazards that must still be managed, including overhead power lines, traffic, pedestrians, uneven ground, weather conditions and equipment safety. As always, a proper risk assessment should be carried out before starting work. Will insurance cover you if you fall? This is where many people get caught out. There is no single answer because insurance policies vary significantly between insurers. Many public liability and employers' liability policies will cover claims arising from accidents, including falls, provided you have complied with the policy conditions and applicable health and safety requirements. However, insurers may investigate: • Whether a risk assessment was carried out. • Whether the correct equipment was used. • Whether training was provided. • Whether industry guidance was followed. • Whether the work was undertaken within the policy's stated height limits. Some policies contain specific working-at-height restrictions. For example, a policy may allow work up to a certain height without additional notification, while others may require special cover for higher-risk activities such as roofing, steeplejack work, rope access, or tree surgery. For that reason, it is extremely important to: Read your policy schedule and policy wording carefully. Check for any "height limit" clauses. Confirm with your broker or insurer exactly what activities are covered. Obtain written confirmation if you are unsure. If there is any doubt, speak directly to your insurance broker before carrying out the work. My advice Don't rely on assumptions. Whether you're an employer, self-employed tradesperson, or contractor, take a few minutes to review both your risk assessments and your insurance documents. Understanding your responsibilities before an accident happens is far easier than trying to deal with the consequences afterwards. Working at height can be carried out safely, but only when proper planning, suitable equipment and sensible precautions are in place. Best regards, Sophie

• Question

  How can I stay safe when I have a long pole near power lines and its very windy?

  Sophie

  Ah, a windy day with a pole is basically a kite you don’t want. Step one: Don’t even start. Check overhead lines and wind forecasts before you go up. If it’s windy or unclear, call it off. If in doubt, contact your DNO (105) and get proper assessment. A pole and power lines don’t mix—especially in a gale! Best regards, Sophie.

• Question

  Are you real

  Sophie

  “I’m as real as your morning cuppa—just minus the biscuit crumbs. I’m here, I’m witty, and ready to help—just not in the flesh! Best regards, Sophie.”