Industry Guidance on Safer Window Cleaning Recognised by HSE Policy Team
A practical industry guidance document promoting the safer use of water-fed pole systems for window cleaning has been recognised by the Health and Safety Executive’s policy team and passed to its webpage team for upload.
The document highlights how water-fed pole systems can help reduce the need for window cleaners to work at height, supporting safer methods of access and helping businesses manage one of the industry’s most significant risks: falls from height.
It explains how telescopic water-fed poles can allow windows up to 80ft / 24 metres high to be cleaned from ground level, where the task can be carried out safely and effectively. The updated guidance also gives greater attention to electrical safety when using long or extendable equipment near overhead power cables, recognising that this can present a serious and potentially fatal risk if not properly planned and controlled.
Particular emphasis is placed on the need to identify overhead power lines before work starts, including service cables running to buildings, garages and outbuildings.
Operatives should always look up and look out, assume all overhead lines are live unless confirmed otherwise by the network operator, and avoid any work where a pole, ladder, jet of water or other equipment could enter an unsafe zone. The guidance reinforces that electricity does not need direct contact to cause injury or death, as it can arc or flash over when equipment gets too close.
Where overhead cables are present, the task should be assessed before equipment is raised. Work should not proceed unless a safe method can be maintained, with suitable separation from the cables and clear control of the full reach and movement of water-fed poles. If there is any doubt, the work should stop and advice should be sought from the local electricity network operator before continuing. The guidance also encourages businesses to include overhead power cable checks in site risk assessments, staff training, toolbox talks and daily pre-start checks.
The document further advises that, in the event of contact or suspected contact with an overhead power line, people should keep well clear, avoid touching any person or equipment that may be energised, and call 999 immediately, making clear that electricity is involved. The message is simple: if overhead power cables cannot be avoided or controlled safely, the job must not go ahead.
The guidance reflects the principles of The Work at Height Regulations 2005, which require work at height to be avoided where it is reasonably practicable to do so. By focusing on safer alternatives and practical operational controls, the document provides clear, task-specific guidance for window cleaning businesses and operatives.
In feedback on the updated document, a Senior Policy Advisor at the Health and Safety Executive, confirmed that the document had been discussed by the policy group and has now been sent to the webpage team for upload. She noted that the updated guidance covers broader hazard operations and links task-specific recommendations to relevant webpages, making it valuable for others in the industry.
The recognition marks an important step forward for practical safety guidance within the window cleaning sector. By combining industry experience, legal awareness and a clear focus on prevention, the document supports safer decision-making and encourages wider adoption of methods that reduce unnecessary work at height.
“This is a positive outcome for the industry,”
Executive Bryan Dolby said.
“The aim has always been to provide clear, practical guidance that helps window cleaners work safely, reduce avoidable risks and apply safer methods wherever possible.”
“Overhead power cables must never be treated as a background hazard,”
Bryan added.
“Before any pole is raised, operatives need to look up, assess the full working area and be prepared to stop the job if a safe distance cannot be maintained. Making these checks a normal part of planning, training and daily site routines will help prevent serious and potentially fatal incidents.”
About the guidance
The guidance explains the use of water-fed pole systems, outlines key operational considerations, and supports the principle of avoiding work at height where safer alternatives are available. It also highlights the need to manage electrical risks when working near overhead power cables, including planning the task, checking the work area before equipment is raised, maintaining safe separation, stopping work where there is uncertainty, and seeking advice from the relevant electricity network operator.
It is intended to help improve understanding, consistency and safety standards across the window cleaning industry.
