Terra firma formula
October 1st 2006

High access areas needn't be high risk: by eliminating the need to use ladders,Unger says its ergonomic high access tools are easy to use and reduce the potential for injury

Walls, light fixtures, windows and tall furniture all have one feature in common – they all attract dust, dirt and cobwebs and require regular cleaning.They are also known as high access areas – spaces recognised as being out of arm's reach.To ensure effective removal of dust and dirt from these areas, cleaners require ergonomically designed high access tools,which are easy to use and reduce the risk of injury.

Worker safety is a major concern when cleaning high areas and falls from heights are a common cause of serious injury when using a ladder.Today, the common method of cleaning a high access area is by using a ladder and reaching with a handheld cleaning tool.This lengthy and hazardous process includes setting up the ladder, climbing the ladder, cleaning the area within reach and then repeating the process until the job is complete.

To make high level cleaning easier and safer,many in the cleaning industry are trading in their ladders for light-weight telescopic poles, such as those in Unger's High Access System range. Enabling ladder free, safer cleaning,Unger's high access system allows effective cleaning of light fittings, ceilings, fans,walls and windows to name a few.

Unger's ErgoTec LockingCone, provides maximum safety when working with telescopic cleaning poles.

The product allows tools to be locked securely, preventing attachments from falling off during use and tools can be easily changed by pressing a quick release button.

When selecting a high access cleaning system for cleaning, versatility is a key consideration. Users should seek telescopic pole systems that offer a variety of lengths and attachments, tailored to meet the different demands of each task, from heavy duty removal of dirt from behind pipes to delicate dusting of cabinets and furniture. Plus where squeegees,washers and glass scrapers fit onto the pole.

Unger's High Access System features a range of attachments which easily click or screw onto the end of each pole.These include the ProFlatDuster, which effectively sweeps away dust behind smooth surfaces such as shelves and radiators and features microfibre replacement sleeves.Other attachments in the range include the PipeBrush, a heavy duty wire and horsehair brush designed to remove stubborn dust from behind pipes and other rounded surfaces.An oval shaped brush featuring horsehair bristles, the Unger Wall Brush is the perfect solution for cleaning ceiling fans and removing dust and cobwebs from ceilings and walls. For light dusting tasks, the Unger range also includes the Lambswool Duster and Ostrich Feather Duster, which thread onto the end of each cleaning pole.

It is important for cleaners to choose ergonomically designed tools that contribute to their safety and are less stressful on their bodies. Investment in good quality equipment may seem expensive but a serious fall will cost far more.

Window cleaners make a lot of repetitive movement.They do the same task over and over again and these movements add up.

Doing these tasks every day for years takes a serious toll on the body.

With this is mind Unger has launched the latest innovation in window cleaning – the HiFloCarbonTec Water Fed Pole.An advanced approach founded on the technology of Unger's High Access System, the HiFlo CarbonTec Water Fed Pole revolutionises pure water, high level window cleaning. Its unique "any position"WaterFeed with on/off flow control connector makes cleaning high-up areas a practical alternative from the ground.

The new HiFlo CarbonTec is a light weight modular system made with precision engineered components including HS Carbon Tubes with glass layers.The light weight carbon tubes are available in two different lengths allowing users to build the length they want – up to 15 metres. With its sppecialised connectors for fast assembly and an internal Waterfeed, it can provide valuable time savings for window cleaners.The HiFlo CarbonTec Water Fed Pole enables window cleaners to move freely at ground level while cleaning much larger areas of space.

There are many considerations when determining how to clean high level areas. Safety, efficiency, versatility and ergonomics are the most critical components when considering the appropriate set of tools for the cleaning program. By choosing a telescopic pole system, cleaning professionals can achieve decreased cleaning time and increased worker safety.

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