Posted By Malcolm Greenhouse In this economic climate there is always someone wanting to look at ways of saving money. The latest is to stop the quarterly window cleaning contract which saw the windows of the offices cleaned inside and out. Although not directly referred to in the workplace regulations, other than in terms of the precautions to taken when windows are cleaned, can anyone think of legislation which covers the need to keep windows reasonably clean? Thanks in anticipation.

Posted By alan noble Reg.8 Welfare regs regarding lighting. Lighting should as far as practicable be natural e.g.windows. Any windows used for this where possible should be regularly cleaned.

Posted By Jay Joshi If you really need a regulatory backing, it has to be Regulation 9 of the Workplace Regs regarding "Cleanliness and waste materials" Regulation 9(1) requires that every workplace and the furniture, furnishings and fittings shall be kept sufficiently clean. Also, the ACoP to reg 8 on lighting goes on to state that Windows and skylights should where possible be cleaned regularly and kept free from unnecessary obstructions to admit maximum daylight. The balance to be struck is to what extent do the windows get dirty so that it becomes a health hazard or significantly reduces the amount of incoming natural light?

Posted By D H Well if you are in Scotland at the moment you will have about 6 hours of natural lighting - if the harr is low - so do we stop work because the windows are clean but the sun is not out?? What about night shift workers - are they concerned about the windows being clean?? The Regs are there for guidance - but come on! Also consider the risks to the window cleaners - WAH - COSHH etc?? Dave

Posted By D H Quite correct - the Regs showed be complied with - sorry