Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ireland. Show all posts

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Cleaning Windows In High Heels 60ft Up

Cleaning Windows In High Heels 60ft Up.
Government worker climbed out window onto 60ft-high ledge: A staff member at Government Buildings has been reminded of safety protocols after pictures emerged of her perched on a ledge at Government buildings. The incident took place at Upper Merrion Street buildings that house Taoiseach Enda Kenny's offices on Tuesday evening.

The woman was pictured on the ledge as much as 60ft above the basement level below. Photographs of the incident were posted online yesterday. People speculated on a message board that the women was cleaning the windows in the Department of the Taoiseach due to budget cutbacks following austerity measures. No harness or other means or other means of securing her safety on the ledge of the Edwardian building can be seen in the pictures.

The incident was described by a spokesman for the Taoiseach as "a one-off occurrence". "The staff member in question has been reminded of their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act," he added. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) said that they were not aware of the incident last night.

A spokesperson said that it would be inappropriate to comment on the act without knowing the context behind the pictures. The Department of the Taoiseach did not respond when asked by the Herald what the woman's job title is or what she was doing on the ledge.

A question over whether the incident would be reported to the HSA also went unanswered by staff in Mr Kenny's department. The photographs appear to have been taken from inside another Government building, where the Department of Agriculture is housed. They were posted online where people expressed amazement at the daring episode. A spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture said that they were not aware of the images last night but added that there are a number of occupants in the building.

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Irish Pensioner Dies While Cleaning Windows

Sarah Phelan - granny who fell from apartment block in Avondale House, Dublin.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/pensioner-fell-through-fourthfloor-window-she-was-cleaning-30502364.html
Pensioner fell through fourth-floor window she was cleaning: A pensioner tragically died when she fell through a fourth floor window she was cleaning, an inquest heard. Sarah Phelan (82) was washing a windowsill of her flat at Avondale House, North Cumberland Street, Dublin 1, on the evening of July 8 last year when the accident happened.

Gardaí believe she was attempting to clean pigeon droppings off the windowsill when she fell. Dublin Coroner’s Court heard from neighbour Mary McDonnell that she was sitting in her flat in the block opposite Mrs Phelan’s when the accident happened at around 9pm. She said that she could see Mrs Phelan washing the windowsill of the top floor flat.“A few minutes later she was hanging out of the cable wire shouting ‘help, help’. I ran around but when I got there she was on the ground,” she said.

She had fallen four floors to a small garden area directly below the flat window. Neighbours rushed to her aid and were performing CPR when paramedics and gardaí arrived. Garda Kieran Brady said that she was unresponsive at the scene. Mrs Phelan was taken to the Mater Hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The postmortem found that she died as a result of major internal injuries sustained in the fall, including a transected aorta. Gda Brady said that gardaí are satisfied that there was no foul play involved in the death.

The court heard that Mrs Phelan was fastidiously clean and had a dislike of pigeons congregating on her windowsill. Gda Brady said that a cloth was found on the windowsill. When asked by coroner Dr Brian Farrell if he believed that she had fallen across the windowsill while cleaning it, Gda Brady said yes. The coroner expressed concern that the window ledges in the flat were very low and the windows could be opened fully. The family told him that the flat, which is a Dublin City Council property, has since been given to a family with young children. Dr Farrell returned a verdict of accidental death and said that he would write to the housing department of the city council to alert them to the issues raised about the windows at the inquest.

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Dublin Window Cleaner Shot Six Times

John O’Regan was a window cleaner shot dead near a school while he was going to work.
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/window-cleaner-shot-up-to-six-times-by-lone-gunman-30188421.html
Window cleaner shot up to six times by lone gunman: A window cleaner was gunned down close to a north Dublin school this morning by a killer who fled the scene on foot. John O’Regan (48), was targeted as he cycled to work in Ballymun at around 8.45am. The victim, from nearby Barnewall Gardens – originally from Finglas – was not known to gardai for involvement in organised crime, sources said. He was pronounced dead at the Mater Hospital after the shooting at Gateway Avenue, Ballymun.

He was shot up to six times with a handgun by the lone gunman who fled the scene on foot. Detectives are probing whether a dangerous Finglas gang are behind the murder as it is believed that Mr O'Regan got involved in a dispute with a senior member of this mob in recent times and felt under threat. Despite a lack of criminal convictions, sources say that Mr O’Regan was under investigation after gardai seized a shotgun from him which was not licensed to him. Window cleaning equipment was found near the scene of the capital's latest gun murder and it is understood that Mr O'Regan was on his way to do a job.

Local residents said that they heard six shots being fired in rapid succession and then heard a scream. “I was in bed at the time and then I just heard six bangs, then someone screamed loudly. I don't know if it was the victim or a witness,” they said. “When I looked out the window I could see garda and ambulance guys down on the ground with the victim,” he added. Advanced paramedics from Dublin Fire Brigade tried to save the man's life but he was pronounced dead in the Mater Hospital after being rushed there. Local sources said a four-wheel-drive style vehicle was seen leaving the scene after the shooting.

The area where the attack occurred is a small cul de sac off the main Ballymun Road and is beside a school, which was closed today for the Easter Holidays. The murder of Mr O'Regan (pictured right) is the second fatal shooting to happen in the morning rush hour in north Dublin in the space of just three weeks. In an unrelated gun attack, IRA gangster Declan ‘Fat Deccy' Smith (31) was shot in the face outside a crèche in Donaghmede, north Dublin, shortly after 9am on March 21. Smith died of his horrific injuries from the single shotgun wound in Beaumont Hospital a week later. And last August, a 51-year old man survived after he was shot in the stomach as he cycled on Glasnevin Avenue in Ballymun in an incident that also occurred in the morning rush hour.

Sean Tyrell, an Independent election candidate for Dublin north west told The Herald this morning: “People that I have been talking to are in total shock, especially that this happened in an area that is normally quite busy at the time of the incident” “There is a primary school right beside the scene, and a creche about 20-50 meters away” “I'm just thankful that the kids are off on their Easter holidays” “It's very unsettling for people to know that this can happen in their own back garden.” “Even though the Garda station is across the road from the scene of the incident, they simply do not have enough resources, and they do the best job that they can, so I would encourage anybody with information to contact them,” he said.

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Irish OAP Dies While Cleaning Windows

An elderly woman plunged to her death after slipping while cleaning her windows.
Elderly woman dies after fall while cleaning windows: The 82-year-old was understood to be washing a window sill at her fourth-floor flat in inner city Dublin at the time. Witnesses who saw the incident at Avondale House on North Cumberland Street called the emergency services. Gardai said they were alerted to the accident at around 9pm last night. The pensioner, believed to have fallen on to bark cuttings but who sustained serious injuries, was rushed to the Mater Hospital. But she later died from her wounds. Gardaí said the matter was being treated as a sudden death. While a report is being prepared for the coroner, there is no separate Garda investigation into the incident.

Sarah Theelin (82), plunged to her death in Dublin's inner city last night while cleaning a window of her fourth floor apartment.
Tributes pour for OAP who fell to her death cleaning windows: An elderly woman plunged to her death in Dublin's inner city last night while cleaning a window of her fourth floor apartment. Sarah Theelin (82) was in the process of washing her window on North Cumberland Street at 8.30pm when the tragic incident took place. Known affectionately as Sadie to her family, the woman lived in the flat at Avondale House alone following the death of her husband. The pensioner, who is believed to have fallen into the park area surrounding the complex, was rushed to Mater Hospital, but later died.

Sarah, who hails from a large family of nine girls and four boys, was fondly remembered by her family, who described their shock. Tragically, the Dublin native had just returned from her sister’s nearby flat and was still wearing her jacket. “I can't believe it, I am still in shock,” Sarah's youngest sister Catherine said. “We had asked her to stay with us many times, but she liked living in her own flat with memories of her husband and they had no children.”

It is believed that the 82-year-old had moved a chair across to the window and stood up on it in an attempt to clean bird droppings from the glass using a cloth on a stick. She then lost her balance. “We are very surprised that she even made it up on the chair because she was crippled with arthritis,” explained Catherine. “We are all just devastated, she as a great sister and we were very close.”

Several neighbours told the Irish Independent how they heard the pensioner's cries for help as she desperately clung on to the window-ledge. Neighbour Stephen McCluskey (66) said he saw Mrs Phelan "hang on for about five seconds" before falling. "She was hanging on with one hand and I could see her getting weaker and weaker. She shouted, 'help, help' and then I started screaming for help and trying to get other people's attention but there was nothing I could do," he said. "I could see her panicking and I saw her try to put her right (hand) on the window-ledge as she held on with her left, but she was just too weak to support herself."

Mary McDonnell, who lived directly across from Mrs Phelan, also saw her fall to her death, with her daughter's friend Cameron Byrne (13). "I saw her coming down after she shouted out. She hit the ground and kind of bounced back up again for a second. Then we all ran out to her to see if we could do anything for her. "People said not to touch her because she was on her side in the recovery position," Mary said. One neighbour attempted to give the 82-year-old CPR while waiting for the emergency services to respond.

Mrs Phelan was revived for a time and taken to the nearby Mater Hospital. Mrs Phelan, who was described as a "cleanaholic" and "a devout Catholic", worked as a cleaner with CIE for over 50 years. She had lived all her life in the Avondale House flats and several family members also live there, including her niece and carer Audrey Teeling, who was the first on the scene. "She was always cleaning and couldn't pass a piece of dirt without picking it up," Audrey said.

North inner city councillor Christy Burke today paid tribute to the woman who he described as “very respected in the community”. “She was a lovely, low-key lady and is a very sad loss to the area,” Christy told the Herald. “She was a highly respected senior citizen and was very involved in the community and the type that everyone would know. “The north inner city community is deeply saddened by the loss and she will be missed,” he added. Witnesses who saw the incident at Avondale House on North Cumberland Street called the emergency services. But Sarah was pronounced dead at approximately 9pm. Gardaí said the matter was being treated as a sudden death. While a report is being prepared for the coroner, there is no separate Garda investigation into the incident.

Also see:

Saturday, 10 March 2012

Irish Window Cleaner Wows Dragons In New Series


Window cleaner wows Dragons in new series: A former labourer named James has come up with a business idea that's being hailed as a "phenomenon around the world" on the new series of Dragons' Den. He was one of 19 delighted entrepreneurs who managed to entice some cash out of Dragons Sean O'Sullivan, Norah Casey, Gavin Duffy, Niall O'Farrell and Bobby Kerr.

And producer Larry Bass explained that contestants are becoming far more inventive with their ideas in the recession. "The Dragons are all looking for quality investment opportunities and there was no shortage of them," he said. "There's a guy named James in episode three who has completely reinvented himself from being a self-taught brickie and, like thousands of people around the country, once the recession hit, he got laid off.

"He started again with a window washing business just to get back into the workforce and then he came up with a totally new idea for the Dragons. It's something that's going to be a phenomenon around the world. "This guy is the type of character who just gets on with it and would always do well."

The new series, which starts tomorrow night on RTE One, has seen the biggest amount of investment to date, with the dragons ploughing some €800,000 into new Irish business ideas. Mr Bass added: "The whole series has a different feel, there's real quality ideas coming in and having Sean join the Dragons has lifted the competitive nature of the show."

Monday, 20 February 2012

Irelands Tallest Skyscraper Gets A Clean

The Obel Tower is Irelands tallest building and is quite a challenge for the window cleaners.
Ballymena firm hires special team for skyscraper windows operation: A Ballymena cleaning firm has had to hire a special abseiling team to ensure that thousands of windows on Ireland’s tallest skyscraper are sparkling clean. Central Cleaning Site and Maintenance Ltd. has the contract to clean the windows on the 28 storey Obel Tower in Belfast and have called in specialists from Scotland, who perform work at heights that would make even Spiderman dizzy. The company has brought in Industrial Rope Access Trade Association-trained cleaners and thankfully vertigo isn’t an option for these brave cleaners, as the building stands at almost 300ft tall. Cleaning his fair share of the tower’s 4,565 window panels is dare devil cleaner Lee Green.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph he said: “You can’t think much when you are going over the edge- you just have to do it. You just make sure and check that the equipment is all in order and then go over. “The views are amazing, but you are pretty exposed at times and if the wind is high it can blow you across several floors of the building, which is pretty scary. But that’s all part of the experience. “You really have to have faith in the equipment. It’s pure agony hanging in a harness for hours. But we rub Olbas oil onto our thighs at night and that seems to soothe the aching muscles a bit.”

There are almost 200 residential apartments and London law firm Allen & Overy rents out all the office space at the tower which was completed in 2008. The windows are cleaned every three to six months and is a painstaking process that requires the highest skill and attention.  Mr. Green added: “Every time that we do a drop from the top to the bottom it takes about an hour and 40 minutes. It takes about 40 drops to do the whole building and we do about six drops a day. “We wear woolly hats underneath our helmets, gloves and thermals because it does get quite cold when you are hanging around all day. “But next time we’re here it will be summer, so hopefully we’ll get a bit of sunshine.”

Costing £60 million and measuring 85 metres (279 ft) in height, the tower dominates the Belfast skyline. On completion it overtook the previous tallest skyscraper in Ireland, Windsor House (80 m), also in Belfast. Developed by the Karl Group, the Obel Tower is located on Donegall Quay on the River Lagan beside the Lagan Weir.

Sunday, 19 September 2010

Window Cleaning Events, Jobs & Flyers



The Master Cleaners of America conference (MWCoA) Dallas, Texas FREE Seminar: LOCATION: Plano Centre, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX 75074. Confirm Your Attendance here with the President. The definite window cleaning event to attend.

Schedule of Events Saturday November 6th:
  • 8:30 AM Meet and Greet.
  • 9:00 AM Fantastic & FREE Advertising Methods - Jack Nelson - Founder and Former Director MWCoA.
  • 9:30 AM The Importance of Customer Retention with Kraig Dyer, President Master Window Cleaners of America.
  • 10:15 AM The Power of Pure Water Technology - Shawn Gavin, Pure Water & WFP Expert
  • 11:15 AM Grow Your Business To Multi-Crews with Mike Draper, J. Racenstein Rep.
  • Noon Lunch Break Lunch break at Best Western Park Suites * FREE to all attendees *
  • 12:45 PM WFP Demomstration at Best Western Hotel with Mike Draper - JRC and Shawn Gavin - Reach Higher Ground.
  • 2:00 PM Round Table Discussion on Fabricating Debris Issues.
  • 3:30 PM Increase Your Income With Add-Ons with Kris Weigal, NanoPhase Technologies.
  • 4:00 PM Jeff Flint, Envicoat 25 minutes
  • 4:30 PM Q & A Session Followed by Door Prizes Given Away *Must be present to win*

September 29th and 30th 2010, Charlotte, South Carolina.. Please join Window Cleaning Resource teaming up with the National Cleaning Expo', piggy backing on the CETA show, September 29th and 30th in Charlotte, SC. This will be our last event for this year and we have ALOT of amazing and exciting things planned. With hundreds of attendees already confirmed and over 65 vendors, it is a must, even for the networking alone! Please stop by the Window Cleaning Resource booth and visit us!
Hands On Tools! Everybody would love to get their hands on each piece of equipment they buy, but sometimes it's not always that easy. Now it is! We will have Pure Water Carts by IPC Eagle and Waterfed Poles by Facelift, Gardiner and SimPole. We will also have great deals on waterfed pole equipment and pure water carts. There will also be LIVE hands on demos so you can actually get these things in your hands and see what works best for you.
Great Deals! There will also be scratch glass removal demos courtesy of GlassRenu in the Window Cleaning Resource booth. If you've been thinking about getting into scratch glass removal this is the time of year to do it. GlassRenu has hooked us up with a special offer just for National Cleaning Expo attendees. We will be selling GlassRenu machines, contractor grade, for only $995! That's $1200 off of the normal price of $2100!
Giveaways! Giveaways! Giveaways! You won't want to miss what we're giving away at this event. Look out for a SimPole Waterfed Pole Giveaway along with a hand tool starter kit giveaway. Not to mention National Cleaning Expo will be giving away an $11,000 Hot Water Pressure Washer Unit. Sign up here.


PULIRE EURASIA: Free entry - 30 of September till the 2 of October, 2010: An Innovative and Interactive Platform for the Euro Asian Cleaning Industry. Pulire Eurasia provides an innovative platform to experience new technologies and solutions at an international level in the cleaning industry. It is a strategic place for companies with consolidated operations in the Eurasia region and also for those looking to expand their commercial interests in this region. “Pulire Eurasia” places itself in the global exhibition network of the cleaning industry as a standpoint for accessing the market in South-Eastern Europe, the Gulf region, Middle East and Central Asia. Turkey is one of the main producers and exporters of technology in the cleaning sector.

Ausclean is a unique opportunity for companies in the cleaning and support services industries to market, sell and promote their products and services. If you are involved in the cleaning or building maintenance industries, don’t miss the 15th biennial Ausclean incorporating BSM Expo taking place at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney, Australia from 27-28 September 2010. Ausclean incorporating BSM Expo 2010 will provide a unique opportunity for you to interact with and sell to the whole spectrum of professionals linked to cleaning and maintenance of buildings and venues.
Ausclean, Australia’s longest running and most recognised cleaning exhibition. Held once every two years, Ausclean attracts thousands of key decision-makers from businesses, local councils, government departments, major venues and the health, hospitality and tourism industries. Many of the attendees are responsible for the maintenance and management of large-scale facilities including industrial, commercial, hospitality and retail buildings.

CLEAN 2010: 26th -28th September - Reed Exhibitions, in association with CLEAN Middle East, is pleased to invite all cleaning professionals to the sparkling new launch of the Middle East Cleaning Exhibition 2010 (CLEAN 2010). Held in Dubai, the established center for commerce in the Middle East, the three-day exhibition and conference will bring together companies with existing operations in the region with international players who are looking to reach out to new markets. The Middle East Cleaning Exhibition 2010 (CLEAN 2010) is the only regional platform dedicated to gather international players from the global cleaning and environmental hygiene industry to showcase technologies, products and processes. Held in Dubai, the established center for commerce in the Middle East, the three-day exhibition and conference will bring together companies with existing operations in the region with international players looking to reach new markets.
Formerly known as Gulf-Cleantech, CLEAN 2010 features a new look and a more comprehensive profile to firm up its market position. The event is organised in association with CLEAN Middle East magazine, the first industry magazine in the region with a readership of 15,000 professionals and buyers. The cooperation is expected to create show awareness among qualified buyers from various economic sectors such as facility management, food safety, laundry, residential and industrial, public health, municipalities and government agencies among others. CLEAN 2010 introduces new marketing facilities that are focused on innovative communication approaches to attract providers and their targeted audience. In addition to an international network that will complement efforts to make the show a success, Reed Exhibitions has pioneered a networking program that will facilitate an effective matching of business interests among participants of the show.

ProClean Ireland - 13th & 14th October - presents a unique environment in which to do business. The event is the only place where you can meet face to face with other cleaning industry professionals, all looking to source the latest products, services and innovations within the Cleaning Industry. Organised by Opus Business Media Ltd, who have over 45 years of experience within the Cleaning Industry, ProClean Ireland will see the introduction of new and exciting feature areas and an educational content to ensure the event meets the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. Exhibitors will include Manufacturers, Distributors and Support Service Organisations. The two day exhibition is an ideal opportunity to reach key buyers, specifiers and decision makers within the industry.
ProClean Ireland will deliver the audience you want to see.

Prevent Accidents – Get Proper Safety Training - IWCA Hands-On Safety Training. Chicago – October 8. Register now here. OSHA research concluded that 100% of window cleaning accidents might be eliminated with proper attention to the application of equipment, and the proper training of window cleaning professionals. Learning proper window cleaning safety techniques is important for everyone, NOT just for those who utilize Rope Descent Systems or Suspended Scaffolds. If you specialize in residential or commercial/ground window cleaning, it is essential that you have proper safety training. Did you know that the majority of window cleaning accidents occur while using ladders? Are you utilizing water-fed poles in your business? Do you know the best practices and safe techniques to ensure you are using them effectively? Learn how to keep your employees safe and in turn keep your productivity up and your costs down. Also, learn more about the International Window Cleaning Association and how it can help you in your day-to-day business.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
  • 7:30 a.m. Breakfast and Introductions
  • 8-10 a.m. Plan Ahead for Safety
  • 10 a.m. -Noon Working Safely around High Rise with Rope Descending Systems (RDS)
  • 12-12:30 p.m. Lunch
  • 1- 4 p.m. Working Safety Around Route/Residential
  • Hands-on demonstrations: Self-rescue - Ladder Safety - Aerial Lift Safety
  • 4:00 p.m. Glass Fabrication Awareness
FEES
IWCA Member Registration Fees $129.00
Non-Member Registration Fees $189.00
10 or more Additional Registrations $119.00

ISSA/INTERCLEAN 9 - 12th November 2010 - Orlando, Florida - is the number one trade fair formula in the professional cleaning industry, jointly organised by Amsterdam RAI and its alliance partner ISSA, the leading cleaning industry association worldwide. No other trade shows bring such a wide range of resources related to the cleaning industry together under one roof. Whether you're looking to find suppliers or distributors, expand your company's global presence, solidify customer relationships, stay ahead of industry trends, or network with your peers, ISSA/INTERCLEAN trade shows provide these opportunities—and much more, in venues around the globe! This site offers you access to dedicated sites on our ISSA/INTERCLEAN events worldwide. In the menu on the left you can select the exhibition of your choice for detailed information.

Memorial Service for Don Chute:
When - Friday, October 1, 2010 - 2:00pm
Where - Georgia Governor's Mansion, 391 West Paces Ferry Road, Northwest Atlanta, Georgia. Tel: 404-261-1776
Dress: Nice Casual (No neckties) Party into Paradise.
Don's wake following the memorial service is at the Woodbine Station Clubhouse, Corner of Sandy Plains Rd. & Pebble Hill Dr. Marietta, GA 30062
Designated Driver shuttles to/from hotels.

JOBS:

Racenstein are opening a job position in Secaucus, NJ this month. This would be an "in office" job helping out with the inbound phones as well as picking up the phone calling window cleaning companies trying to develop their personal "book" of accounts. If you know somebody in North Jersey that enjoys sales (and is someone that has that personality where you might like to buy from them) send them Steves way for an interview. 8 to 4:30, 9 to 5:30 or 10 to 6:30. Likely to be 3 weeks in the office and 1 week out visiting window cleaners. Contact: Steve Blyth on helpdesk@jracenstein.com

Vikan are market leaders in the manufacturing of high quality, food grade cleaning equipment and microfibre systems into the UK market. We are seeking a highly motivated sales professional, located within easy access of the M25. Previous field sales experience is essential and knowledge of the food and healthcare industries would be a distinct advantage. More importantly, you must be able to demonstrate a proven record of success, be a proactive self starter, with a high customer service ethic. A key focus of the role will be the development of our existing distributor network along with identifying new business opportunities. A consultative and conceptual selling approach will aid your success which will be driven through your strong relationships with customers as you add real value to their business. In return we offer an excellent package to include a competitive salary, plus target based bonus scheme, company car and all the benefits associated with a successful market leader. Please send your application along with an up to date CV to: mbennett@vikan.co.uk


Paul McQuillan gives away another flyer created for window cleaning. This flyer is totally editable and comes in a Word document as well as PSD for those of you using Photoshop. Click the picture above to take you there. Sign up for free, for all Pauls templates.

Saturday, 6 February 2010

Huf Haus - The Future is Here & it Likes Glass



The house that Huf built: German building firm Huf Haus are bringing their cutting-edge, energy-efficient building service to Ireland this year, and they have a lot to teach us about green living. Renowned German building firm Huf Haus will be launching its cutting-edge, energy-efficient building service in the Emerald Isle later this year and is aiming to teach Irish builders a thing or two about what being truly 'green' really means. The Iredales were "flabbergasted" by the end result, while British architectural guru Kevin McCloud was equally impressed. "If Mercedes built houses, this is how they would do it," he declared in genuine awe at the German construction engineering produced during the course of his show. The family-owned firm Huf Haus lays claim to being the European market leader in contemporary post-and-beam architecture. It has an annual turnover of €100m and promises to deliver a systems-building breakthrough in this country.

"The green (r)evolution home is our major contribution to environmental and climate protection," says Georg Huf, president of Huf Haus. "We look forward to launching our services in Ireland, which we know is very focused on the issues of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability." Established in 1912, Huf Haus has developed its range of luxury timber frame houses with the express intent of bringing environmental sustainability to a new level. The company produces only about 150 houses each year, of which about 40pc are exported worldwide. In the 70s, Huf Haus significantly redefined its post-and-beam constructions, using a reduced-design language, large areas of glass and open-plan floor layouts. The timeless glass and timber buildings, with clear modernist lines, are unmistakable features of all Huf houses, which are constantly enhanced in line with latest technical and design trends.

The firm is targeting six to eight Irish clients in its first year here. This might appear modest -- but attaining this goal will prove challenging in the current economic climate. German timber frame firm DaVinci found the Irish market a tough nut to crack and has closed its marketing operation here. Huf houses cost around €2,000 to €2,500 per square metre - roughly two or three times the level a quality system-built home usually costs in this country. But don't think pre-fab when you think Huf Haus - think 'wow factor' contemporary design, hi-tech methodology and 'quick build' par excellence. Still, it is possible to buy a quality timber-frame system-built product in this country at significantly lower prices.

The Iredales were delighted with their Huf Haus purchase. However, the major fly in the ointment for them was the exchange rate factor. They failed to build this element into their calculations. Irish buyers will have no such worries, though they will have to factor in extras such as regular window cleaning at as much as €500 a pop if the German 'glass house' option takes off here. From pouring foundations and erecting the structure, it generally takes around three or four months before occupation. A trip to Huf HQ will also be required to hammer out personal specifications and fixture/fit-out details. "Huf houses are definitely not cheap," says the very appropriately named Huf marketing chief Michael Baumann (his surname is German for builder). "They cost quite a lot, but are not expensive at the end of the day. "They are the Rolls Royce of homebuilding -- and what everyone aspires to."

Prospective buyers can view a range of Huf houses at a show village near Frankfurt -- all decked out in the latest contemporary interior designs, at build prices ranging from around €500,000 to €2.5m plus. The most expensive Huf home yet - at around €10m - has been built for a private client in Switzerland. Huf houses are 'third generation' in every sense. Founded by Johann Huf in 1912 as a carpentry business, the firm was expanded by his son Franz, completing such projects as the German and Arabian Pavilions at the World Expo in Brussels. The company then broke further ground by shifting to the production of pre-manufactured wood panels and turn-key construction. Currently headed by Georg and Thomas Huf, the firm has now embraced the new 'eco-era' with a vengeance. Its major innovation lies in the fact that all constructive timber parts have been provided with a high efficiency insulation layer, eliminating the usual thermal bridges.

"We have remained true to our architectural visions while managing to retain the classic design which our many customers appreciate so much," says Thomas Huf, chief architect and co-president of Huf Haus. All glass panels are triple-glazed panels and with a rock bottom low u-factor. This is accompanied by the most advanced energy services, utilising heat pumps and self-regulating measurement/control technology. Huf Haus can provide individual solutions for all types of regenerative energy systems, including controlled ventilation, solar-thermal and photovoltaic systems. The firm even supplies 90pc or more of all fixtures and fittings, down to door handles, light switches and integrated piping. Huf houses meet stringent new energy savings regulations in Germany, stipulating a 60pc reduction in energy requirements for new homes by 2012. It remains to be seen, however, how the German specifications are received by the notoriously conservative Irish planning authority, and our national standards authority.

The preponderance of glass in the German design could, for instance, prove a stumbling block. The firm has, however, already overcome such obstacles and successfully completed a major nursing home in Co Sligo. Maggie Moran is the Irish representative for Huf Haus, and she is currently helping two prospective customers to plan and design new homes in Wicklow and Sligo. The Irish agent is currently negotiating the requisite certifications from the appropriate authorities. Huf Haus's partner architect in Ireland is Dublin-based Denis Byrne Architects. This award-winning practice recently won the international architecture competition for the new Bord Gais networks national distribution control building. "The impending launch of Huf Haus in Ireland will provide a compelling opportunity for new homebuilders to choose an architecturally advanced building with built-in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability," Ms Moran commented.

Sunday, 20 December 2009

Custom Websites For Window Cleaners



Cork Ireland: The last half of 2009 has had quite an effect on the South of Ireland with the worst flooding in 85 years being reported in some areas. The wet weather isn’t dampening the spirits of one window cleaner however. When the rain stopped work once too often, Nathanael Jones of Avondhu Cleaning Services decided something had to be done. “When heavy rain stops me cleaning windows I normally take the opportunity to catch up on paperwork, update my marketing materials & tweak my websites, but the weather was so bad this year that I soon found myself up to date and getting frustrated indoors with nothing to do” He says.

“It became obvious to me that I needed another business that could fit around my window cleaning, but that wasn’t so dependent on the weather, and since I had some experience in the field it was only a matter of time before www.avondhu-internet.com was conceived”

Providing website services mostly for small businesses, Avondhu Internet Services has been growing steadily over the past few months and has received great praise from its clients. “I believe the same approach should be taken with website design as with window cleaning” says Nathanael. “All my window cleaning clients get a full 100% satisfaction guarantee,.. why should I offer anything less with a website?”

When questioned about his future, Nathanael is adamant that he’s not quite ready to retire the mop and squeegee though. “I’ve always loved working outdoors, and I don’t ever want to give that up to sit behind a desk full time,.. but the success of my new venture means that I have the best of both worlds, and hopefully will continue to do so for some time to come”.


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Sunday, 19 April 2009

Sunday Window Cleaning News

This year, Millards Cleaning are celebrating 90 Years of serving Central London. John Booth, Director at Millards said: "We are very happy to have reached this milestone in the history of our company, and we hope to be serving London for a further 90 years and beyond." Servicing the West End, Central London and the City, Millards Cleaning Services Ltd operations centre and offices are based just off Trafalgar Square. Millards Cleaning Services provide Office Cleaning and Window Cleaning in London, Central London, the West End, and the City. Major Millard founded the company in 1919, to provide employment for ex-servicemen from the First World War. Millard’s has always been based in the West End, originally in Bond Street, moving to Neal Street in 1947, to St Martins Lane in 1986 and to their current address 28 Charing Cross Road in 2003. 1994 was the year in which Millard’s was awarded the BS EN ISO 9001:2000 quality assurance.
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Doug Kirhofer and Gary Hunley are celebrating 25 years in the sporting goods business in the Fox Valley. Kirhofer is owner and Hunley is manager of Kirhofer's Sports in Aurora and Tri-City Sports in Batavia. The men are celebrating 25 years in business and 40 years of friendship. Jerry Gandt of Baker's Window Cleaning cleans the glass at Kirhofer's Sports on Aurora's West Side. The store sells a full line of sporting goods and apparel and supplies area team uniforms.
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When Chris Worden was lying on a hospital trolley waiting to go into surgery to save his foot, he made a promise to his surgeon. Window cleaner Chris told the medic that if he managed to save his foot - which was almost severed after a bike accident - he would give him £1,000. It has taken the father-of-three from Greyfriars Crescent, Fulwood, 11 years to keep to his promise - but he plans to cycle from Blackpool Tower to the Eiffel Tower in Paris next Thursday to do it. The 57-year-old has already raised £2,000 and will give half the cash to the orthopaedic unit at Royal Lancaster Infirmary, which saved his foot, and half to the children's ward at Royal Preston Hospital which saved his daughter Katherine's life. Chris said: "My daughter had leukaemia when she was little and was looked after at RPH, so it has always had a special place in my heart.
"In fact, when I set off on Thursday it will be the 20th anniversary of a John O'Groats to Land's End ride I did for them. "Now, Katherine actually works as a nurse on the children's ward, working with some of the nurses that actually looked after her. So I wanted to give something to them, but I also feel I owe it to the surgeon who saved my foot to keep the promise I made to him all those years ago."
He suffered the injury after his motorbike was involved in a car accident. Medical experts said he would have lost his foot if he had not been wearing protective boots. He said: "After the operation the surgeon came to see me and jokingly said, 'Where's my money, then?' and I said I would do it for him, even if it took me years. "It has taken me until now to get my confidence back and now I am ready to go, I reckon I can do 125 miles a day for four days which will get me to Paris – I think I might need a pedalo to get over the Channel though." If anyone wants to sponsor Chris, they can send cheques made payable to the 'Cycle Fund' to 46 Greyfriars Crescent, Fulwood, Preston, or telephone 01772 715523.
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Report of child taking is mistake: In what turned out to be a false alarm, Charlotte County sheriff's deputies mobilized five police agencies on land, air and water Friday to search for a man thought to have abducted a child. The large manhunt came after a woman reported what she thought was a child abduction in the Gulf Cove area at about 10:30 a.m. She described a man in a red pickup with pool supplies in the back struggling with a girl between 6 and 12 years old. "We had no reason to doubt her," Charlotte County sheriff's spokesman Bob Carpenter said. The woman did not have a cell phone and drove 20 minutes to work to call police. Sheriff's deputies set a staging area in a grocery store parking lot at State Road 776 and County Road 771. Detectives and dog, marine and aviation units began searching the area and running down leads. No one had reported a missing child, so deputies checked schools and sent a reverse 911 call to homes in the area. Police from Lee and Sarasota counties assisted along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Three hours later, North Port police showed up at the Price Boulevard home of Leonard Haslage, who operates a window and pool cleaning business with his 17-year-old daughter and who drives a red Nissan pickup. Haslage's daughter answered the door and was surprised to see police. "We felt pretty comfortable we were on the right track," said North Port Police Sgt. Charles Ayres, who drove to the Haslage house with another officer. He said the daughter "looks young for her age" and Leonard Haslage "matched the description to a T." Charlotte County deputies arrived with the witness a few minutes later, and she identified Haslage as the man she had seen. Haslage and his daughter said they had been in the Englewood area but they had not done anything that could be interpreted as a struggle, Carpenter said. The caller "did absolutely the right thing" by contacting police, he said. Carpenter said he did not think police overreacted.
"We have to assume she was right," Carpenter said.
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Window cleaner’s death was a ‘shock’: THE DEATH of a window-cleaner from Borehamwood, who was found hanging at home, was described at an inquest as “totally unexpected”. Stephen Lue, 37, from Micklefield Way, was found dead by his father at his home on January 24. Paramedics were called to the house at around 1pm.
At the inquest, held on Wednesday at Hatfield Coroner’s Court, Coroner Edward Thomas said a post-mortem report showed there was 167mg of alcohol, more than twice the legal driving limit, in his system but no evidence of any medication. He said Mr Lue died of cardiac-respiratory failure due to suspension. Sergeant Mark Smith, from Hatfield police station, told the coroner he arrived to find Mr Lue on the floor with a noose around his neck and a bottle of Jack Daniels whisky and a glass beside his bed. Mr Lue had been suffering from depression since November 2008. Dr Rehan Siddiqi, a psychiatrist from Watford General Hospital’s crisis assessment and treatment team, first assessed Mr Lue on November 25 last year.
Mr Siddiqi said: “I first assessed him and saw he was suffering from a delusional disorder.
“We didn’t want to take him into hospital as it would have been disasterous if we made him leave his job. “He was quite proud he had set up his own business and wanted to continue doing that.”
He added: “I would say it was totally unexpected. I felt that he was quite a proud individual planning for the future. “I would not have thought Stephen would have taken this route.
“The team were shocked and called me to let me know. Stephen was an extremely nice chap.
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SULTAN: Two candidates have stepped forward to fill a vacant position on the Sultan City Council. The candidates are Jeffrey Beeler, owner of a Sultan-based window washing company, and Bob Knuckey, a retired print shop owner. Former Councilman Dale Doornek resigned from his position in March to pursue a master's degree. He started a four-year term in January 2008.
By state law the City Council is responsible for appointing a replacement, who will serve until the November election. The City Council plans to interview the candidates and choose one at 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 319 Main St.
Both candidates are described as community-minded citizens already active in public service.
Beeler, a Sultan resident for nine years, served as the chairman of a city budget advisory panel and as a member of a storm-water stakeholders group that worked to reduce the city's proposed storm-water fees. He serves as treasurer of the advocacy group, U.S. 2 Safety Coalition.
His top priorities are more police services, helping the city create an identity and planning for new growth.
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Skyway reaches for the stars safely: Entrepreneurs are fond of saying that the sky is the limit for their companies but, in Kieran Meegan’s case, it’s true. Meegan’s company, Skyway, specialises in safety equipment for people working at heights, such as window cleaners and roofers. Since it was founded in January 2000, the company has worked on some of Ireland’s best-known buildings. Its current projects include work on the redevelopment of the Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin, the building of the new Criminal Courts building, the National Conference Centre and Dublin Airport. It has also worked on Ireland’s tallest building, the Elysian in Cork, as well as the O2 Arena in Dublin and the Bank of Ireland on College Green. ‘‘We provide systems and equipment on all types of roofs to allow people to work safely at heights and prevent them falling,” said Meegan. The company employs 16 people with skills ranging from mechanical engineering and quality assurance to marketing, education and design. It also has a facilities services division that provides annual maintenance on all safety at height systems, as well as the training and supply of harnesses, lanyards and specialised safety equipment.
Meegan was born in Monaghan, the middle son in a family of farmers and shop owners who encouraged innovation and entrepreneurship from an early age. When the family moved to Kells, Co Meath, in the late 1970s,Meegan completed his second-level education at the local CBS. He went on to study at Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University in Belfast, gaining a first-class honours degree in civil engineering. After graduating from Queen’s, Meegan worked as a civil engineer in London from 1988 to 1992 before moving to Canada. In Toronto, he completed a masters in applied science, specialising in structural engineering, and took up a consultancy role.
One of his main clients was Pro-Bel, the biggest firm in the safety-at-height sector in the US. In 1998, he returned to Ireland to establish the Irish arm of Pro-Bel. A year later, he went his own way, leading to the setting up of Skyway with his wife Martina. Nine years later, despite the economic downturn, Meegan believes there are new opportunities for the company. ‘‘Prior to 2008, most of our work was on new buildings but, late in 2008, we started to focus on the retro fit market, offering solutions for existing buildings,” he said. ‘‘We see this slowdown as a good opportunity to innovate, educate and prepare our company for the years ahead. We plan to use this time to further expand our research and development division and to develop and manufacture more products in Kells.”

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