The Waspak - Ergonomic Water Fed Pole Aid

The Waspack - an "Elephant trunk harness" for wfp.

Welcome to Waspak: The Waspak (patent pending on the waspak method) is an ergonomic tool for window cleaning and facade cleaners, working with waterfed telescopic poles. Meet Waspak and discover the benefits!

The Waspak is specially designed for window cleaning and facade cleaners (who work with telescope poles). Waspak is a kind of backpack with a strong tube to which you can hang a telescopic pole. Because the telescopic handle holds the pole, the work load on the body decreases significantly. On the basis of an ergonomic study * is has shown that the work load is reduced by more than 50%. Therefore you may work with the Waspak for longer periods. Working with a Waspak is not only healthier, it is also more efficient! Also available here with prices.

Benefits of Waspak:

• Quick and easy to use.
• Over 50% reduction in physical work load.
• Ergonomic and approved work equipment.
• Longer working time with the telescopic pole.
• Waspak is also suitable for working with a telescope pressure washer.
• It comes with Wasbril, Waspak, teleline, special pulley & an additional bracket.

Wasbril: Special prism glasses for window cleaning and facade cleaners. Prism glasses are made so you don't have to strain your neck. Advantages of Wasbril:

Lightweight (45 grams).

Narrow frame, so you can still see your surroundings.

Vandal-proof.

Glass case provided with micro cloth.

The Wasbril comes only in combination with the Waspak.

These are not new ideas. See Belay Glasses here from a previous blog & below for a review of the Elephant harness from garden equipment users.

The introduction of the Elephant's Trunk (2008), a remarkable invention from Belgium that reduces the weight of any trimmer to just 1kg. 

Elephant's Trunk harness review: You will either love or hate the Elephant's Trunk. It is designed to eliminate strain on the back, shoulder, neck and arm by, effectively, reducing the weight of any hedgetrimmer unit to just 1kg.

The product consists of an adjustable well-padded, wide-strapped harness that is worn by the operator like a backpack. The hedgetrimmer is simply clipped onto the bungee-type wire fed from a spool above the operator's head to take the weight of the machine and transfer it to the hips.

Our first tester found that the overhang got caught in tall hedges. So he tried standing differently to compensate for the height and held the trimmer further from the body, but still didn't like it.

The second found it "weird at first" but after five minutes declared: "The more you use it, the more comfortable it becomes. It certainly takes the weight of the trimmer and I think it is particularly useful for cutting higher material."

The third tester found it easy to use from the start. "It takes all the weight. All you have to do is cut up and down, up and down. It's easy. And it means you don't have to grip the machine so hard - that must help reduce vibrations. It looks daft, but it's good."

Carrying Ladders The Safe Way - Strap-N-Go

Strap-n-Go, the developer of the Strap-n-Go line of ladder handle products and accessories, has won two awards for its patent pending Ladder Handle system. The National Safety Advisory Council recognises products that have or will significantly improve safe practices in the work place. "There is no doubt that the Strap-n-Go line of ladder handle products is having a positive impact in the marketplace," says Jay Lord, President of Strap-n-Go. "According to OSHA Ladder Safety Procedures, two of the top hazards associated with ladder use include persons or objects being struck when carrying ladders and muscle strains from the improper lifting or carrying of ladders. Strap-n-Go Ladder Handles can resolve these hazards and reduces injuries."

Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle is specifically designed to facilitate a safe and ergonomic solution for lifting and transporting ladders. The simple design evenly distributes the weight of any ladder while maintaining balance, comfort and control. This inexpensive solution can prevent injuries and decrease the stress, strain and fatigue caused by carrying a ladder. Headquartered in Los Gatos, CA, Strap-n-Go is the developer of the Strap-n-Go line of ladder handle products and accessories that defines the proper way to carry a ladder. Strap-n-Go products are manufactured and distributed worldwide by Shepherd Hardware Products, , an industry leader for over 50 years, with locations in USA, Canada, Mexico, England, France, Australia and China.

Universal Step Ladder Handle - Fits Fiberglass, Wood & Aluminum Ladders: The Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle takes the hassle out of transporting a step ladder! Simply strap it on and go! The heavy duty support rail evenly distributes the weight of the ladder and the ergonomic handle maintains comfort and control. Your other hand is free to carry additional items, instead of having to "steady the ladder." It also saves you time by eliminating multiple trips to the job site. Features:

•Easy to use with ergonomic grip handle

•Heavy duty weatherproof material with steel support rail

•For commercial and residential use

•Universal design - fits fiberglass, wood, and aluminum ladders

•Reduces the risk of back injury

•Meets OSHA standards

• Semi-permanent design

• Optional shoulder strap

Universal Step Ladder Handle - Chrome Support Rail. Fits Fiberglass, Wood & Aluminum Ladders, $17.95

Universal Step Ladder Handle - Non-Conductive Stainless Steel Support Rail. Fits Fiberglass, Wood & Aluminum Ladders, $19.95

Extension Ladder Handle: Fits Fiberglass & Aluminum Extension Ladders. The Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle EX takes the hassle out of transporting an extension ladder! Simply strap it on, tighten it up and go! Your other hand is free to carry additional items, instead of having to "steady the ladder." Install two or more Extension Ladder Handles for additional control and comfort on large ladders. Features:

•Easy to use with ergonomic grip handle

•Heavy duty weatherproof material

•For commercial and residential use

•Universal design - fits fiberglass and aluminum ladders

•Reduces the risk of back injury

•Meets OSHA standards

• Semi-permanent design

•Optional shoulder strap

•Install two or more on large ladders

Extension Ladder Handle. Fits Fiberglass, Wood & Aluminum Ladders, $14.95

Ladder Handle Shoulder Strap - Fits Both Ladder Handle Products: The adjustable Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle Shoulder Strap fits both of the Ladder Handle products allowing you to carry your ladder hands free. The adjustable Shoulder Strap installs easily onto each of the Ladder Handle’s attached D-rings allowing users to carry the weight of the ladder on one’s shoulders. Features:

•Easy to install

•Saves you trips to the work site.

•The special cross chest design won’t slide off your shoulder.

•The extra large clips allow you to also use this Shoulder Strap to carry tool bags, buckets, refrigerant jugs, duffel bags or any other load comfortably and securely.

Ladder Handle Shoulder Strap, Fits Fiberglass, Wood & Aluminum Ladders, $11.95

What is the proper way to carry a ladder? Ladders are relatively uncomplicated devices, but they can be harmful and unsafe when carried incorrectly.  They tend to swing, rise and/or fall in a variety of directions making them cumbersome and difficult to control.  If uncontrolled, this movement can cause serious back, neck and shoulder injuries to the person carrying the ladder.  It can also be dangerous to other people or property in the field of movement surrounding the ladder. Statistics reveal that over 225,000 accidents occur each year that are directly related to the mishandling of ladders.  Over half of these accidents required emergency room visits. These statistics compiled from Consumer Affairs are staggering and cost employers millions of dollars.

There used to be only three ways to carry a ladder:  1) High-Shoulder, 2) Low-Shoulder  or  3) Arms-Length method.

• The High-Shoulder method places the entire weight of the ladder and rail above the shoulder as your raised arm struggles to balance the weight of the ladder against your collarbone causing pressure on your shoulder.
• The Low-Shoulder method places the ladder below the shoulder with the carriers arm extending through the rails to support the weight of the ladder.  This can cause shoulder, neck and collarbone strains as well as back injuries when the carrier tries to compensate to keep the ladder steady and in control.
• The Arms-Length method enables the carrier to hold the ladder by grasping the thin metal side rail with their fingers.  This method can cause wrist strains to carriers because of the lack of a consistent strong grip on the ladder.  It can also cause neck, back and shoulder strains due to the instability of a ladder.

Now there is finally a safe ergonomic solution for carrying ladders! Strap-n-Go is a unique ladder handle that was specifically designed to facilitate a safe and ergonomic solution for lifting and transporting ladders.  The Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle is designed to evenly distribute the weight of any ladder while maintaining balance, comfort and control.  This inexpensive solution can eliminate injuries and decrease stress, strain and fatigue caused by carrying a ladder.

Winner of the National Hardware Show “Best Overall Product” Award: The United Inventors Association of America presented Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle the "Best Overall New Product Award" at the National Hardware Show, one of the biggest annual trade shows in the world, gathering over 2,800 consumer products companies at the Las Vegas Convention Center. After careful review and assessment by a select panel of industry judges, Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle was presented with this honorable award which recognizes the best new products inventions at the show.

Recipient of the Top Safety Innovator Award: National Safety Advisory Council. The National Safety Advisory Council is honored to announce that Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle was selected as the recipient to the "Top Safety Innovator Award". The purpose of the Safety Innovations Award is to recognize companies whose products have or will significantly improve safe practices in the work place, whether its construction segments or other industry environments. Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle is recognized as the most innovative product in keeping employees safe and injury free.

Readers Choice Most Popular Product Award: Strap-n-Go Ladder Handle was selected as Readers Choice Top 10 Most Popular Products in the Safety Equipment category from Public Works Magazine (published by Hanley Wood).

The Wagtail Erkonomic Pole, Hip Dipper & Combi

New from Wagtail, the Combi - interchangeable pads on your favourite squeegee, the Hip-Dipper - a new squeezable lightweight bag, the "Erkonomic pole" - a new mid size non-extend-able pole & a detailing tool that can fit your scrim or microfiber on the end of the pole. The most versatile squeegee out - there!

Some more videos - not found anywhere else on the web!

The New Window Cleaning ErgoTec® Ninja Squeegee From Unger

Unveiled at the UK Cleaning Show, the ERGOTEC® NINJA is launched with a fantastic daily giveaway, guaranteed to be a hit with the UK window cleaners! Every day in March, Unger will give away one ERGOTEC® Ninja squeegee handle with a 35cm channel! For a chance to win text NINJA to 60777 followed by your details.

Dave Rogers, the General Manager of Unger UK comments on the launch of Ninja. “The response at the Show has been phenomenal. The success of Ninja is underpinned by extensive research and creative approach to product development, all in close partnership with the end users of our products. Together we came up with a truly innovative product that delivers enhanced user experience and has an element of fun“.

As a result the ERGOTEC® Ninja is a long way ahead of any window squeegee currently available. The Swivel function, locking firmly in any position within 180˚ radius, enables access to hard to reach areas, especially when working with poles. Unger has also solved the problem of channel’s accidentally falling out from the handle – a TriLoc mechanism provides secure Open Position for channel replacement or adjustment, eliminating the risk of it separating from the handle. The textured anti slip handle features an ErgoBall indented head for comfortable grip and a thumb pad for greater control.

But it’s the Channels that hold a clue to the Ninja name. The Extruded Aircraft Aluminium T6 Channels are guaranteed not to break or bend. Revolutionary SmartClips on the end of the Channel allow adjustment of the rubber tension and protect the frames.

“Speed, precision and great performance are the key values of the ERGOTEC® NINJA concept. The channels deliver perfect pressure distribution across the entire length, resulting in streak free cleaning. The longest 105cm channel is designed for true Ninja style cleaning – quickly and efficiently, hence the name”, explains Rogers. “We’re confident it’s going to be a star product”.

The new ErgoTec® Ninja: Makes Tough Jobs a Lot Easier!

Product Innovations:

• Adjustable rubber tension ensures perfect results for every window size and channel length.

• Aluminium channel does not bend and keeps rubber perfectly straight

on the glass surface.

• TriLoc mechanism prevents channels from accidentally separating from handle and falling out - great for working at height, abseiling and cradle work.

• The ErgoTec® Ninja locks onto the Unger Locking Cone and can be used for

safe high access cleaning with telescopic poles.

Maximum Efficiency:

• Clean large glass surfaces in less time.

• Perfect pressure distribution requires less power application.

• Swivel lock makes pole work fast and easy.

• Fast rubber and channel change with channel always in secure position.

The new ErgoTec® Ninja provides numerous benefits for increased efficiency for the professional window cleaner. Channels up to 105cm long dramatically reduce the time required for cleaning large surfaces, allowing you to achieve more in less time. The revolutionary ergonomic design ensures smooth and easy performance – even after hours of intense cleaning. ErgoTec® Ninja – the smartest tool for professional window cleaners. Click the pictures to enlarge.

• Ergonomic Handle: Lightweight ergonomic handle designed to perfectly fit the human hand. High quality anti-slip rubber for better comfort and precise control.
• ErgoBall Area: Indented handle head allows for comfortable grip.
• Thumb Area: Thumb pad on top for additional control.

• Tension Ergonomic Handle Adjustment: Coin adjustable stainless steel screw to increase or decrease the swivel tension.
• Cone Lock: Firmly locks onto Unger Locking Cone.
• Swivel Function: Perfect for telescopic poles and hard to reach areas. Locks in any position. Choose tension to keep desired angle.

Aircraft Aluminium T6 Channel: Lightweight and stable Extruded Aircraft Aluminium T6 channel
construction. Choice of lengths up to 105cm - for speed cleaning large areas. Will not bend or break.
Perfect pressure distribution.

Flexible Rubber Positioning: Choose from two rubber positions: Lower position for shorter channels
(1), higher position for the longer channels (2). Each always has the right pressure and contact with
the glass.
Ninja Star Markings: Special Ninja star markings to easily find center position.

TriLoc channel locking mechanism - Fast and secure channel change and repositioning.

1. Channel is locked.

2. Channel is fixed and can not fall out or be moved.

3. Slide to adjust channel position or twist to exchange channel.

* Tension screw allows custom locking settings – works with most popular aluminium channels.

In the USA recently at the IWCA Florida exhibition, the ERGOTEC® NINJA was released in fine style by a blonde Ninja complete with opponents. Pictured: Alex Lambrinides of Window Cleaning Resource gets attacked.

Wagtail Giveaway! Wagtail Reaches New Heights

Willie Erkin of Wagtail Pivotal Cleaning Tools sent me an email yesterday with the news that Wagtail Squeegee's are being used on the Burj Khalifa Tower (formerly Burj Dubai) now officially the tallest building in the world. Just watch the video below at 00:45 & see that unmistakable swish of a Wagtail squeegee being used at the highest point anywhere in the world! Freeze it if you have to - you will see the giveaway pivot on the channel as a giveaway. And Giveaway is exactly what we're doing. Just fill in the form below from the trusted & secure email submission form & get a chance to win an 18" & a 14" Wagtail Whirlwind - the newest Wagtail's out there. "

CoxGomyl designed, manufactured and installed all 18 building maintenance units (BMU's) on the Burj Khalifa. Yep, I know I've been going on a little about this incredible buiding! Can't get enough? Go here for the CoxGomyl blog.

But why use a Wagtail over all of the other squeegee's on the market?

The combining of the mop and squeegee can remove the requirement to apply water in a separate action - the single pass of the Wagtail device over the window surface applies water and then immediately squeegees it away, meaning either greater productivity or, more appropriate to the present analysis, less effort for the same productivity. If conditions are such that a separate mopping action is required then that mopping action can be accomplished with much less precision, as a second mopping action will be accomplished by the Wagtail in the same pass as the eventual squeegeeing.
On hot days, sun striking a window can make the window very hot. There is then a tendency for window cleaners to rush the window-cleaning operation because applied water can easily dry before the squeegeeing operation is completed, thus leading to increased drag on the squeegee with the associated requirement to press harder on the tool.
With the Wagtail , additional water is applied by the mop incorporated into the cleaning head which ensures excellent lubrication of the squeegeeing action under all circumstances, thus relieving the stress associated with (a) the need to push harder on a drying surface, and (b) the requirement that the entire operation be hurried. Willie Wagtail shows you how...

So what are you waiting for? If you are a window cleaner just fill in the form below for your chance to win, not one, but two squeegee's, the newest 14" & 18" Wagtail Whirlwinds! The winner will receive an email from me to confirm their postal address. The competition is Worldwide, so don't delay - sign up & be part of more offers to come. You'd be mad not to.



Email Marketing You Can Trust

Yes, I want the chance to win 2 of the fastest squeegee's out there. No thanks, I'd rather take a running jump.