COMMERCIAL GUIDELINES ACCORDING TO OSHA
INTERNATIONAL
WINDOW CLEANER
CERTIFICATION
INSTITUTE
COURSE STUDY
PROGRAM
For Window Cleaner Safety Certification
Commercial Ground Operations
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DISCLAIMER
The International Window Cleaner Certification Institute assumes no liability, and in no event shall the International Window
Cleaner Certification Institute be liable, in whole or in part, for any loss or damage, whether ordinary, special, incidental or
consequential, which may occur or be named as a result of the use or misuse of the information presented in this workbook. The
International Window Cleaner Certification Institute Association does not guarantee the accuracy of the quoted regulations and there
is no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. You should consult your Local, State and Federal Regulatory
Agencies to insure accuracy. This training program should not be considered as a substitute for, or take precedence over, your
company’s proprietary safety and training programs.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2002- by the International Window Cleaner Certification Institute. Reproduction of these materials in any format is
strictly prohibited without the expressed written consent of the International Window Cleaner Certification Institute.
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Commercial Ground Operations
Duties Of The Window Cleaning Contractor
-To provide window cleaning and safety equipment which meets all regulatory standards and is regularly
inspected and maintained in safe working condition.
-To insure that all services are performed according to Federal, State and Local Regulations including labor
laws.
-To maintain a valid Safety Program. This should include documented training, re-training and any related
information.
-To prohibit all window-cleaning operations when adverse conditions may affect the safety of the worker,
workers or the public. (i.e. inclement weather, unsafe building, etc.)
-To uphold the Code of Ethics of the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA).
-To provide any person or person’s contracting their services, with proof of the following:
a) Adequate liability and workmen’s compensation insurance in accordance with Federal, State or
Local regulations.
b) Compliance with Federal, State or Local licensing and/or registration requirements.
c) That all subcontractors used maintain a legal business and are adequately insured.
Duties Of The Employee
-To follow all guidelines set forth by the employer.
-To become proficient in the use of all window cleaning and safety equipment which they are expected to
operate.
-To attend all Safety and Training programs offered by the Employer.
-To use all equipment for its intended purpose only and to report any damaged or worn equipment
immediately.
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Supervising Safety
The basic responsibility for ensuring occupational safety and health on the job belongs to the
supervisor. To accomplish this, the supervisor must first understand the factors that influence accidents.
Environment
The physical layout of the work area should be designed in a manner that ensures employees’ safety.
Job procedures and tasks should be specified with safety in mind to prevent employee injury. The work
process must be orderly without undue obstacles.
Equipment
The right tools must be matched to the task at hand. In addition, tools and equipment must be well
maintained and periodically inspected. Consider the relationship of the worker and their equipment.
Employees
Employees must be trained how to do their jobs properly. They should be assigned to tasks that they
are capable of performing. The environment and equipment can be relatively easy to identify and correct,
when necessary. It is the people factor that is most difficult.
Why do people take safety risks ?
Generally, people take safety risks to save time and effort. They do this because in the past, accidents
have not occurred when taking that risk. As a result, the unsafe behavior was "rewarded".
Why is it important not to take risks ?
If you take risks enough times, eventually you may become seriously injured. The laws of probability
make it inevitable.
For every lost time accident, there is an even larger number of
accidents which require first aid or medical treatment. All of these
accidents, despite their consequences, are a result of an even greater
number of unsafe acts. The higher the number of unsafe acts, the
greater the likelihood of accidents requiring medical treatment and the
greater the chances of lost time accidents.
By simply reducing the number of unsafe acts, the number of
accidents throughout the workplace can be reduced.
In order to reduce unsafe acts, it is important to focus attention on employee behaviors and not on
employee attitudes.
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Attitudes and Behavior
What is the difference between attitudes and behaviors ?
Attitudes, like feelings, occur internally. Behaviors, however, are observable actions.
Supervisors should focus on behaviors because they can be seen and, therefore, are easier to change.
Attitudes are more difficult to identify and, therefore, are more difficult to change.
Traditionally, many safety programs have tried to change attitudes through slogans, poster, or incentive
programs. This is difficult because we can only guess what a person’s attitude is, since it can not be seen.
In time, as people become accustomed to behaving in a certain way, their attitudes will tend to change.
Behavior Modification
The techniques a supervisor can use to modify behavior of workers involves modeling, reward, and
correction.
Modeling
Modeling simply refers to any means by which you demonstrate the proper technique to do a job.
Modeling occurs when people behave in a way that other people can imitate. The supervisor should set a good
example.
Supervisors day-to-day actions are observed by the employees they work with and it is from those
actions that employees should learn to work safely. However, when they see you by pass a known safety
procedure, you have sent a mixed message. You said one thing, but did another. In this instance, two wrongs
do not make a right.
Rewarding
Rewarding a desired behavior will make it occur more frequently. Rewarding employees for
performing a task correctly is the best method to use to improve safety. Tell them when they do a good job,
which includes not only the completion of the task, but the safe performance of it as well.
Correction
Follow these steps to correct unsafe behavior
• Identify the unsafe act or condition you see.
• Inform the employee of the correct method you want used.
• Check to be sure that the employee understands the
required change in behavior.
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• Emphasize the importance of the employee’s safety to you and the company.
Attitudes versus Behavior
Attitudes are internal and difficult to assess. Behavior is an observable action. Remember, unsafe
behavior does not just happen. As a supervisor, you make the difference between a safe workplace and one
that is unsafe. You influence the behavior of those people under your direction. And through your influence
you can in fact, manage their behavior. A constant management of behavior will eventually affect an attitude.
Think Safety by Planning Ahead
Risk and hazard in window cleaning is usually associated with the high rise industry. However,
statistics bear out that more accidents occur with ladders than any other piece of window cleaning equipment.
Accidents with ladders usually are devastating, many times resulting in loss of life or permanent injury. These
accidents are always attributable to the misuse of the ladder or poor judgment by the person involved in the
accident.
While misuse of ladders is a source of accidents, window cleaners have also been injured falling over
their own bucket or slipping in water they left on the floor or by getting tangled up with their pole resulting in
a fall. Residential and route window cleaners have lost their lives because they did not fully understand the
physics of high voltage electricity and the arc distance of electricity.
Customers of window cleaner clients have slipped on water or stumbled over unattended equipment or
have been hit by the end of a window cleaning pole. When cleaning windows on busy sidewalks, inattentive
window cleaners have caused injury to pedestrians. The landscape of window cleaning is cluttered with cases
of accidents stemming from a disregard for the window cleaner’s personal safety and a disregard for the safety
of others in that landscape.
There are also as many stories about window cleaners damaging property of others as there are
window cleaners. Mistakes happen, windows are broken or flawed, merchandise soiled or spoiled, house
siding dented or marred, unattended ladders or extension poles blowing over in the wind onto automobiles or
into neighboring windows. The reasons for practicing safety then, are twofold, to protect the window cleaner
and employees from pain and suffering and the anguish of lost time and money, as well as protecting the
property and customers of the clients the window cleaner serves.
There is no such thing as an unavoidable accident. The most important element in making those
accidents avoidable is attitude. The window cleaner must develop a total safety consciousness. Total time lost
because of taking chances that result in death or injury far overshadows the time gained from taking those
chances. No hard working, success driven window cleaner will start out their day with this thought in mind,
"Well, I guess I’ll go injure myself today!" or "I wonder what I can do today to cause pain and suffering to my
employees?" or "What careless act can I do today to cause my best customer to be sued in a court of law?" Of
course not! But by not thinking safety and planning for safety, the result might be the same.
When we take chances we need to consider how many people we are putting at risk, our self, our
family, our clients, their customers and sometimes pedestrians. One might conclude that life is full of risks,
which may be true, but may we also conclude it is the management of risks that leads to a safety
consciousness? Safety education can help us better understand the full consequences of our actions. The
IWCA strongly recommends safety training for all aspects of window cleaning. The first rule of safety is
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simple: "Do not take chances with your life and the life of others!" The second rule is to use education and
training so unsafe practices can be recognized and avoided.
The basic responsibility for ensuring occupational safety and health on the job belongs to the
supervisor. To accomplish this, the supervisor must first understand the factors that influence accidents as
explained in the Supervising Safety section.
Access Equipment
The ladder is an essential tool for the route and residential company. See the Ladder Safety section of
this publication. This section is required reading for anyone interested in starting a window cleaning business.
There are more fatal and serious-injury accidents involving ladders than any other piece of window cleaning
equipment. Choose your ladder carefully and learn about the proper, safe use of that ladder. A good rule of
initial safety is buying the best, strongest ladder.
Extension Ladders
Extension ladders are popular provided that a high-quality ladder is selected.
Probably the ladders sold at the discount stores will not withstand the rigor of
everyday use. A good ladder is an insurance policy towards an extra degree
of safety. The extra money paid for a high-quality extension ladder spread
over many years of use becomes insignificant but the extra measure of safety
a high-quality ladder provides is not insignificant. Builder’s ladders, also
called progressive sectionals, or stack ladders, all of which are commonly
referred to as "window cleaner ladders," are very popular among experienced
window cleaners. These ladders come in six-foot sections that slip together to
achieve the height desired. Each set of ladders has a top section, a bottom
section, and two or three middle sections. Extra middle sections of different
lengths can be purchased. Sectional ladders cost more that extension ladders
of the same length but this ladder is extremely versatile, easier to handle and
transport than extension ladders.
Stepladders
Stepladders or portable work platforms are critical to the residential window cleaner. Caution on the side of
safety is asked again. Be aware that the stepladder is the most dangerous tool in any household. Pick a
stepladder for strength and stability and be educated in the safe use of that ladder. It is a good idea to have
several sizes of these ladders.
Basic Safety for Window Cleaners
1. Window cleaning shall be prohibited when the window cleaner’s work area is exposed to excessive
winds. Excessive winds are considered to be any wind, which constitutes a hazard to the worker, public or
property.
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USE YOUR BEST JUDGEMENT here. WIND IS THE ENEMY of professional window cleaners and
no window is worth putting yourself, co-workers or the general public at risk.
2. Fall protection, perimeter guarding, personal fall arrest systems or a personal fall restraint system (as
applicable) shall be provided for all work areas (with the exception of working from a ladder supported at
grade or using a window cleaner’s belt and window cleaner’s belt anchors) that expose a worker to a fall
hazard when approaching within 6 feet (1800 mm) of an unguarded edge or unguarded skylight. The means
or methods used shall comply with industry standards.
This means that whenever you are within 6 feet of an un-protected roof edge, ledge or other surface
from which you may fall further than 6 feet, YOU MUST HAVE FALL PROTECTION.
3. When equipment used to access windows is suspended over or
erected near an area traversed by workers, the public or vehicular
traffic, warning signs shall be positioned below and the ground area
directly under or adjacent to the work zone shall be effectively
blocked by means of barricades. A competent person shall determine
if additional means of protection are necessary.
4. Unprotected, energized electrical lines or equipment shall not
be contacted with tools or equipment. A minimum safe distance is no
less than 10 feet (3 m). If unsure, the power company should be consulted.
Specific Guidelines
1. Reaching out to clean a window may be done only if the following criteria are met;
a) the window can be safely accessed;
b) all the glass surfaces can be cleaned with only one arm (the part of the body below the worker’s shoulder)
of the window cleaner extended beyond the outermost glass plane when his or her feet are firmly on the floor
or safe working surface without the use of a ladder or other access device;
c) the height of the sill prevents the worker from falling through the opening;
d) the window and all its appurtenances are sound and in proper working order;
e) the worker is protected from falling through the opening, in a manner that complies with industry
standards.
2. Workers should not place any body weight on the window or
window frame while reaching out to clean.
3. Workers should not walk or place body weight on any overhead
glass in a skylight or atrium. Walking on the framework is acceptable if it
has been designed for such loading. Proper personal fall protection shall
be engaged along with appropriate danger signs and barricades.
4. If the cleaning process produces excess water it is the workers
responsibility to remove it immediately and place appropriate danger signs.
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5. When performing window cleaning on or around a public entranceway, extreme
care shall be taken. Proper danger signs should be in place.
6. When working on the inside of a building the worker should store their bucket and
all tools out of the way of public traffic.
7. When using extension devices of any kind extreme care should be taken while
working around electrical lines or devices. Unprotected, energized electrical lines or
equipment shall not be contacted with tools or equipment. A minimum safe distance is no
less than 10 feet. If unsure, the power company should be consulted. Proper danger signs
should be in place if the extension devices are longer than 20 feet. When an extension pole or device is used
while working on or from ladders, platforms or suspended access equipment near areas traversed by the
general public, tools, attachments and the pole itself shall be secured to prevent them from falling.
8. Window cleaning should not be performed on any exterior window sill or working surface without
either proper fall protection or personal fall protection.
9. Any areas of a job site which have been labeled as dangerous by the building owner or manager should
be avoided until access has been determined as safe.
10. Any window cleaning company, which also provides pesticide control, shall do so according to
Federal, State and Local regulations.
11. When chemicals are used for window cleaning it shall be the employers’ responsibility to establish a
written hazard communication program complying with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200, and to adequately train
and provide all information to employees that will be working with the chemicals. Hazardous or corrosive
materials shall not be used in the course of window cleaning when they may endanger the health and safety of
the worker or may affect the safe operation of the equipment.
When hazardous or corrosive materials will be utilized in the course of window cleaning, the employer will
consult with qualified persons regarding the chemical agent’s compatibility with the window cleaning
apparatus and safety systems. To determine compatibility, laboratory testing may be required.
Employees that will be subjected to working with hazardous or corrosive chemicals shall use personal
protective equipment in accordance with the chemical’s "Material Safety Data Sheet" (MSDS) and in
compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 through 1910.136.
EQUIPMENT THAT SHALL NOT BE USED FOR WINDOW CLEANING
1. Portable Sills.
2. Window Jacks
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General Safety Do’s and Don’ts
· Be committed to safety education for yourself and for employees.
· Always work with your bucket between you and the window, preferably up close against the building.
· Never place your bucket in the pedestrian walkway, in front of a door or the middle of the sidewalk. The
customers of the client are more important to that client than the window cleaner. Blocking entrances
while working will be frowned on and can cause safety problems.
· If a pole must be left unattended lay it down against the building behind the bucket. Round things like
poles roll and can cause horrible injuries when stepped on by the window cleaner or a passerby. Poles
leaned up against the building can blow over in the wind or can be stepped through by a pedestrian not
watching where they are going.
· When using long extension poles, firmly affix tools to the pole.
· When cleaning in heavy pedestrian traffic areas display, "caution" signs.
· If work must be done on pedestrian busy sidewalks, choose the shortest pole possible for the work to be
done; all of the pole should be between the window cleaner and the window; squeegee down to eye level
with the pole and hand squeegee the rest. Long extension pole work should be done during off peak traffic
times.
· Be aware and beware of electric lines overhead when using long extension poles. Learn about the arcing
ability of electricity. Most electric lines in urban areas are shielded but never assume this. Find out!
Contact with high voltage electricity is instant death! The arc distance of high voltage is up to ten feet!
· When cleaning windows on a sloping sidewalk hillside, work from the low side to the high side. This will
reduce the chance of falling.
· Clean up excess water on floors for the safety of the window cleaner as well as others.
· Caution! A long squeegee in a squeegee holster is a sweeper of items off tables in restaurants, off desks in
offices, produce in grocery stores. It can catch in doors, in peoples clothing, in shopping carts, etc.
· Neon signs are high voltage devices. Turn off electricity at the source, not on the sign.
· Learn about what chemicals can be safely mixed. Read MSDS sheets provided by manufacturers of
cleaning chemicals. These sheets should be posted in your office and copies carried in all vehicles, as
OSHA requires this information to be posted at all job work sites. If you have employees make sure they
are made aware of the MSDS information. Ammonia and certain detergents are incompatible. Know the
health hazards and side affects of alcohol used in cold weather window cleaning.
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· If ladders are used, attend a ladder safety course. Do not assume existing knowledge is sufficient.
Applying knowledge of side loading and stress point dynamics can prevent serious accidents. See Ladder
Safety Section.
· Make sure all equipment is in good serviceable condition.
· Practice, teach and demand safe driving!
· Learn and think safety
· Reward employees for safe work habits.
· Carry adequate insurance to protect company, customers and employees.
CHEMICAL USE
Hazard Communication
This section deals with some of the danger involved in the window cleaning industry. Primarily, one can
envision that most of the danger lies within falls from elevations. This is typical, however, in this day and age
and new concern is abound in just about every industry as well as ours.
This concern is the use of chemicals in the workplace and regulations have come about recently that will keep
this concern to a minimum.
Before chemicals are introduced into the workplace, special considerations must be made, such as: training,
handling, storage, transportation, health hazards and emergency measures. The use of chemicals in any work
place is one of the hottest global topics today, and the following information will assist you in meeting
compliance with the current regulations.
The use of common sense is usually all that is needed to identify the material to be removed from the window
or architectural surface.
When dealing with water stains, a water sample can be taken and tested for minerals or other ingredients to aid
you in choosing the proper chemical for removal of the stain. The trial and error method works as long as you
choose an inconspicuous area of the window.
If you are removing stains or foreign materials from a building surface, the chemical you choose may produce
an unwanted chemical reaction with the material you are trying to remove. Some reactions are dangerous
fumes or heat that can injure workers or damage the building surface.
Choosing the correct chemical is critical. The manufacturers of exterior building materials may not tell you
how to remove the foreign substance form their product, but they can provide you with name or names of
chemicals that are not to be used. This valuable information may prevent you from using a chemical that will
not only remove the foreign material from the surface but the surface itself.
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A window cleaner needs an education of the following before any chemicals are used:
1. The type of foreign material or residue to be removed
2. The reaction the chemical will have on the material/residue
3. The composition of the surface that the material/residue is to be removed from
4. The affect the chemical may have on the person using it [if exposed]
5. The affect the chemical may have on the environment [if exposed]
The Importance of Reading a Label
Labels on chemicals you may use for window cleaning, come in many formats. Some labels use words to
describe the hazards, and some use number and colors to help you quickly identify the kind and degree of
hazard the chemical could present.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL FIRST
Always read the label before you move, handle or open a chemical container. It has a lot of valuable
information and instructions.
A Label Will Tell You:
• The identity of the chemical-the common name, the chemical name or both. If the substance contains more
than one chemical, they will all be listed.
• The name and address of the company that manufactured or imported the chemical.
• The chemical’s physical hazards. (What might happen if you handle it incorrectly)
• The chemical’s health hazards. These are the possible health problems that could result from overexposure.
• Some labels include important information on storage and handling instructions.
• Basic protective clothing, equipment, and procedures that should be used when working with the chemical
are usually listed.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is often called the key to hazard communication. The MSDS is
the one place where you can find all the important information on the chemical. (Labels contain a lot of useful
information, but because of their small size they can’t provide all the information you may need to stay safe.)
MSDSs do not have to follow any specific format. But they all have to provide the same kinds of
information. OSHA’s recommended MSDS format is most widely used and is the one the IWCA
recommends. The MSDS is divided into eight sections.
Important: Always be sure that you are using the latest version of an MSDS.
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THE MSDS- SECTION BY SECTION
The MSDS will first tell you the identity of the chemical. This will include the product name and the
common name of the material. The identity must be stated exactly the same as on the label.
Section 1-Supplier’s Information
Section 1 tells you:
The name, address, and phone number of the company that makes the chemical; and
The date the MSDS was prepared.
Section 2-Hazardous Ingredients/ Identity Information
Section 2, Hazardous ingredients, identity, information, lists:
Hazardous components of the chemical, including mixtures, by their scientific and common names.
Safe exposure limits for workers will include OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is another common
limit listed.
The only time you won’t see the exact chemical components listed here is if the chemical is a
manufacturer’s "trade secret". The exposure limits and other hazard and safety information still have to be
provided. And even trade secret identities must be given out in certain circumstances.
Section 3-Physical/Chemical Characteristics
Section 3, Physical/Chemical Characteristics, may look very scientific, but the information in the section is
actually very basic and important. It tells you what conditions will change the chemical’s form, which could
affect the type and degree of the chemical’s hazard.
Example: A chemical with a very high vapor pressure probably needs to be treated differently than one
with a low vapor pressure. A high vapor pressure, which means the chemical evaporates quickly, will require
better ventilation, and possibly a respirator and other protective measures.
Here’s what you’ll find in Section 3:
* Boiling point and melting point;
* Vapor pressure, vapor density, and evaporation rate; and
* Solubility in water and specific gravity.
This section also tells you how the chemical should look and smell under normal conditions,
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Section 4-Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Section 4 of the MSDS, Fire and Explosion Hazard Data, is just what It sounds like. This extremely
important section tells you:
- The chemical’s flash point and its
- Flammable or explosion limits.
This section also tells you what to use to put out a fire started by the chemical, as well as any special
hazards or firefighting procedures to be aware of.
Section 5-Reactivity Data
Section 5, Reactivity Data, shows whether you need to be concerned about what could happen (the
reaction) if the chemical is mixed with air, water, or other chemicals. It also explains what conditions and
chemicals to keep it away from.
Section 6-Health Hazard Data
Section 6, Health Hazard Data, delivers critical information to help keep you safe. It begins by telling you
how the chemical could get into your body:
· Inhaling; and/or
· Swallowing; and/or
· Through the skin.
Then it tells you what health hazards could result from exposure to the chemical. These health hazards
could be either:
Acute, showing up right after exposure
Chronic, taking a long time to show up.
There’s also space in this section for symptoms of exposure, like headache or skin rash. The MSDS also
tells you whether the chemical might aggravate an existing medical condition, such as breathing or heart
problems. If the chemical is believed to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing), that’s here, too.
The final part of the health hazards section is emergency and first-aid procedures to follow for accidental
exposure to the chemical. You should always be familiar with this information, in case something goes
wrong.
Section 7-Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
In Section 7, Precautions for Safe Handling and Use, you’ll find instructions for the correct way to handle,
store, and dispose of the chemical. There’s also information on what to do if the chemical spills, leaks, or is
released into the air. Naturally, you need to know this information before you start the job.
Your company may have a standard procedure for handling the chemical, which takes into consideration
the chemical’s use at your workplace. Know your company’s procedures and follow them.
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Section 8-Control Measures
The final section, section 8, is Control Measures. This is where you’ll find out what type of protective
clothing and equipment to use when working with the chemical. You’ll also see what type of ventilation is
called for and what work and hygiene practices-such as washing your hands after working with the chemicalyou
need to follow to prevent accidental exposure.
Again, your company may have procedures different from those listed in the material safety data sheet. If
you’re not sure what to do, ask your supervisor.
REGULATIONS
In the past, any chemical hazards were fined by OSHA under the General Duty Clause, Sec. 5 (a) (1) of the
Act. This worked well, however it was too broad. Recently, OSHA produced regulations that would cover
every aspect of chemical use in it’s CFR 1910.1200.
This is a very involved standard and at times difficult to understand.
Fortunately, the standard is available in pamphlet form and is titled: " Hazard Communication Standard "
OSHA publication number 3084. Also available, " Hazard Communication Guidelines for Compliance "
OSHA publication number 3111.
A brief summary of what your responsibility is under the Hazard Communication Standard is:
-To maintain a verbal and written hazard communication program for your work place.
-To assure that all containers of chemicals are and remain properly labeled.
-To implement a training program regarding the use of hazardous chemicals and protective measures.
-To maintain a list of chemicals used in the work place and the MSDS for inspection by employees and
customers.
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[SAMPLE MSDS]
Material Safety Data Sheet US Department of Labor
May be used to comply with OSHA’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration
29 CFR 1910.1200. Standard must be (Non mandatory form)
consulted for specific requirements. OMB No. 1218-0072
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Identity (as used on label and list) Blank spaces are not permitted and NA- not
applicable must be used
DAWN DISH DETERGENT
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Manufacturer’s name, address, emergency phone number and date prepared.
Proctor & Gamble (800) 543-0485
Ivorydale Technical Center
Cincinnati, OH 45217 February, 1990
Section 2-HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS ( Specific Chemical identity, common name(s)-OSHA pel-Other limits
Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol) 1900mg/m3 64-17-5
OSHA PEL ACGIH TLV % Optional CAS No.
Section 3-PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Component Boiling point Vapor pressure Vapor density(air=1) Specific gravity(H20=1)
DAWN uknown unknown unknown 1.30 g/cc
Melting point Evaporation rate Solubility in water Appearance and odor
N/A unknown completely soluble clear blue liquid-perfumed
Section 4-FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
Component Flash point Flammable limits LEL UEL
DAWN 116 F Closed cup -------------> N/A N/A
Extinguishing media
CO2, water or dry chemical
Special Fire Fighting Procedures
None. Although this product has a flash point below 200 F, it is an aqueous solution containing ethyl alcohol which does
not sustain combustion.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
None
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DOT Classification
N/A
Section 5-REACTIVITY DATA
Component
DAWN
Stability Stable/Unstable Conditions to avoid
Stable---------- None known
Incompatibility(materials to avoid) Hazardous decomposition or by-products
Chlorine Bleach None
Hazardous polymerization may occur [ ] may not occur [ WILL NOT ]
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Section 6-HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Routes of entry Eyes Inhalation Skin Ingestion
AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID
Health Hazards[acute and chronic]
Eyes: May cause mild transient irritation
Ingestion: May cause transient gastrointestinal irritation
Skin: Transient irritation with prolonged exposure to concentrated material
Signs and symptoms of exposure
Eyes: May cause stinging, tearing, itching, swelling and or redness
Ingestion: May result in nausea, vomiting and or diarrhea
Skin: Prolonged contact with concentrated material may be drying or transiently irritating to the skin
Carcinogenicity: NO NTP?: NO IARC Monographs?: NO OSHA Regulated: NO
Medical conditions aggravated by exposure
Emergency and First Aid Procedures
Eyes: Immediately flush with water for at least 15 minutes
Skin: If prolonged contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water, change clothes if they have been spilled on
Inhalation:
Ingestion: Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water
Section 7-PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
Steps to be taken if material is released or spilled.
Small Quantities: Flush down acceptable sewer (contains biodegradable surfactants). Prevent large spills from reaching a
waterway. Sorbents may be used.
Large Quantities: Disposal is to be performed in compliance with all regulations. For larger quantities, incineration is
preferred. Do not landfill.
Waste disposal method Approved waste disposal site, do not landfill.
Handling and storing precautions No unusual precautions necessary
Other precautions None required under normal use.
Section 8-CONTROL MEASURES
Respiratory Protection [Specify Type] None
Ventilation Local exhaust [ ] Mechanical exhaust [ ]
None special Other [ ]
Protective gloves [ Rubber if desired or for prolonged direct contact ] Eye protection [ None, unless a splash may occur]
Protective clothing or equipment: None
Work/Hygienic practices As with all chemicals, use with due care according to label instructions and
precautions.
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Ladders and Ladder Work
SPECIAL NOTICE: It is important to note that ladders, when used for window cleaning, do not
afford fall protection to the user. With that in mind it is recommended that consideration be given to other
methods before ladders are used for window cleaning.
Employees shall be trained in the use and care of ladders before they may be permitted to use such equipment.
Training shall include but not be limited to understanding the manufacturer’s instructions, inspection, correct
selection of a ladder, proper assembly and disassembly, carrying, moving, climbing, descending and a full
understanding of safe working conditions considering as a minimum, fatigue, slippery/wet surfaces and wind.
1. All window-cleaning ladders will be of approved design and are to be used for their intended purpose
only. Ladders supported at grade shall not be used to clean a window whose top is more than 45 feet above
the floor, adjoining ground or flat roof.
2. Ladders are to be inspected before and after each use. All damaged or excessively worn ladders should
be reported immediately. They should be permanently labeled and taken out of service until repairs or
replacements can be made.
NOTE: On section ladders, special attention should be given to inspecting the rubber feet or plugs, the yokes
and rung assemblies, side rails, rungs, and rivets.
3. All repairs to ladders should be done by the manufacturer or according to manufacturer specifications.
4. Ladders should be used according to the manufacturer’s specifications, Federal, State and Local
regulations.
5. Ladders should be stored properly to prevent them from damage. If they are stored on or transported
on exposed vehicle racks, they shall be properly secured and care shall be take to ensure that prolonged
exposure is not harmful. Wood ladders shall not be stored near radiators, stoves, steam pipes, outside or other
places which are subject to excessive heat or dampness.
6. Assembled height of sectional ladders should not exceed the manufacturer’s specifications. Stand-offs,
put-outs or stabilizers shall be used on ladders when they are used to reach windows whose top is more than
35 feet above the ground, grade or work level.
7. Middle or top sections should not be used as a base section unless they are adequately secured or
equipped with ladder safety shoes.
8. When using ladders, the horizontal distance from the base of the ladder to the wall should never be less
than 1/4 of the ladders height in feet. When a worker is on a ladder over 37 feet long, an additional person
shall stand at the foot of the ladder, face it and hold it with both hands.
9. Prior to using a ladder, the areas to be serviced shall be visually inspected and where necessary,
appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that building features, such as window ledges, frames,
entranceways and landscaping will not impair the safe climbing, descending and moving of a ladder. These
areas should be noted in the plan of service.
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10. Ladders or sections of ladders should not be connected or fastened to each other unless they are
designed for that purpose.
11. All ladders must be leveled before climbing. The leveling device must be an approved or certified
device.
12. The top portion of a ladder must be set securely against the building to insure that the bottom of the
ladder will remain stable. No ladder shall be used to gain access to a roof unless the top of the ladder extends
at least 36 inches above the point of support at eaves, gutter or roof line.
13. When ladders are being used on a slick surface the base of the ladder should be secured.
14. Ladders should not be used on extreme slants or angles.
15. Ladders should not be placed on unstable objects in order to gain more height, nor shall they be placed
in front of doors unless the door is blocked open, locked or guarded.
16. If a hook ladder is being used, the ladder should be tied back to an adequate anchorage. The worker
should be equipped with a personal fall protection system. The lifeline should be anchored independently of
the ladder and its tieback.
17. Extreme caution should be taken when using ladders around electrical lines or devices. It is
recommended that metal or metal reinforced ladders not be used around such areas.
18. When ascending or descending the ladder, the user shall
face the ladder. When working on the ladder, the user shall face
the ladder and the center of their torso shall not extend past
either side rail of the ladder. Over-reaching is strictly prohibited.
When using ladders the worker should wear adequate supportive
footwear.
19. The top rung of any ladder should not be used for
support. While working from a ladder, the worker shall not
stand above the 3rd rung from the top of the ladder and shall
keep the center of their torso between the side rails of the ladder.
The uppermost resting point (fulcrum) of the ladder must not be
below the second rung from the top of the ladder at any time when a person is working on the ladder.
20. Ladder work should be discontinued when wind speeds or other weather conditions may affect the
safety of the worker or public.
21. Whenever performing ladder work on or around public areas, proper danger signs and barricades
should be in place.
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Duty Rating of Ladders
Ladders are designed and constructed to safely hold up to a specific amount of weight. The Duty Rating is
defined as the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. A person’s fully clothed weight plus the weight of
any tools and materials that are carried onto the ladder must not exceed the Duty Rating.
The Duty Rating is the maximum safe load capacity of the ladder. Duty Ratings are described in terms of
pounds. Please refer to the chart below for understanding what each Duty Rating is applied to. As a
professional window cleaner, industrial and extra heavy duty industrial ladders are the preferred choice.
Duty Rating- 200lbs. 225lbs. 250lbs. 300lbs.
Type- III (3) II (2) I (1) IA (1A)
Use- Household Commercial Industrial Extra Heavy
Duty Industrial
Duty Rating = Load Capacity
Weight of person + Tools, Clothing & Materials must
NOT EXCEED DUTY RATING.
ANY LADDER YOU USE SHOULD HAVE A STICKER ON IT IDENTIFYING WHAT THE DUTY RATING OF THE
LADDER IS. BE SURE AND LOCATE THIS STICKER SO THAT YOU KNOW THE DUTY RATING OF THE
LADDER BEFORE USING IT.
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Correctly Setting Up an Extension Ladder
1. Lay the ladder on the ground at the point on the building where it will be erected. Make sure
that the base section of the ladder is up and the extension fly is on the ground.
2. Block the ladder using the building or a have a co-worker stand with one foot on the bottom
rung and one foot on the foot of the ladder.
3. Lift up the top section of the ladder using both hands and to your highest point of reach.
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4. Working hand over hand, push the ladder toward the building until it is raised to a point where
it can be rested against the building.
5. Lift the base of the ladder and move it away from the building to a point no farther than 1/4th
the ladders height.
6. Extend the ladder using the pre attached rope and pulley system making sure the ladder locks
correctly into place before climbing.
OSHA REGULATIONS & ANSI STANDARDS
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
LADDERS- OSHA CFR 29-1910.25 THRU 1910.26
OVERALL EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND CHEMICAL USEOSHACT,
OSHA-CFR29-1910.1200[HAZ-COM]
To obtain copies of the entire Codes of Federal Regulations as listed, contact 1-202-783-3238. They are also
available from their website at www.osha.gov. A complete list with links directly to the previously mentioned
regulations can be found at the IWCA website at www.iwca.org.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
LADDERS ANSI/IWCA I-14.1
OVERALL EMPLOYEE SAFETY ANSI/IWCA I-14.1
HARNESSES,LANYARDS,LIFELINES ANSI/IWCA I-14.1
ANSI Z-359
CHEMICAL USE ANSI/IWCA I-14.1
To obtain ANSI Standards, call 1-800-843-2763
Their website is: www.ansi.org
To obtain the ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 Window Cleaning Safety Standard, call 800-875-
4922. Their website is: www.iwca.org
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Written Work Plan
One of the most important safety issues to be addressed during a window cleaning operation is the use of tools
and equipment on or around areas where people may congregate. The safety and well being of the window
cleaner is important and equally so, is the safety and well being of those who may come near the window
cleaning operation. In addition, the use of access equipment must also consider the protection of private and
public property.
Current industry safety standards recommend that a work plan be provided by the window cleaning contractor
when windows to be cleaned are located in areas where workers may utilize suspended equipment or where
workers are exposed to falls and other known hazards or when the public may be exposed to overhead
equipment operations.
Such a plan needs to include the identification of hazardous areas, drop zones, safety features and areas
requiring public protection.
This plan needs to be provided to the building owner or manager.
A written work plan as described applies to the use of ladders, tower scaffolds, man-lifts or bucket trucks and
suspended equipment, which is covered in the high rise section of this program.
The work plan only needs to be provided when window cleaning is taking place on a dwelling house (e.g.
Apartments, condominiums) that are over 3 full stories high or occupied by more than three families. This
requirement typically applies only to window cleaning performed at a commercial level and not at the
route/residential level.
For example, a plan should be provided at a building where ladders are being used and the surface may not be
level or there are overhead obstructions like trees and power lines. The plan should note where ladders are
used around entranceways to the building or courtyards and any other area where the public may be exposed
to the operation. Of course, this applies to the use of tower scaffolds, man-lifts and bucket trucks as well.
A sample of a written work plan is included in the following pages. As you can see, the sample work plan
includes sections that will identify what equipment is being used as well as the recognition of hazardous areas
of the jobsite and what procedures will be used to overcome or address these hazards. It also includes an area
that is to be used to identify and outline any rescue techniques that may be needed in an emergency.
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SAMPLE WRITTEN WORK PLAN
Job Site Evaluation and Work Plan
JOB SITE:__________________________________________________ DATE:______________________
ADDRESS:__________________________________________________ CONTACT PERSON AT SITE:_____________________________________________
CITY:________________________________________STATE:_______ PHONE NUMBER:_____________________________________
HEIGHT OF BUILDING(S) IN FLOORS:____________ ____________
• TYPE OF WINDOW CLEANING TO BE PERFORMED: POST CONSTRUCTION: ‰ SCHEDULED NORMAL CLEANING: ‰
• TYPE OF SERVICE TO BE PROVIDED BOTH SIDES-ALL WINDOWS ‰ OUTSIDE ONLY ‰ INSIDE ONLY ‰
• OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
..
• ON AVERAGE, HOW MANY WORKERS WILL BE AT THE JOBSITE EACH DAY ?_____________
..
• NAME OF LEAD PERSON AT THE
JOBSITE:_____________________________________PAGER/BEEPER:_____________________________
• EQUIPMENT TO BE USED FOR WINDOW CLEANING
TYPE YES YES
1. CHEMICALS ‰ MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS AVAILABLE? ‰
2. LADDERS ‰ SECTIONAL? ‰ EXTENSION? ‰
3. MOBILE LIFT ‰ RENTAL UNIT? ‰
4. TOWER SCAFFOLD ‰ RENTAL UNIT? ‰
5. WINDOW BELT ‰
6. PRESSURE CLEANER ‰ RENTAL UNIT? ‰
7. TUCKER (HIGH REACH) WASHER ‰
8. RAZOR SCRAPERS ‰
9. EXTENSION POLES ‰
9. DESCENT EQUIPMENT ‰ ROOF RIG? ‰ ANCHORS ON ROOF? ‰
10. SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING ‰ RENTAL UNIT? ‰
11. PERMANENT INSTALLATION ‰ BUILDING PROVIDED CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION? ‰
12. BARRICADES/DANGER SIGNS ‰
13. OTHER ‰ DESCRIBE BELOW...
• DESCRIBE WHERE ON THE BUILDING EACH PIECE OF EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED:
EQUIPMENT LOCATION
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________
BARRICADES-DANGER SIGNS ___________________________________________________________________________
• LIST BY TRADE NAME THE CHEMICALS THAT WILL BE USED:______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________ ________________________________ LOCATION OF MSDS: _______________________________________
TYPE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT TO BE USED:_________________________________________________________________________
• DESCRIBE SAFETY HAZARDS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED AT SITE FOR EACH PIECE OF EQUIPMENT BEING USED {NOT HIGH
RISE} AND LIST WHAT EQUIPMENT OR METHOD WILL BE USED TO OVERCOME THE HAZARD:
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EQUIPMENT HAZARD-LOCATION SOLUTION
example: Ladders (sectional) Unleveled area on south side of building (left of main entrance) Base sections w/leg levelers attached
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
HIGH RISE SECTION
HEIGHT OF PARAPET WALL:_____________ IF APPLICABLE, DESCRIBE WHAT FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
n PERMANENT INSTALLATIONS
DATE OF LAST INSPECTION PROVIDED BY BUILDING MANAGEMENT:____________________(ATTACH COPY)
ATTACH COPIES OF YOUR COMPANY’S PERMANENT INSTALLATION DAILY INSPECTION SHEETS
o ROPE DESCENT AND SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING (TRANSPORTABLE)
A.) IF TRANSPORTABLE RIGGING EQUIPMENT IS BEING USED, IDENTIFY ANCHORAGES OR SYSTEM TO BE USED FOR
RIGGING,TIE BACKS, LIFELINES AND THEIR LOCATION:
PERMANENTLY INSTALLED ANCHORS COVERING THE PERIMETER OF WORK AREA? YES ‰ NO ‰ INSPECTED
ON___________________(attach copy) IF NO, THE FOLLOWING MUST BE FILLED OUT:
ANCHOR LOCATION
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
p HAS BLDG.OWNER/MGR. VERIFIED SUPPORT CAPABILITY OF ABOVE LISTED ANCHORS? YES ‰ NO ‰
NOTE: IF YES, ATTACH COPY
B.) IF TRANSPORTABLE RIGGING IS NOT BEING USED, IDENTIFY ANCHORAGES OR SYSTEM ON ROOF THAT WILL BE USED FOR
SUSPENSION AND LIFELINES:
PERMANENTLY INSTALLED ANCHORS COVERING THE PERIMETER OF WORK AREA? YES ‰ NO ‰ INSPECTED
ON___________________(attach copy) IF NO, THE FOLLOWING MUST BE FILLED OUT:
ANCHOR LOCATION
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
q HAS BLDG.OWNER/MGR. VERIFIED SUPPORT CAPABILITY OF ABOVE LISTED ANCHORS? YES ‰ NO ‰
NOTE: IF YES, ATTACH COPY
r IN THE FOLLOWING SPACE, DRAW A DIAGRAM THAT WILL MARK THE LOCATION OF THE ANCHOR POINTS TO BE USED AS
DESCRIBED IN SECTIONS pANDq...
..
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s ROOF SKETCH WITH IDENTIFIED ANCHOR POINTS, ELECTRICAL SUPPLIES, RESTRICTED OR DANGEROUS AREAS AND GROUND
BARRICADE LOCATIONS:
t DESCRIBE SAFETY HAZARDS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED AND LIST WHAT EQUIPMENT OR METHOD WILL BE USED TO OVERCOME
THE HAZARD:
EQUIPMENT HAZARD-LOCATION SOLUTION
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
___________________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________
• DESCRIBE ANY OR ALL RESCUE METHODS TO BE DEPLOYED IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• DESCRIBE AN ALTERNATE PLAN FOR YOUR COMPANY IF INCLEMENT WEATHER AFFECTS SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
• DESCRIBE ANY SPECIAL PROCEDURES REQUIRED BY THE BUILDING OWNER/MANAGER FOR YOUR WINDOW CLEANING
COMPANY TO FOLLOW DURING THE OPERATION:
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PERSON FILLING OUT THIS FORM SIGNATURE OF BLDG. OWNER/MANAGER/REPRESENTATIVE
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Fall Protection
Fall protection is of utmost importance to those engaged in professional
window cleaning operations. In the past, there have been no guidelines
for fall protection for general industry. The only existing regulation for
some type of fall protection is found in OSHA CFR 1910.66 Appendix
C, which covers fall arrest equipment as it relates to permanently
installed powered platforms.
With the publication of the ANSI/IWCA I 14.1 Window Cleaning
Safety Standard, window cleaners and property owners/managers now
have at least a guideline on what equipment may protect workers from
a fall from elevations.
Fall protection is divided into four subgroups. They are a) perimeter
guarding; b) fall arrest; c) fall restraint and; d) warning line system.
Excerpts from the ANSI/IWCA I 14.1 Window Cleaning Safety
Standard are shown below.
Members of the industry hope that buildings will assess their roof
or other areas where fall protection may be required and institute
one of the following methods in order to create a safe place to work
for window cleaning contractors. Remember, workers must stay at
least 6 feet away from an unprotected fall hazard.
Perimeter Guarding
(a) Perimeter guarding shall consist of a parapet, guardrail or combination parapet guardrail system not less
than 42 inches (1.1 m) above its adjacent surface and
capable of withstanding a minimum lateral force of
50 pounds (23 kg) per linear foot between any two
stanchions (applied at its uppermost elevation) or a
minimum of 200 pounds (91 kg) of lateral force
concentrated at any point along its length at its
uppermost elevation. Parapets and guardrails which
may be subjected to additional loading such as
lifelines, power cables, etc., shall be designed to
consider these added loads.
(b) Buildings with tall parapets, those exceeding 6
feet
(1800 mm) in height, shall have either:
1) a catwalk;
2) an inboard mobile access tower; or
3) an engineered fall protection or fall arrest system.
Item (2) may be provided by the window-cleaning contractor. Perimeter guarding for permanent roof carriage
installations shall be designed in accordance with applicable provisions of ASME A120.1. Parapets over 48
28
inches (1200 mm) in height present a falling hazard to the inboard roof surface as fall arrest systems only
perform when the fall is away from their ancho