tant safety information and provide insight for window cleaners at all stages of busi-ness operation. Safety First The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) lists falls as one of the leading causes of on-the-job deaths, accounting for eight percent of all occupational fatalities from trauma. Given the nature of window cleaning and the frequent need to be elevated, workers have an increased risk of injury if safety protocols are not followed properly. Greg Nammacher, secretary-treasurer of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, said: “Over the past years, the window cleaning industry, we believe, has gotten increasingly danger-ous. There is more and more pressure to cut corners.” In an effort to minimize the incidents of injury, the IWCA worked with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to establish the IWCA/ANSI I-14 Safety Standard, which provided safety regula-tions based on reliable data — not market-ing forces or other special interests. To help employers and their workers remain in compliance with the regulations, the IWCA Safety Certification program was initiated, which helps individuals study the many facets of safety best practices and equipment usage. To become IWCA Safety Certified for a five-year period, window cleaners must pass three preparatory exams and a final in-person examination. Just as Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) certification differentiates a cleaning service and can function as a sales tool when promoting the profes-sionalism of an operation, having your win-dow cleaners IWCA Safety Certified shows dedication to protecting your laborers, the buildings in which they work and the ten-ants of those buildings. CM Empower your Employees with Pride and Professionalism OSHA Recommendations For Rope Descent Systems 1. Training of employees in the use of the equip-ment before it is used 2. Inspection of equipment each day before use 3. Proper rigging in all cases, with particular emphasis on providing tiebacks when coun-terweights, cornice hooks or similar non-permanent anchorage systems are used 4. Use of a separate fall arrest system so that any failure of a support line or anchorage sys-tem will not affect the ability of the fall arrest system to function properly 5. All lines installed when rigging RDS shall be capable of sustaining a minimum tensile load of 5,000 pounds 6. Provisions are made for rescue 7. Ropes are effectively padded where they contact edges of the building or other surfaces that might cut or weaken the rope 8. Provisions are made for intermittent stabiliza-tion for descent in excess of 130 feet. Enhanced web-and dvd-based video instruction • Quick-reference cards Complete training manual • Online testing and certificate of completion One system with multiple training opportunities. Spartan’s new and improved, multimedia training system guides users through basic and advanced cleaning procedures for office, restroom, carpet and hard floor care. Cleaning personnel will hear, see – and understand – how to perform proper cleaning procedures that promote a healthy, safe and clean work environment. www.spartanchemical.com/cleancheck SPARTAN CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC. 1110 Spartan Drive • Maumee, OH 43537 www.spartanchemical.com © SCC 9/10 Circle Product Information no. 205 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 21
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