How are a window cleaning company’s ladders and poles inspected for safety?

Begin with the equipment itself. Look at rungs, feet, locks, joints, extension sections and the poles’ clamps and tips. Check for bends, cracks, corrosion and anything repaired in a makeshift way. Ask the crew how they test a ladder before climbing it and what they do when something looks wrong.

Then look at the system. Is each item numbered or tagged? Is there a record of when it was last checked, who checked it and what was found? A habit of daily visual checks plus a periodic closer look is a sound pattern. Ask what happens to items that fail, and whether the crew feels free to refuse unsafe gear.

Finally, ask about the history. Have there been falls, near misses or injuries, and what changed afterward? Check the training the crew has for working at height. Ask your lawyer and your insurer what standards apply to ladders and work at height. Review any recall or safety notices for the brands in use, and ask how the company would learn of one. Finally, think about cost. Ask which items are near the end of their life, since replacing a full set of ladders and water-fed poles can be a real expense that you may want to plan for after taking over.

Key takeaways

• Examine ladders and poles for damage, wear and makeshift repairs.
• Look for tagged equipment and a record of checks and removals.
• Ask about incidents, height training and how recalls would reach the company.