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• Question — Chris Beatwell

  Where can I purchase the look up look out stickers? Thanks

  Sophie

  Hi Chris, Our pole safety stickers are free. To request five stickers, please send us an A5 envelope addressed to yourself, with sufficient return postage attached. One of your five stickers can be an extra-large sticker—just include a short note requesting that option. Please visit “Request Free Pole Stickers” on our homepage at lookuplookout.org for the postal address and full instructions. Thanks for helping spread the message: Look Up, Look Out! Kind regards, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• Question

  why are insulated poles better

  Sophie

  Hi, Properly designed and tested insulated sections can offer an additional protective barrier compared with a fully conductive pole. But the extent of that protection must be supported by evidence for the actual product. The word “insulated” alone is not enough. No cleaning pole makes working near overhead power lines safe. Electricity can flash over without contact, and an insulated handle must never be treated as permission to approach electricity. Why insulation matters Carbon fibre and aluminium conduct electricity. An insulating section is intended to interrupt a conductive path between the upper pole and the user’s hands. Whether it provides effective protection depends on the design, materials, condition, test evidence and circumstances of use. Moisture, contamination, wear, damage and conductive components can affect performance. Protection demonstrated under controlled test conditions must not be assumed to cover every situation encountered outdoors. That is why we encourage buyers to ask what has actually been tested, rather than relying on a product name, colour or sales claim. Why our campaign favours two insulated lower sections During pole handling, users may move a hand onto the second section to operate a clamp or control the pole. If only the bottom section is insulated, that movement can put a hand onto conductive material. Look Up Look Out therefore favours designs with two clearly identifiable insulated lower sections, supported by appropriate evidence and instructions. The aim is to accommodate normal hand movements more effectively. This is a campaign design preference, not a claim that two sections guarantee protection. The complete design still needs assessment, and users must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep clear of electrical hazards. What buyers should ask for Ask for evidence identifying the exact model and the sections or assembly tested. Check who performed the test, its date, the method used, whether conditions were wet or dry, the results and any limitations. A quoted voltage without this context is incomplete information. A test voltage is not a safe working voltage or permission to use the pole near a power line of that voltage. Also ask for inspection, cleaning, maintenance and replacement instructions. Evidence about a new sample cannot establish the present condition of a worn or damaged pole. Fibreglass, carbon fibre and practical handling Fibreglass can have useful insulating properties, but “fibreglass” does not automatically mean that a complete pole is electrically safe. Likewise, labels such as “hybrid” do not tell you exactly which sections are insulating or what evidence supports them. Weight, stiffness, reach and control also matter. Choose equipment suited to the job, with no more length than you need, and compare the actual models rather than judging by material name alone. Keeping clear comes first Before starting, check the working area and access route for overhead lines, including service cables to buildings. Consider the full length of the pole and where it could swing or fall. Assume overhead lines are live unless their owner confirms otherwise. If lines are within or next to the working area, consult the electricity network operator about the proposed work and required clearances. Never raise a pole or measuring device towards a line to check its height or distance. Where the job cannot be kept safely clear, stop. Insulation does not compensate for an unsafe working position. Warnings, training and protective equipment Our warning stickers are reminders to pause and check before raising a pole. They provide no electrical insulation, and displaying the campaign triangle does not mean a product has been approved or certified. Training and a practical risk assessment help turn that reminder into action. Employers and those planning the work also have responsibilities; safety must not rest solely on the person holding the pole. Do not rely on ordinary gloves or rubber-soled footwear for protection from overhead electricity. Specialist electrical PPE requires competent selection and appropriate procedures. It does not turn cleaning equipment into equipment suitable for live electrical work. Why we publish comparisons Our reviews examine the evidence available for specific products against the campaign’s published criteria. Strong claims should have strong supporting evidence, regardless of the size of the supplier. Missing evidence is not the same as a demonstrated test failure, and our reporting should distinguish them. Equally, an unsupported claim should not receive the same recognition as a properly documented one. Visit “Water-Fed Pole & GutterVac Reviews” on lookuplookout.org for the latest published comparisons and check the review date. A campaign ranking is not product certification or a guarantee of safety. Jason Knight’s life-changing injuries are why this matters so much to our campaign. We want better equipment, clearer evidence and safer working practices to help prevent another family experiencing the same devastation. Insulated sections can be a worthwhile additional precaution when their performance is properly supported. They must always sit alongside the fundamental rule: keep people and equipment safely clear of electricity. Look Up. Look Out. Kind regards, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• Question — Kevin

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

  Sophie

  Hi Kevin, There isn’t one pole that is automatically the safest choice for every roof or solar-panel cleaning job. Choose equipment designed for the task, with suitable reach, manageable weight and clear manufacturer instructions. Fibreglass can offer insulating properties, but the material name alone does not establish the electrical safety of a complete pole. Check the exact model’s construction, supporting test evidence, limitations and condition. No cleaning pole gives you permission to work near electricity. For current product comparisons, visit “Water-Fed Pole & GutterVac Reviews” on lookuplookout.org and check the date of the latest assessment. For solar panels, follow the panel manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, including the permitted brushes, cleaning methods and pressure. Do not assume panels or roof coverings can safely support the pole’s weight. If you see damaged panels, exposed wiring or loose electrical connections, stop and arrange assessment by a competent solar-PV professional. Plan the work from the ground where it can be carried out safely. Consider the pole’s full reach, where it could fall or swing, wind conditions and the strain of controlling it. Check for overhead power lines before starting. Electricity can flash over without contact. If you cannot keep the work safely clear, stop and seek advice from the electricity network operator. The safest choice combines suitable equipment, evidence supporting its claims, training and a proper assessment of the job—not simply a particular pole material. Stay safe, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• 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 welcome to window cleaning. Choose a pole that suits the work you’ll actually be doing. Consider its reach, weight, handling, durability, replacement parts and the safety evidence supplied with it. Buying the longest pole available can leave you carrying unnecessary weight on everyday jobs. For our latest published product comparisons, visit lookuplookout.org, select “Water-Fed Pole & GutterVac Reviews”, then “Water-Fed Pole Reviews”. Check the review date and the evidence recorded for the exact model you’re considering, because products and documentation can change. Ask the supplier for clear instructions, details of any insulated sections, and model-specific evidence supporting electrical safety claims. A material name or an advertised test voltage alone does not establish the safety of the complete pole. Our campaign favours two insulated lower sections on carbon-fibre poles, but that is one part of our assessment. Fibreglass poles also need their construction, condition and supporting evidence considered; the material alone is no guarantee of protection. Invest in training alongside your equipment. Our website’s training section can help you explore providers. Learning to assess each job and recognise when to stop is essential from your first day. No cleaning pole makes it safe to work near overhead power lines. Look up before raising it, check where it could move or fall, and stop if electrical hazards could be within reach. Seek advice from the electricity network operator before proceeding. Good luck getting started, and thank you for making safety part of your buying decision. Kind regards, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• Question — John

  Are fibreglass poles 100% safe? If a pole is made from fibreglass or has an electrical test certificate, does that mean I can work near electricity?

  Sophie

  Hi John, No. A fibreglass cleaning pole is not 100% safe around electricity, and it does not give you permission to work near overhead power lines. Fibreglass has electrically insulating properties, but the safety of a complete pole depends on its construction, condition and how it is used. Moisture, dirt, damage and conductive components can compromise protection. Never assume that every part of a pole is insulating simply because it is described as fibreglass. An electrical test certificate applies to the specified product or component under particular test conditions. The test voltage is not permission to work near a power line of that voltage. Electricity can flash over through the air without direct contact. A fibreglass cleaning pole is not a substitute for specialist equipment and procedures used by trained electricity workers. Before raising a pole, check the whole working area, including where it could fall or swing. If power lines could be within reach, stop and contact the electricity network operator for advice before starting. Never assume a cable is safe because it appears covered. Our safety rankings compare the available product evidence. Even a highest-ranked pole does not make working near electricity safe. Choose equipment carefully, but always keep clear of electrical hazards. Look Up. Look Out. Kind regards, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• Question — Tom H

  Hi, I am about to buy a new WFP pole which one would you recomend please.

  Sophie

  Hi Tom, Thanks for your question. The right water-fed pole depends on the work you do, the reach you need and your budget. Electrical safety deserves just as much attention as weight and price. Start with our latest published comparison: go to lookuplookout.org, choose “Water-Fed Pole & GutterVac Reviews”, then select “Water-Fed Pole Reviews”. The spreadsheet shows how products rank against our campaign’s safety criteria, based on the evidence available at the time of review. When comparing poles, look for clear information about insulated sections, model-specific testing evidence, the conditions and limitations of that testing, and durable safety warnings. For carbon-fibre poles, our campaign favours two insulated lower sections, helping users keep both hands on the intended insulated handles during normal operation. Check the date of the review before buying, because products and supporting evidence can change. Our rankings assess the available evidence; they are not a guarantee of safety or a substitute for product certification. No pole makes it safe to work close to overhead power lines. Electricity can flash over without direct contact. Look up before starting, assess the whole work area, and stop if you cannot maintain a safe distance. Seek advice from the electricity network operator if you are unsure. Thanks for supporting safer working. Kind regards, Sophie Look Up Look Out Campaign

• Question — Phil

  Can you recomend a good course to go on for window cleaning please! Thanks, Phil...WSM

  Sophie

  Hi Phil, Thanks for getting in touch. We have a dedicated Training section in the Cleaner’s Essential Toolkit here at Look Up Look Out, where we list UK exterior-cleaning training providers and the courses they currently offer. If you are looking to get into window cleaning and particularly water-fed pole work, one course I would certainly suggest looking at is: British Window Cleaning Academy (BWCA) WFP2: Getting the Best from Waterfed Poles This combines online theory with proper hands-on practical training and is aimed at both beginners and existing window cleaners wanting to improve their water-fed pole skills. The course covers areas including: • Correct pole handling and practical use • Pole materials • Ergonomics and reducing fatigue • Working with water-fed pole systems • Cleaning at heights of up to 45 ft / 13.7 m The course is currently listed at £195 plus VAT (£234 including VAT), with practical training available at their Swindon training centre. BWCA contact details British Window Cleaning Academy Westerngate Hillmead Enterprise Park Swindon SN5 5WN Telephone: 01793 891 980 Email: info@bwca.co.uk Another very worthwhile option, particularly for the safety and professional side of the industry, is the: Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) – Cleaning Windows Safely This is a one-day IOSH-approved face-to-face course covering: • Water-fed pole systems • Portable ladders • Current health and safety requirements • Employment law relevant to the industry • Practical demonstrations alongside classroom theory The Federation also offers a separate IOSH-approved Risk Assessment Course, covering hazard identification, risk-control measures and preparing proper risk assessments. FWC contact details Federation of Window Cleaners Summerfield House Harrogate Road Reddish Stockport Cheshire SK5 6HQ Telephone: 0161 432 8754 Email: info@f-w-c.co.uk If you are completely new to the trade and looking for practical water-fed pole training, I would personally start by speaking to BWCA about the WFP2 course. I would then seriously consider the FWC safety training as you develop your business. Being able to clean a window properly is obviously important, but knowing how to assess the job, recognise hazards and work safely around things such as overhead electricity is every bit as important. The training providers on our website are independently listed for information, so always speak directly to the provider to confirm current course content, dates, prices and availability before booking. Hope that helps, Phil, and all the best if you're starting out in the industry. Sophie Look Up Look Out

• Question

  I need to purchase the Look up Look out stickers

  Sophie

  Hi, Thanks for your message and for supporting the Look Up Look Out campaign. We currently have two sizes of safety stickers available: Small stickers – designed to be fitted directly onto your water-fed pole. Large stickers – ideal for equipment such as water tanks, hose reels and other appliances. Thanks to the continued support of a number of pole manufacturers, pole stickers are provided completely free of charge. Details are on our home page. under the Request Free Pole Stickers button. Thank you for helping us spread this vital electrical safety message. Every sticker is another reminder to Look Up. Look Out. Sophie Ask Sophie – Look Up Look Out

• 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.”