Window Cleaners: Social Networking, Bananas & Vinnie Jones

Local businesses use social networking: Social-networking sites may seem like just a way to meet new people, but for Tony and Dawn Evans, social networking helped their business take off. Five years ago, when Tony Evans quit his job at a Wal-Mart deli, he knew very little about window cleaning. Today, he and his wife — also known as Mr. and Mrs. Squeegee — use social-networking sites to get in touch with other business owners and clientele. Online forums have been a huge help to the Evanses in their business, New View Window Cleaning. Window cleaners gather on the sites to discuss methods and new technology, post videos, and even arrange conferences, he said. “I’m pretty active in some window-cleaning forums where we get a lot of our information,” he said. “It helps us to cut down on our learning curve.” He also joined the social-networking site Twitter around a month ago and has amassed around 60 followers. For Mr. and Mrs. Squeegee, social networking has become essential to the operation of their business. “We were getting responses within the first couple of months from the website,” Evans said. “It’s been very, very beneficial for our business.”

Eric's 'banana' tumour ordeal: It was a mammoth operation to remove a mammoth brain tumour. In fact it took 18-and-a-half hours at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to cut out a tumour the length of a banana and twice as wide. Now Eric Holden, aged 63, is recovering from his ordeal, grateful that specialised brain equipment funded by a Sheffield charity could be used to help save his life. He was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in July 2008, after losing his reading sight. "When I was told I had a brain tumour it was a real shock, mainly because I didn't have any headaches or fits. I just lost my reading sight. I'd been to the opticians to tell them my glasses weren't strong enough but after new lenses failed to correct the problem, I was referred to the hospital for a field test.
"I failed this miserably, so I was referred for an MRI scan, which found I had a brain tumour entangled in my optic nerve. It was as long as a banana and twice as wide. I just couldn't believe something so big could fit in such a small space… "I was told the tumour needed to be removed so, soon after being diagnosed, I underwent a massive 18-and-a-half-hour operation. Surgeons removed the tumour using a microscope and endoscopic drill. "Although the operation went really well, I did have a long recovery time. For weeks after I slept constantly and my surgeon, Dr Tom Carroll, was really worried. But I was a lot better after a month or so. "After that I had Gamma Knife treatment to shrink the rest of the tumour. I won't know whether that has been successful for a few months yet. But my sight improved as soon as I had Gamma Knife treatment, which was a relief." Specialised equipment was funded by Neurocare, a charity which supports the neurosciences department at the Royal Hallamshire.
Doctors told him that without the operation he would have died. "But a factor which also played a part in my survival was my fitness level. Because I used to be a window cleaner, my fitness level was exceptional – in fact that of a 30-year-old. At my age that is pretty good going and it helped to save my life. "It's been a tough couple of years. Just before I was diagnosed one of my three children, Kristopher, who had cerebral palsy, passed away. Then this happened. My wife Patricia has been brilliant, a complete star. "We've been happily married for 46 years. She's the most wonderful person I could ever meet and she helped me enormously in my recovery.
"As for now, things have started to settle down a bit, although having to stop work has really impacted my life because I used to love it so much. I hope to get my fitness level back so one day maybe I can clean some windows again. But I feel brilliant again, so I'm grateful for that. I now need a new knee and then I'll be raring to go!" After hearing of the success of Eric's operation and the size of his tumour, The May Hearnshaw Trust made a donation of £35,000 to Neurocare, which helped to finance another piece of revolutionary equipment, the Skull Base Endoscope. It allows surgeons to operate more easily on life-threatening brain tumours in the skull base, which are particularly hard to reach.

Vehicle-mounted access platform - CTE lift: Specialist window-cleaning contractor RJ Norris has recently started using a CTE ZED21J vehicle-mounted access platform from CTE UK to be able to clean a wider range of buildings. The ZED21J is said to incorporate a sigma boom with a fly-jib to offer 21m maximum working height and access to windows and fascias even when there is an obstruction between the vehicle and working area.
The ZED21J has a maximum working load of 200kg in all possible configurations – enough, says CTE UK, for two average-sized people and up to 40kg of tools, with 10m outreach from 1 to 14m above ground level in a straight vertical line. Performance includes full and continuous 360o turret rotation for all-round access, with true zero tail-swing, which is important when working in narrow streets.
The company adds that simple controls inside the basket and at ground level allow users to operate the platform very easily. The boom and basket can be positioned using just one hand. The maximum working height of 21m is achieved by straightening the entire boom and fly-jib using the same controls. The vehicle can be driven by anyone with a normal ‘Category B’ car licence.

A Green Certification Adds Value To Any Company: The Green Business Leagues sister company Green Clean Institute has just certified Clean World USA. Clean World USA has received the Gold Certification from the Green Clean Institute, which is the highest level of Green Certification that a Janitorial firm can receive. They are located in the South Carolina area and are a large corporation that has made tremendous strides on developing a Green program in their company. Getting a Gold certification requires more than just token effort, it requires janitorial firms to educate, and implement green techniques and practices to their operations.

Police today renewed an appeal for help in finding a 33-year-old-man who has gone missing in Grove. Alexander Wileman was last seen leaving his home in Albermarle Drive on Wednesday, February 3, to go to work as a self-employed window cleaner. He was driving a white Citroen van at the time, with Red Star Window Cleaning written on the sides. Mr Wileman is described as white, 6ft tall, of medium build with cropped black hair. Police said they believed he was wearing a multi-coloured top like the one pictured. A police spokesman said: "Alexander’s partner received a letter saying that he was going to stay away. "He is a vulnerable person and Thames Valley Police appeals for his safe return. If you see him, please contact police immediately on 0845 8 505 505."

How to turn your children into nice little earners: Earning money not only lets parents off the hook (somewhat), it is good practice for later life, and might even help them acquire such useful skills as how to turn up on time, or sort out fractious infants. The problem is where to find these jobs. Shops won’t take under-16s, and often prefer responsible 18-year-olds. Waiting at parties isn’t an option for under-18s, who aren’t allowed to serve alcohol. And so few people now get their newspaper delivered in my area that the traditional boy on a bicycle has pedalled into history: our newsagent does drop-offs in his car. Sweeping up leaves and running errands for elderly neighbours are nice ideas, gleaned from the internet, though it takes a hard heart to charge the neighbour for fetching her milk from the corner shop. Window cleaning or grooming unfamiliar pets I would not encourage, because a trip to A & E after a fall from a ladder or a savage bite would be a bore.

Vinnie Jones: The Window Cleaner? What’s the worst job you’ve ever had? I bought a window cleaning round from a bloke when I was 17 – you buy a book with the addresses. People came out of their houses shouting: ‘What are you cleaning my windows for? Bugger off.’ He’d made the whole thing up. I was thinking it would make me a millionaire but it ended halfway down my street. I’d borrowed the £300 for the book; it may as well have been £3million. Not only did I not I have a business, I had a £300 debt.

DEPARTMENTAL INFO, WINDRUSH DR.: A resident who initially reported that he had arrived home to find footprints in the snow around his house called back on Saturday to notify police that the prints were those of a window-washer, as evidenced by an invoice he had later found.

Google unveils virtual glass elevator that lets you fly around the world (Melbourne): The Liquid Galaxy project is an interactive booth with wraparound LCD screens, reports News.com.au. Screens show synchronised views via Google Earth and you can use a six-axis mouse to move your way through air and water. The video was taken by Mashable staff at a live demo by creator Jason Holt at TED. "With the Liquid Galaxy, we could fly through the Grand Canyon, leap into low-Earth orbit, and come back down to perch on the Great Pyramid of Giza without even breaking a sweat." The effect is stunning. Take a look at the video.

About 1400 customers in Melbourne’s west are still without power, after lightning during yesterday’s storms struck transformers and strong winds blew tree branches and debris across power lines. The storms were also bad news for three men who fell while cleaning out roof gutters or carrying out repairs during the wild weather. A 67-year-old man tumbled more than three metres and dislocated his shoulder when his ladder buckled during his roof repairs at Springvale South. A second man, 48, fell from a ladder while cleaning his roof gutters at Red Hill, while a 63-year-old man injured his chest and ribs after falling while cleaning gutters in Boronia. Ambulance Victoria paramedic team manager Carmel Rogers should people should consider checking their homes before predicted weekend storms hit. "Carrying out repairs in the rain is quite hazardous with the potential for the ladder to slip," she said. Emergency crews are continuing to mop up after the devastating thunderstorm, which dumped more than 30 millimetres of rain over inner Melbourne in less than two hours.

Final Federation of Window Cleaner Videos

The final two videos from the Federation of Window Cleaners Show..

Pure Freedom® has quickly grown to become one of the most recognised and trusted names for quality water fed pole window cleaning equipment. Pure Freedom® are the manufacturers of the Freedom Trolley and Pure Freedom Systems and carry out all their work in-house without the need to use outside contractors, which gives them the ability to provide a very high quality of customer care. If your requirements differ from the stocked units they can alter/add equipment to suit your needs from the very start of the manufacturing process. Pure Freedom are proud to now offer their new Isothermal 1 & 2 Hot Water Fed Pole Systems for 1 and 2 operators respectively.

Bayersan Ltd. specializes in manufacturing window cleaning equipment and accessories for the sanitary supply industry. Squeegees and Telescopic Poles are their primary business, not just a sideline. The company offers floor and window squeegees (swivel and stainless steel squeegees ), scrapers, blades, telescopic (extension) poles & handles, floor pads, mop & mop holders, T-holders (plastic and aluminium) and sleeves. Bayersan Ltd. offers top quality products, service, return policy, distribution and wholesaling programs. Shown in the video - their new line of water fed poles.

Contico Manufacturing: Whatever your cleaning, janitorial, spraying or hygiene requirements, Contico has the answer. From mopping systems to dust control, trigger sprayers to pump dispensers, washroom to window cleaning, Contico supply high quality products, utilising the very latest designs, innovations and technology to ensure that when you order from Contico, you will receive the very best products that money can buy. Contico provide a wide range of products that are designed and manufactured to withstand the rigours of everyday intensive commercial cleaning and are supported by their quality management system which complies with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2000. All their products are approved under BS5750.

Polished Insurance can offer quotes for all types of contract cleaning companies who need public liability insurance or public & employers liability insurance cover including;

• Loss of Customers' Keys
• Damage to property being worked upon
• Treatment Risks
• Temporary removal of customers' goods
• Misuse of customers' telephones
• Failure to secure customers' premises

Offering liability insurance quotes to all types of contract cleaners, from self employed cleaners to contract cleaners with employees or sub contractors. Allied Insurance understand the cleaning industry and can offer advice and expertise to make sure you get the insurance cover you need. They provide an online guide to the different types of liability insurance for cleaning contractors, you may not realise but most policies covering liability insurance for cleaners don't provide the covers mentioned.

CTE - a towering presence for over 25 years: Founded in 1981, CTE immediately sets up its vocation in the production and sale of material removal lifts and ladders in particular. Efficient services, innovative technical solutions, prompt after-sales service, professional consulting and training: all that sums their motto up, "Work Becomes Easy." Theirs is an approach, a business ethos that revolves around customers, their safety and quality. Meaning our customers’ quality of life. That’s why CTE, a group united by ideas, motivation and passion, strives to make work easier for companies operating in the field of lifting materials and people. CTE sells Truck-mounted articulated platforms, Truck-mounted telescopic platforms, Track mounted access platforms, Fire fighting platforms, Material removal lifts, Stair climbers, UNI-TEC scaffolds, Modular material lifts & also a range of Second-hand machines.

Ettore UK: Such a simple invention yet, the great ones invariably are. A blade of rubber, a handle perfectly angled for it's purpose, a patent followed and professional window cleaning was changed forever. The Year was 1936, the man Ettore Steccone. Often imitated, never duplicated, his original squeegee design has remained essentially unchanged since its inception. His secret was, and is, in the rubber for this is the essential heart of the system. A razor sharp square edge, supple, smooth, consistent which leaves glass perfectly clean and streak free. Indeed, every Ettore product is 100% guaranteed to deliver nothing less than flawless performance. Ettore Steccone's pioneering spirit has assured Ettore's position as the undisputed industry leader. Today the company provides every conceivable tool and convenience to make window cleaning more fun, efficient and effective.

The HSE - "Our job is to prevent death, injury and ill-health to those at work and those affected by work activities." HSE is working in close partnership with industry to ensure that anyone who needs to use a ladder , uses the right equipment for the job and uses it safely. To further promote HSE’s award winning Shattered Lives Campaign it launched the Ladder Exchange Initiative on 1st September 2009 intended to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries resulting from falls from height.
Despite a sustained long term reduction, falls from height remains the most common type of fatal injury. In 2007/08, a total of 58 workers died and over 3600 employees suffered major injury as a result of a fall from height in the workplace. Many of these incidents could be avoided by using the right equipment and taking simple precautions. The focus of this four month initiative gives people the opportunity to get rid of old, damaged and broken ladders by trading them in for a new one. Over 5’500 ladders have already been exchanged under this initiative since it first launched in 2007 and they intend to build on this success.



Window Cleaner Pro: Ian & Brad help you run Your Window Cleaning Business With Ease! If you own a window cleaning business and are tired of the day to day administration, trying to figure out what work is due, which customers have not paid or preparing your accounts then this software is for you. Designed by window cleaners for window cleaners, WCP offers you a state of the art software package that is easy to use and doesn't require a degree in computing to use. Let the software do all the admin work so you can concentrate on growing your business and spend more time doing the things you want. Once you start using it you'll wonder how you ever did without it. Keep your work up to date in real time on your Windows Mobile PDA.

Facelift Cleaning: Water Fed Poles For All Types Of Work. Whether you are a domestic window cleaner looking to reduce your round time or a commercial cleaner who needs to reach several floors above ground level, our complete range of poles covers every eventuality. Pole choice is split into 4 sections:

• Glass Fibre Poles – Low cost, reach up to 33ft, ideal for domestic cleaning.
• Fusion Poles – Retain low cost but rigid at greater heights due to majority carbon mix, up to 38ft reach, ideal for domestic cleaning or smaller commercial work.
• Carbon Fibre Poles – The mainstay of the commercial window cleaner, carbon poles are rigid and light, our poles will withstand the day to day wear and tear of commercial work. Available up to 58ft reach.
• FaceliftONE Poles – These are high modulus carbon fibre poles, 30% more rigid than standard carbon fibre, and as a result able to reach higher whilst still maintaining the same rigidity. These are designed for commercial cleaners who want to avoid the cost of cherry pickers or rope access. Available up to 72ft reach.

IPAF: The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. Set up in 1983, IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that represents the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies. It serves as a forum for all active in the world of powered access. IPAF has played a key role in promoting many of the design, safety and testing procedures that are now established in the powered access industry.
The IPAF training programme for platform operators is certified by TÜV as conforming to ISO 18878. More than 70,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 300 training centres. Training in the US is managed by IPAF’s North American subsidiary, AWPT Inc. Training generally lasts one to two days and is a mixture of theory and practice.
Those who successfully complete IPAF training are awarded the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), the most widely held and recognised proof of training for platform operators. The PAL Card is valid for five years and shows the machine categories that the operator has been trained in. It also features the holder’s photo and signature, and can be verified by calling IPAF.

SYR (Scot Young Research Ltd): Provide manual equipment for the cleaning industry. Always looking for improvement & innovation, SYR have won several awards for their equipment including the queens award for innovation. Whatever your cleaning, janitorial, spraying or hygiene requirements, Scot Young Research are the answer.

Although Simpole weren't on show at the federation of window cleaners event - Jeff Brimble decided to bring one along for the main purpose of running over it in the car park with his van. Thanks Jeff. Simpole claim the strongest water fed carbon fiber pole on the market! Don't try this at home!

The FWC was formed in 1947 to establish an authoritative organization specifically concerned with the Window Cleaning Industry and its subsidiary services. In almost any business or industry, a collective body of professionals will virtually always be more powerful than an individual person or company. This is especially true when the body is recognised by the government as an authority on the industry. Such organisations can do many things such as influencing regulations, advancing the interests of members, creating new operating methods to enhance profit and safety and other activities. An industry body provides credibility, expertise, influence and access. The window cleaning industry is no exception. FWC has been the professional Employers Trade Association for window cleaners for over 60 years! The Federation of Window Cleaners supports these aspects:

• To Provide information on all aspects of the Trade.
• Increase public awareness of the need for high standards of safety.
• Represent the Industry with government and municipal bodies.
• To support Members with FREE 24 hour legal advice
• To encourage members in attaining Health & Safety Training & Education
• To Promote the protection of the customer against Fraud & Misrepresentation.

Picture of the Day & Other Window Cleaning News

Picture of the day: Window cleaners labor between the service apartments at the Central Business District in Beijing, China. The Chinese economy is showing signs of a nascent recovery, but even officials who want to boost public confidence warn a rebound faces risks from the global crisis and is not yet certain.

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HOLIDAYMAKERS are keeping a close watch on the developing unrest in Thailand after the government there declared a state of emergency. Soldiers and armoured vehicles were ordered on to the streets of the Thai capital, Bangkok, and surrounding areas a day after protesters forced the cancellation of a 16-nation Asian summit. The Foreign Office in London has urged anyone considering a trip to the region to “urgently review their plans”. Tony McCarthy (pictured), 45, a window cleaner from the Tower Bridge area of London, had been in Thailand for a month. He said: “I think it will get worse from now on. I think we left just in time.”

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Three CTE truck mounts across the size range: CTE showed three new truck mounts at SAIE: the Z26J which will be available next year, the Z21J with jib for 3.5 t chassis and the KJ-A 510 a compact truck mount for its 51 m working height.
CTE chose to unveil the Z26J (pictured) at SAIE, it is a 26 m working height, articulated boom with a jib, it is mounted on a 6 t chassis and it is expected to be available Europe-wide in the first quarter of 2009. The Z21J, 21 m working height, truck mounted, articulated boom for 3.5 t chassis, "Is unique," said Gabrielle Valli, sales manager of CTE, "it is the only machine of its size and type on the market to feature a jib which for additional up-and-over flexibility." The Z21J has an outreach of 10 m and an up-and-over capability of 9 m. The boom rotation is a continuous 3600 and the 1400 by 700 by 1100 mm composite basket has a rotation of ±65º. The basket levels hydraulically, and all cables and hoses to it are routed internally through the boom.
The Bizzocchi 50.7 m working height KJ-A 510 is designed for 26 t GVW carriers. The outreach of the new model is 34.5 m with 120 kg in the basket and 28 m with its maximum load of 450 kg. According to Jonathon Wiseman of CTE UK the footprint of the KJ-A range is compact for its size; they are used in applications such as maintenance and window cleaning as well as fire fighting, and emergency services applications.
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Hard-pressed firms miss out on vital deals: Work worth £750m is available to firms in Lincolnshire – but bosses don't know how to win the contracts. Thousands of deals to carry out jobs for the county's private sector are up for grabs every year. Firms of all sizes can bid for the work, which ranges from window cleaning and grass cutting to major construction projects.
But industry leaders say too few bosses know how to tender for the contracts, which can be worth between a few hundred and a few million pounds. Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Beardsley said half of the £750m contracts currently go to firms outside the county. "The public sector is another market for firms to tap into," he said.
"It is a large sector and includes the local councils, hospitals and the University of Lincoln. "We produce a lot of great products and services in Lincolnshire and it seems crazy to be bringing in companies from elsewhere. "But bosses may not know where to find the contracts and can be baffled by the amount of paperwork involved in applying." Procurement Lincolnshire, which is part of the county council, exists to buy in services for all eight of Lincolnshire's local authorities.
One of its priorities is to support the local economy and to help Lincolnshire businesses be in the best position to bid successfully. A series of workshops, organised by the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, are taking place throughout this month explaining the process of selling to the public sector.
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Highrise Window Technologies Inc., a Concord, Ontario-based company that makes windows for high-rise buildings, was fined $160,000 on April 3, 2009, for a violation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, after a worker was killed. According to a court bulletin, on September 19, 2007, a worker was cutting, loading onto a cart and moving cut glass from a cutting machine to a washing machine. One cart was overloaded, a rear castor on it broke off while in motion, and glass fell off the cart, pinning the worker between the fallen glass and the cutting machine. A Ministry of Labour investigation found that by lifting the front castors off the ground and dragging the cart, excess stress was placed on the rear castors, causing one to sheer off the cart and its load to tip, noted the bulletin.
Highrise Window Technologies Inc. pleaded guilty to failing, as an employer, to ensure the glass was moved in a way that would not endanger the worker. The fine was imposed by Justice of the Peace Michael Frederiksen. In addition to the fine, the court also imposed a 25-percent victim fine surcharge on the total, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.
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Business Expo quieter than usual: Fewer vendors than last year were on hand to tout their goods and services at the annual Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo, held April 9 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort and Spa . Just 40 vendors manned tables, as opposed to 60 in 2008, but Chamber Executive Director Sandi Riedemann said the crowd turnout, about 400 — during the evening was satisfactory. “It’s a sign of the times,” Riedemann said of the lower vendor turnout. First-time exhibitor Sherri Madeiros of See Thru Window Cleaning was nevertheless happy about parting with her booth fee of around $340. “It’s my first time marketing, because I’m interested in a little more exposure even though I’m quite busy at the moment,” she said. Medeiros said she’d done a fair amount of networking during the evening, including bumping into repeat customers and giving out 250 pens with logos. Pictured: See-Thru Window Cleaning: Sherri Madeiros, Dennis Gildea and Lori Skirmont. Previously featured on the blog here.
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Titan notices spots on the window of Primark, so he cleans them, what a good robot.