The benefits of water-fed pole systems

The water-fed pole is one of the window cleaner’s most versatile and trustworthy tools. Residential and commercial window cleaners alike use it to bring sparkle to high windows that other hand-held tools cannot reach. The handy contraption can reach up to 70 feet – that’s about seven storeys! It enables windows to be cleaned accurately, efficiently and safely from the ground, rather than the cleaner having to abseil or use a cradle or cherry picker. Here are just some of the many benefits of using the water-fed pole for commercial cleaning

Efficiency

The water-fed pole system is incredibly versatile, so window cleaners can use it for a number of different tasks. This saves the need for multiple bits of equipment. By having the water-fed pole as the go-to solution for cleaning the first seven storeys of a building, window cleaners can work quickly and efficiently to get the building in sparkling condition.

Safety

Ladders are not often used in commercial cleaning, as the size of the buildings is usually too large and water-fed poles are a much safer and more efficient option. With water-fed poles, window cleaners can clean areas of glass that are beyond their natural reach without having to take their feet off the ground. They are a good option for cleaning higher storeys without requiring fall-arrest equipment.

Environmental friendliness

Water-fed pole systems use pure water, which is water that has been treated to remove any impurities. As it does not use harsh chemicals or detergents, it is an environmentally friendly option for cleaning windows. While water-fed poles are excellent water savers and reduce the amount of water that is wasted during the cleaning process, pure water ensures that, if any water does come into contact with surrounding plant life, it will not cause any damage.

A sparkling finish

The pure water system that is used with water-fed poles means that a better finish is achieved on the windows, as no residue is left behind from chemicals or detergents. The brush on the end of the water-fed pole loosens any grime and dirt on the window, while the pure water washes it away – meaning no scrubbing or close-up cleaning is necessary.

Here at Diamond shine, our high-tech window cleaning equipment means that we always have the right tools for the job – whether that’s a water-fed pole or a cherry picker. If your building in Gloucester, Cheltenham and the surrounding areas needs cleaning, just contact us today!

How to Climb a Ladder Safely

With an estimated two million ladders in daily use across the UK, it is perhaps not surprising that ladders account for around 40% of falls from height accidents investigated by the Health & Safety Executive in workplaces in the UK each year.

The use of ladders is by far and away the largest single cause of such accidents both in the workplace and at home.

We decided to share the Do’s and Dont’s on the use of ladders. While its best not to use them sometimes they need to be used.

How to Put Up Ladders

Placing ladders in the wrong position is the most often made mistake that leads to injuries. Here is how to place the put up the ladder safely.

• Make sure you do not put the ladder on uneven ground.
• Place the ladder laying flat on the ground.
• Push one end of the ladder against a wall.
• Lift the other end of the ladder up and rest against the wall.
• Set the right angle, by using a 1:4 ratio. Divide the ladder by four. If the ladder i 4 meters long, the base should be 1 meter away from the wall.
• If the ladder is extra long, find a second person to help from the other end.

How to Climb a Ladder Safely

• Ensure that your ladder is fit and fully functional before using it. Check thoroughly for any loose steps or other defects.
• When you place the ladder, be sure it is on an even and not slippery surface. Remember that just one swing can be crucial. If the ground is uneven, do not put anything under the ladder, as it will only make it more unstable.
• Always climb with a two-hand grip, facing the ladder.
• Avoid holding a box of tools in one hand when climbing up.
• Take one step at a time and don’t rush it. If the angle is not right, you should be able to feel some shaking. Get back down to fix the angle in necessary.

How to Climb a Step Ladder Safely

• Ensure the ladder is fit and fully functional before using it.
• Never set up a stepladder on uneven, or slippery ground.
• Never sit or stand on the very top step of the step ladder.
• Only climb up the front of the ladder, never the back side.
• Do not allow a second person to climb from the other side. There are special two person ladders out there, but if this isn’t one, let the second person only hold the ladder in place if they want to help.
• Keep your hips within the two vertical rails.
• Remove all tools and materials from the ladder before moving it. You really want that hammer falling on your face?
• Never use a step ladder like an extension ladder by leaning it against a wall.

Never leave step ladders unattended, especially if there are children around. Remember your childhood and how fun it was to get on high places – the kids want to do it too. So, when you’re done working, put the ladder away, or at least lay it on the ground.

What Not to Do

The following basic precautions come in handy.

• Never use the top two steps of an extension ladder.
• Do not work near any electricity, especially if the ladder is made of metal.
• Do not lean a step ladder to a wall, the way you would do with an extension ladder. They don’t work the same way.
• Both step ladder feet should sit firmly on the ground. If the ground is uneven, dig some dirt out from beneath one foot.
• Never place an extension ladder on slippery surfaces.
• Always face the ladder when ascending and descending.
• Use both hands to grab the rungs, not the rails.
• Wear a tool belt or holster to carry tools and supplies in order to decrease your time going up and down.
• Keep your hips within the vertical side rails, otherwise the ladder will lose balance.

Velux window cleaning in Aldsworth

One of our many jobs last week, a large property in Aldsworth, Gloucestershire. The customer previously though their velux windows were inaccessible without expensive access equipment. We can clean velux windows from the ground up to a height of 50ft at a very affordable price. Contact us today for a free quotation. 

Full house valet in Stroud

One of our many jobs completed this week, gutters cleaned and cleared, fascia cleaned, conservatory roof cleaned and all the windows, frames and sills at an affordable price. One very happy customer. If your property exterior is in need of a a good clean give us a call or fill out our online form.

Another happy customer signed up for a regular monthly clean

Salon services in Gloucester have been after a reliable window cleaning company for a while and now they have found one! If your business is in need of a clean then do not hesitate to contact us! 

Builder's clean at Bristol university!

We have just completed a builders clean at bristol university, full internal and external window clean on very old delicate windows. If you are coming to the end of a building project and in need of a cleaner contact us today on 01452 346124 or email info@dswindowcleaning.co.uk