Scotland The Brave... Stupid

Scotland The Brave... Stupid.

Heartstopping video shows foolhardy window cleaner perching on a tiny ledge four storeys up - without any safety gear: This is the shocking moment when a window cleaner balancing on a top floor ledge - without any safety equipment. Colin Elliot appears to use only his left hand to cling on to the outside of a third floor flat while wiping the windows with his other hand. Witnesses said he left the property through the window before carrying out the dangerous task, branding him 'fearless' but 'stupid'.

Barry McLauchlan, 22, (pictured) who was working on the opposite side of Caird Drive, Glasgow, recorded the terrifying moment on Monday morning. The labourer, from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, said: 'I was just working away and looked across the street. I noticed this window cleaner. He said: 'I thought nothing of it, but the more I stared I noticed he wasn't wearing any safety equipment. There was no harness or safety aids. 'I was shocked. I was fearing more for his life than he was. 'I saw him climb out of the window. He closed it behind him and washed the window as if it was a ground floor and nothing had happened. 'Except from his hand holding on to the window, there was nothing keeping him there.'

Witnesses branded the daredevil "fearless" and "stupid" as he dangled from a window with just his hand for support, nonchalantly cleaning windows.

The daring window cleaner was named as Colin Elliot from the Partick area of Glasgow. Mr McLauchlan and his colleagues believe he must be self-employed or just a member of the public. He said: 'I work in the construction industry and know how important it is to stick to health and safety. 'He's a braver guy than I am. But there is fearless and then there is stupid. 'You've got to think about health and safety. My thought is that this guy is self-employed because any company's insurance would not have paid for that.'

Barry McLauchlan, 22, who was working on the opposite side of Caird Drive, Glasgow, recorded the terrifying moment on Monday morning.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which regulates the workplace, said it could not comment as the man may have just been a member of the public. But a spokesman added: 'Falls from height are one of the biggest causes of workplace fatalities and major injuries, and we would hope anyone working at height took necessary precautions to prevent an incident.'

Mr Elliot, 56, said he has been cleaning windows for almost 34 years without incident.

However, Colin Elliot said he is the window cleaner captured in the footage. Mr Elliot, 56, said he has been cleaning windows for almost 34 years without incident.  He said: 'No, I don't use safety equipment - it's not like I do the Empire State Building.' Mr Elliot said the tallest buildings he works on are three storeys high. Commenting on those who had questioned his working with no safety

equipment, he said: 'It's just from their point of view. I wouldn't recommend they go out on a window ledge. 'If you're fearful of the activity you shouldn't do it. I have an exceptional head for heights.

Mr Elliot, pictured said: 'Having survived it for 33 and a half years I must be bloody good at risk assessment'.

'I guess I assess the job quick enough and if I thought it was pushing it safety-wise, I say I want to get those windows hinged before I do it. 'I would tell them if they were beyond the pail. I know when a window is too dangerous. 'I never go out on a window ledge if I don't need to. If I have got a bay window I open each of the windows in. My advice is you never take any needless risks. 'Having survived it for 33 and a half years I must be bloody good at risk assessment.' One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: 'He's a great window cleaner and does a great job, very thorough. He's a very interesting character and has been working in the west end for a very long time.'

Scottish Window Cleaning License Clampdown

Licences are approved and issued by the council while Police Scotland conducts background checks on applicants.

West Fifers warned after four window cleaners are charged: West Fifers have been warned after four people were charged for operating as window cleaners without licences. Fife Council took enforcement action against the four after a complaint was made bout unlicensed window cleaners operating in the West Fife area.

Councillor Bob Young, chair of the regulation and licensing committee, explained, “We place a lot of trust in those we employ to carry out work at our homes. "They are often working while we are away so it’s very important that they are fully trustworthy. “Our enforcement officer recently took action against four individuals in West Fife who were charged by police for operating as window cleaners without licences.

We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and other agencies in the coming months to ensure the public are protected from any unlicensed traders.” West Fifers are now being urged to be wary of unlicensed window cleaners operating across Fife. The council is highlighting the risks of employing people who are unlicensed and is encouraging householders and businesses to look at their window cleaner’s licence.

Licences are approved and issued by the council while Police Scotland conducts background checks on applicants. To protect householders and in case of accidents, it is a condition of holding a licence that window cleaners have adequate public liability insurance. They are also required to carry their licence ID at all times. A council spokeswoman said, “Window cleaners, as part of their application for a licence, must show that they have public liability insurance to cover them while operating. "When you are checking a licence it should have a photograph of the holder, the Fife Council logo and a hologram along with dates of its validity.”

Beware of unlicensed window cleaners: FIFE Council is asking people in the Cowdenbeath - Lochgelly area to be aware of any unlicensed window cleaners operating across the Kingdom. The Council is highlighting the risks of employing people who are unlicensed and is encouraging householders and businesses to look at their window cleaner’s licence. Licences are approved and issued by Fife Council and Police Scotland, conducts background checks on the applicants.

To protect householders and in case of accidents, it is a condition of holding a licence that window cleaners have adequate public liability insurance. They are also required to carry their licence ID at all times. Councillor Bob Young, chair of the Regulation and Licensing committee explained, “We place a lot of trust in those we employ to carry out work at our homes. “They are often working while we are away so it’s very important that they are fully trustworthy. Our enforcement officer recently took action against four individuals in West Fife who were charged by police for operating as window cleaners without licences. “We will continue to work closely with Police Scotland and other agencies in the coming months to ensure the public are protected from any unlicensed traders.”

Fife Council issues licences for a number of business sectors to keep the public safe and to make sure the right people are providing services safely to the public. These include Taxi Driver Licences, Street Traders, Second Hand Dealers, Skin Piercing and Tattooing and Charitable Collections.

The Scottish Licensed Window Cleaners Network (SLWCN) was launched on the 1st March 2006. We are an independently run, self-funding, internet-based network. The SLWCN is dedicated to raising the profile and standard of the window cleaning industry in Scotland. 

Smashed Leg For Window Cleaner

A ‘singing’ window cleaner who smashed his leg to smithereens in a shock fall has thanked kind hearted neighbours for saving his life.

Window cleaner smashes leg in horror fall: A ‘singing’ window cleaner who smashed his leg to smithereens in a shock fall has thanked kind hearted neighbours for saving his life. Father-of-four Craig Galloway had been working in Dunnikier Estate on Friday afternoon, the day before his birthday, when he tumbled 14 feet from a ladder onto a concrete path. “They didn’t just help me, they probably saved my life. “The pain was so intense, I really believe my heart could have stopped,” he said. “I’m so thankful.”

The 34-year-old from Cowdenbeath had been working on a ‘two-up, two-down’ property on Turnberry Drive just after 2.00 p.m. on Friday when the bottom of his ladder ‘pinged out’ from underneath him. “I didn’t actually feel anything at first, but when I tried to stand up I looked down and saw this open wound with a bone hanging out. I just went into shock,” said Craig. “My wrist had hit a fence on the way down but my right leg took the brunt of the impact -and the last time I checked I weighed 16 and half stone!”

The property owners were on holiday and Craig lay stranded behind plant pots. “I had to hop out to be seen but there was nothing connecting my leg to my ankle - my shoe was filled with blood and my sock had caught on the bone. My leg was just flapping about and the pain was excruciating,” he said. “I just kept shouting ‘help, help, I need an ambulance, hoping somebody would come before I passed out.”

First on the scene was a young boy who phoned for an ambulance and a lady who ran across the road to help. “I do her windows and I wear headphones and sing when I work. I’m really rubbish and she kept joking about my singing to keep me conscious! An older man came too and I knew by his expression that it was bad.”

That night Craig underwent a five-hour operation at Victoria Hospital - the first of many to rebuild his leg. Surgeons explained he had broken his wrist and ankle and his tibula and fibula had “shattered into hundreds of pieces.”  Craig, who had worked as a window cleaner for 12 years without injury, explained his job was now finished. “The doctors told me some bones have turned to mush. A full recovery will take at least a year. My leg will never heal to the point where it has the strength to bear that kind of weight on it again,” he said.

Thanking hospital staff for their care, Craig revealed the accident had forced him to re-evaluate all aspects of his life, including his relationship with partner Lynne Anderson. “It makes you realise what’s important,” he said. “That’s me and the other half talking about getting married now.” He added:“She and my mum deserve a medal for taking care of me.”

Window Cleaner Caught In Glasgow Helicopter crash

Mark O’Prey died in the Glasgow helicopter crash.

Glasgow helicopter crash: hundreds pay tribute to Clutha victims at memorial service - Hundreds of people have gathered at Glasgow Cathedral to pay tribute to the victims of the helicopter crash and offer comfort to their relatives. It has now been reported that John McGarrigle, 59, from Glasgow, a working class poet, and Mark O’Prey, 44, a window cleaner from East Kilbride, are also among the eight that have died.

Glasgow helicopter crash wreckage was lifted from Clutha roof only today.

Neighbour's fears for man missing after Glasgow helicopter crash: The neighbour of a man still unaccounted for after the Clutha helicopter crash has spoken about his fears for his friend's wellbeing. Mark O'Prey was last seen by friends at The Clutha on Glasgow's Stockwell Street on Friday night, shortly before a Police Scotland helicopter fell through the roof. Eight people were killed in the disaster and a further 12 remain in hospital.

On Sunday, Mr O'Prey's neighbour John Gardner told STV News that he feared the worst. He said: "Obviously, when we hear there's 14 injured, eight dead, and five from that, we are seriously concerned that it might be someone we know personally. "Now, for myself, I was thinking of friends that live in Glasgow but to find out it is actually one of my neighbours. Mark is a great guy. I speak to him frequently at the car and on the drying green."

Mr Gardner recounted Mr O'Prey's personality and his hobbies, including camping and attending festivals. He explained: "He's a big, fun guy. He likes the festivals. He's a window cleaner. I know from his Facebook that he was into judo. He would take his son and pack up all the car with camping gear and go to the Clanranald fortress, if they had an event on out in the country, and he'd set up camp. "He'd be there for a whole weekend and he'd take his son with him. They were very close and he would do as much as he could for his son during the summer. At the camping and the festivals, he would always include his son."

Mr Gardner said he had last spoken to Mr O'Prey several weeks ago. He said: "I've been busy, out and about. It's into the winter time now and he has his window-cleaning business. So I haven't actually spoken to him since over a couple of weeks. We do have a good chat when we bump into each other because we catch up. But I haven't seen him for a couple of weeks."

Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond has warned that more bodies could be found as the wreckage of a police helicopter that crashed into a busy pub in Glasgow is removed from the building. Mark O’Prey, 44, a window cleaner from East Kilbride, was said to have been standing close to a door, waiting for a friend who had gone outside for a cigarette when he died.

Helicopter Crash: Fears For 'Gentle Giant'- The family of a man who has not been seen since a police helicopter crashed into a pub in Glasgow have said they are fearing the worst. Mark O'Prey was last seen in the Clutha bar by a friend who went outside for a cigarette moments before the tragedy. His father Ian told Sky News how he dropped the phone when his daughter Louise told him the news that Mark had been inside the bar. "I could not believe it because I'd been watching it all night on television from when it happened," he said. "Here we are two days later and he's still inside. "Mark was 44, a big powerful lad, 6ft 3in and loved by everyone. "I would hope he would do the same for me if I was lying in that pub. I'd like some answers, not (to be) fobbed off."

 Mark's sister Louise said her brother's phone still rings when they call it. "We've tried desperately for two days now," she said. "His phone is still ringing. His phone is ringing in that bar. "We know he was definitely in the bar with a guy who asked him to hold his drink while he went out for a cigarette. When he looked up he saw the helicopter had crashed into the building. "We had some absolutely fabulous times together. We just can't believe he could be in that situation in that pub. "He lived for his music. He was a big gentle giant who would have done anything for anyone. "We just can't bear to think we're going to have to put him to rest at the age of 44. It's so tragic."

Police Scotland said family liaison officers, who are highly specialised and trained, have been working with the O'Prey family since Saturday. In a statement, the force said: "Mark O'Prey has been reported to Police Scotland as missing and was last known to be in the pub where the helicopter came down. "Police Scotland appreciates concerns and frustrations from relatives awaiting news. We have stated publicly the priority is to remove those who were in the pub at the time of the crash and to do that safely and as quickly as we possibly can."

The mangled wreckage of the aircraft remains embedded in the middle of the Clutha as police and firefighters continue to comb through the wreckage of the building, in what has been described by police as a"complex" and "very dangerous" operation. Officers have so far named five of the nine people who died during the tragedy. PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, PC Tony Collins, 43, and civilian pilot David Traill, 51, were inside the aircraft when it smashed through the roof of the pub on Friday night.

Gary Arthur, 48, from Paisley, and Samuel McGhee, 56, from Glasgow, were also killed inside the premises after the roof collapsed, filling the venue with choking dust.

Mark O'Prey: Missing after Clutha helicopter crash.

'My life was saved by smoking cigarette, but my friend is still missing' - An eyewitness to The Clutha helicopter crash has told how his life was saved by leaving the pub to go for a cigarette. But Willie Bell's friend Mark O'Prey, who stayed inside and minded his pint, has vanished in the aftermath, and is feared dead. The police helicopter crashed into the roof of the popular pub on Friday night. Eight people have been confirmed dead and 14 people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

Mr Bell, 50, from East Kilbride, told the Sunday Mail: "I asked him to hold my drink. "I was standing outside with a few folk and we could hear this loud roar. "One woman thought it was a train but then another looked up and saw something falling out of the sky. "I looked up just to see this huge great object smashing onto the roof. "Everyone started screaming and made their way back inside. "The place was covered in dust and thick black smoke. People were lying injured in and covered in blood. "I haven't stopped shaking and I've not been able to eat." Mark's sister Louise told the newspaper: "Knowing Mark he would have rushed to help someone and ended up being trapped".

R.I.P. Brian Cullen

Brian Cullen, window cleaner known affectionately as “Tubby” to his friends.

Window cleaner Brian Cullen died in ‘12ft’ fall: Neighbours have spoken of their disbelief after a popular window cleaner died after falling 12ft off his ladder yesterday. Brian Cullen, known affectionately as “Tubby” to his friends, had been on a regular round on West Granton Road when he came off his ladder. One witness said he landed on metal railings after falling the short distance. The 56-year-old was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but later died from head injuries.

Peter and Margaret McQueen, who live a few doors down from his home on Ferry Gait Walk, said he was “a lovely man” who everyone knew. They said he ran TCs Window Cleaning Services with his son, Mark, and must have climbed his ladder thousands of times in his career.

Retired Margaret, 70, who had her windows cleaned by “Tubby” since she moved in seven years ago, described him as “such a nice person” and the Cullens as a “lovely” family. “Mark will be devastated. He was around here every day at 7am. They would go out together in the morning cleaning windows.

“When I saw the van outside their house I thought it was strange. “It’s such a tragedy. He said he was only doing low windows because it was getting him a row. It’s terrible that this has happened.”

Husband Peter, 76, added: “He will certainly be missed by a lot of people. Tubby was liked by everyone.” Emergency services were called to the two-storey flat at 10.10am after a client saw him fall. Rachael Napier, 68, who called the emergency services after finding Brian trapped, said: “I ran out and he was hanging on the fence. “He must have hit his chest as he was coming down. It’s a tragedy. Everybody knew him. He was a lovely guy.”

But the dad-of-two suffered massive head injuries and doctors failed to save him. Student Ammar Ibrahim, 17, who lives in the neighbouring flat, said: “The police were knocking on doors asking if anyone had seen anything. It’s so sad to think that he’s died.”

Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he had been washing windows on that street “for years”. She said: “When you looked at the ladder and the height he’s fallen, you just wouldn’t expect it. The poor man. Everyone knew him, it’s such a shame.” His death is at least the second in the city this year from window-related falls.

In March window fitter Mark Paterson, 32, fell 70ft from the top floor of a tenement on Inverleith Row, while window cleaner Martin Greig survived a 40ft plunge last month. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to an address in West Granton Road following reports that a male fell from a ladder while working in the street. “He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburghfor treatment after sustaining a serious head injury. However, he died within the hospital. “Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive.”

Hospital: Brian Cullen died after falling from his ladder.

Window cleaner who died after falling from ladder named locally: A window cleaner who died after falling from a ladder in Edinburgh has been named locally. Brian Cullen was working at flats on West Granton Road in the city when he fell at around 10.30am on Tuesday. The 56-year-old was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but later died from serious head injuries. An investigation has been launched by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police in Edinburgh responded to an address in West Granton Road at around 10.35am on Tuesday 5th November following reports that a male fell from a ladder while working in the street. "He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment after sustaining a serious head injury. However, he died within the hospital. "Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive."

Window Cleaner Scotland - Ladder Death

The scene of the accident on West Granton Road.

Window cleaner dies in West Granton Road fall: A window cleaner has been killed after falling from a ladder in Edinburgh today. It is understood the man was working at flats on West Granton Road when he fell at around 10.30am. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but died from serious head injuries. A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to an address in West Granton Road following reports that a male fell from a ladder while working in the street. “He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment after sustaining a serious head injury. However, he died within the hospital. “Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive.”

Hospital: The man died after sustaining serious head injuries in the fall.

Window cleaner dies after falling from ladder at Edinburgh flats: A window cleaner has died after falling from a ladder in Edinburgh. The man was working at flats on West Granton Road in the city when he fell at around 10.30am on Tuesday. He was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but later died from serious head injuries. An investigation has been launched by Police Scotland and the Health and Safety Executive.

Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

A spokesman for the force said: "Police in Edinburgh responded to an address in West Granton Road at around 10.35am on Tuesday 5th November following reports that a male fell from a ladder while working in the street. "He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment after sustaining a serious head injury. However, he died within the hospital. "Enquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive."

Window cleaner dies after falling from ladder: A window cleaner has died after falling from a ladder while he was working. The man suffered a serious head injury in the fall in Edinburgh this morning. He was taken to the city's Royal Infirmary but died at the hospital. His name and age have not yet been confirmed. The incident happened just after 10.30am in West Granton Road which contains a number of flats, although it is not known how far the man fell. Police and the Health and Safety Executive are looking into what happened.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Police in Edinburgh responded to an address in West Granton Road at around 10.35am on Tuesday 5th November following reports that a male fell from a ladder while working in the street. "He was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment after sustaining a serious head injury. However, he passed away within the hospital. "Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and officers are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)." A spokeswoman for the body said: "The HSE is aware and is liaising with Police Scotland in the investigation."

Window Cleaner Has No Memory Of 40ft Fall

 Martin Greig fell from the fourth floor.

Window cleaner has no memory of 40ft fall: A window cleaner who plunged 40ft to the pavement at a city centre site after his safety ropes failed says he has no memory of the horrifying ordeal. Martin Greig, 25, from Penicuik, had been cleaning the windows of the Semple Street Exchange 1 building at around 4pm last Friday when the ropes designed to secure him to the building gave way. He incredibly survived the fall, but is still recovering in intensive care at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Mr Greig has been told by doctors he was lucky to have escaped the fall with only two broken wrists, two badly sprained ankles and two broken bones in his lower back. The worker, who lives with fiancée Wendy and seven-month-old daughter Millie, said: “Only time will tell if I’ll be able to go back to work. I’ve been told I’ve got months of physiotherapy ahead of me and even if I do get completely back to normal, this has really hit home. I have a daughter to think about.

“I don’t remember what happened and hearing about it was really shocking. “The ropes we had had been in use for a long time and I think they were due to be replaced soon, but I had no reason to think they would fail.” The Health and Safety Executive is investigating the incident.

Colleague Jack Robertson, 20, who had been working with Mr Greig at Perth-based subcontractor Smith Services Ltd for three months, said he was sure his friend had not survived the fall. The Penicuik man said: “We were on our last drop of the day and we were sitting at the fourth floor when Martin’s main line suddenly snapped. He fell a few feet before the back-up caught him for a second, then it failed too. “It was all over in a split second, but I remember he was falling so fast the water in his bucket was coming up out of the top. Then there was this awful thud as he hit the ground. It was horrible – nothing I would ever want to see again.”

Mr Robertson immediately pulled himself up one floor to the roof before racing down to his friend’s side. “When I got to the bottom the security guard had already called an ambulance and they were there within minutes,” he said. “Martin wasn’t conscious. I was sure he was dead. “When you work with ropes at height, you know it’s a risky job, but you never think something like this will happen.” Mr Greig started his career nearly two years ago after his brother, Steve, recommended the trade to him. He had recently qualified as a level two rope access technician. Workers can earn as much as £70,000 a year in the trade.

Mother Aileen Greig, 57, who works as a lab technician, called for answers about the fall that nearly cost her son his life. A spokesman for site manager Robertson Facilities Management said: “We are working with the relevant authorities to determine the exact cause of the incident as soon as we can. We are also providing full support to the subcontractor, his family and colleagues, and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

Martin Greig is a level 2 Rope Access Technician at Smith Services Ltd. He currently holds a valid OPITO approved BOSIET, MIST and OLF approved Norwegian Escape Chute certificate.

Harness Snap In Edinburgh, Scotland

Hospital: The cleaner was injured when he fell from the office block in Edinburgh.

Window cleaner plummeted from office block after harness snapped: A window cleaner has been taken to hospital after his harness snapped and he fell from an office block. Two men from a Perth-based company were cleaning the windows at Exchange Place Estate on Semple Street in Edinburgh on Friday when the man fell. It is understood his harness broke just after 4pm and he fell from the building. The worker was taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with injuries to his wrists, ankles and back. A spokesman for Police Scotland said there were no suspicious circumstances around the fall and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating. A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said: "We are aware of the incident in Edinburgh and are investigating." 

Exchange Place Estate on Semple Street in Edinburgh.

A Window Cleaner Named Pu & Unlicensed Scottish Shiners

It's really high," said Pu, a window cleaner.

The real-life spidermen: Many of us know all about the Spiderman movies. But did you know there are some real spidermen out there, braving some truly jaw-dropping heights? Cleaning skyscrapers is truly a job for superheroes. At the Canton Tower, in Guangzhou, the highest tower in China, these real-life spidermen took the risks up there just to give the thousands of tourists a better view.

Mission impossible? No. Tom Cruise? No. But these "Spidermen" are still superheroes to many. Working up at the 108th floor, we find one very experienced "Spiderman", Pu Xianlin. "I was very afraid the first time I stood on the roof and looked down. It's really high," said Pu, a window cleaner for the Canton Tower. There are ropes and boards to keep them safe. But the "spidermen" use their hands to walk, with special suction pads to fix themselves to the glass. The swinging ropes make the job even more dangerous.

A cleaner may not be a lofty job in many people's eyes. But Pu Xianlin's son thinks his father is a brave superhero. "When I take my son out, I tell him I've washed this building and that one. He always gets exited and tells me he feels proud of me," Pu said. Pu Xianlin says he takes a photo at every building he cleans. He may not always be able to afford the high ticket prices, but he can at least show his son some stunning pictures.

Three days of action to close the net on town’s rogue traders: Officers from Kirkcaldy North Community Team and Fife Council Trading Standards joined forces recently to target rogue traders. Last week the combined team came together for a three day enforcement operation and went out on patrol in the Kirkcaldy, Kinghorn and Burntisland areas. As a result, they detected four traders working as unlicensed window cleaners.

They stopped and questioned workmen and traders to make sure they were complying with the relevant legislation. Sergeant Scott Murray from Kirkcaldy Police Station told The Press: “The focus of this operation was to bring together different practitioners to share experiences, knowledge and legislated powers to tackle criminals who are a risk to our communities.” Geoff Bates, service manager, Fife Council protective services, said: “Joint working by police and trading standards is an effective way of targeting rogue doorstep tradesmen and bogus callers. ‘‘We have also been able to advise legitimate traders on how to comply with trading laws.”

During the three day period, contractors working on private properties were approached and the majority of those questioned were found to be bona fide traders providing a professional service. However, four people were discovered operating as unlicensed window cleaners and reports are being compiled in relation to each case. Sergeant Murray said: “This may seem a trivial offence, but a potentially an un-vetted person could be peering into homes whilst cleaning windows. By ensuring cleaners are licensed, it provides some measure of re-assurance they are fit and proper people to carry out the work.”

Fife Council operates a Trusted Trader scheme which lists businesses that have agreed to trade fairly. Sergeant Murray added: “The focus of our work is keeping people safe and this operation was a great success for both the protection of the community and for the recognition of professional tradesmen.”

Scottish Licensing & $5 Singapore Courses In The News

Licensed operator Stuart Pitkeathly said: “A lot of the elderly can get confused."

License call for window washers (Scotland): Window washers are being urged to clean up their act and get licensed. Now the police and council are urging homeowners to check their window cleaners are above board. Licensed operator Stuart Pitkeathly said: “A lot of the elderly can get confused. But if a window cleaner is licensed they will look out for them. “They’re vulnerable and we’ve really got to watch they are not taken advantage of. If someone isn’t registered and just doing it for whatever reason they don’t care about their customers, they’re just after the money.”

Licensed traders must carry their photographic licence card with them at all times. It shows their photograph, name, licence number and expiry date with the council’s logo and hologram. According to community PC Audrey Johnstone it is up to homeowners to ensure that traders they use are licensed. She said: “It’s not a case of cowboy window cleaners. It’s to make sure the appropriate checks have been made. “This will give them the peace of mind that not only have they had the appropriate police checks carried out but their cleaner also has public liability insurance in case any damage or if an accident occurred whilst cleaning their windows.” For more information contact the council’s licensing service on 01387 245922.

The new course will teach maids how to safely clean windows, hang laundry, use ladders and change light bulbs, among others. This year has seen a spike in the number of maids who fell to their deaths.

New maid course in Singapore to focus on safety: Maids can now be sent for a four-hour course centered on working safely near windows. The program, to start running on June 30, is offered by non-governmental organization Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training. Half the time in the course will go into teaching them how to clean windows safely; the rest of the time will cover safety tips for hanging out the laundry, using ladders and changing light bulbs, among others.

Maids will learn through lectures and hands-on sessions. The cost: S$5 (US$3.9). Association president Seah Seng Choon said priority for places in the course will be given to maids who have not attended the now-compulsory one-day Settling-In Program. This was launched only last month for first-time maids. It covers issues such as safety, relationship and stress management, life in Singapore and conditions of work permits. Maids who have gone through the mandatory program may also register for the new course, but their applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Seah, also the executive director of the Consumers Association of Singapore, said: “The SIP covers safety among other issues. We think there's a need for a course like ours, which focuses on safety. It will reinforce the safety tips that maids should apply while working.” The Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Skills Training will run the course with Grace Management & Consultancy Services, the training provider for the Settling-In Program. Details of the association's course will be available at www.gmcs.com.sg/ from June 25.

Last week, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that an employer or an adult representative has to be around to supervise maids when they clean the exterior of windows, and that window grilles must be installed and locked during the cleaning. The guidelines from MOM, to be enforced under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Regulations, followed a spike in the number of maids who fell to their deaths this year.

The Nuclear Plant Window Cleaner

I hope he has a license!

Dounreay plant takes a shine to robot cleaner: It still uses a chamois leather and some elbow grease, but this window cleaner has a hi-tech job. A specially designed robot has been created to tackle a spot of housekeeping at the Dounreay nuclear plant and reach parts staff cannot reach. The labour-saving device doesn't come cheap at £10,000 but it's a drop in the bucket when the overall bill for shutting down the Caithness complex is £2.6 billion.

The plant's staff were faced with cleaning 13 glass-fronted irradiated fuel caves (pictured above - click to enlarge) in the former Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR), which is being decommissioned. Their answer was to devise a robot with arms capable of lifting the three quarters of a tonne inner window to allow it to be wiped while maintaining the safe radiologically affected atmosphere inside. It is the first time in more than 30 years the windows have been cleaned. Over time the double glazed units have built up dust and oxides from highly reactive sodium deposits.

The thick, dirty coating is now being removed using a household chamois cloth attached to a specially designed and purpose-built lifting arm controlled with a robotic manipulator operated by trained staff. The measure will allow employees a better view of the work they are carrying out inside the reactor.

Alex Potts, senior project manager with Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, said: "The difference in the glass is striking, and what was a hazy reflection is now a clear, shining view through the window into the cell. The project team are doing a great job with this seemingly simple task, not without its challenges, that will make the decommissioning programme for PFR easier to carry out as the plant is pulled apart." Meanwhile, the 55-metre tall meteorological tower that once stood over the site has been dismantled as part of the decommissioning.

The Scottish Dounreay nuclear plant recently donated equipment to Japan for use in dealing with the damaged Fukushima complex. Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL) said it had gathered a van-load of respirators, hand-held radiation survey kit, masks and suits. DSRL said it had enough of the equipment for its use.