When quoting on any Window Furnishing Projects  it is important to keep in mind that like in all other industries the Blind Installers are exposed to safety risks which can  present themselve onsite. The types of safety risks can vary from one Blind, Curtain or Awning Installation to the next. 

Installco Windowfurnishing Installations puts safety first and therefore it is focused on the health and safety of the blind installer/s, other workers, customers etc.

Our aim is not only to protect the blind, curtain, or awning installer but also every other person onsite from potential injury. Following safe work practices also helps to protect all parties involved from lost productivity, property damage, medical claims and law suits.

 

In the Windowfurnishing Industry the hazards can be many, but some risks more frequently present themselve then others.  These are just a few of the more commonly encountered hazards. Please keep in mind that even though Installco Windowfurnishing installations is obliged to follow all OH&S regulations, it is also your responsibility as the principle contractor to understand and know the OH&S regulations in your State or Territory and to be able to identify potential hazards. 

 

 

Blind | Curtain | Awning | Installations

 

High Installations -

Please Note- Most Blind, Curtain or Awning Installations have a fixing height of no more than 3metres from flat stable ground.  This is a standard installation and is part of the Standard Installco Installation Rate. Anything outside of this parametre is considered non-standard and extra charges may apply.

A blind, curtain or awning installer can only work from an A-Frame ladder where their feet are no more than 2 metres from the ground.  This will give you a safe fixing height of around 3.7 metres.  On commercial projects most builders will only allow platform configured A-Frame Ladders.  

A-Frames Ladders can only be used on level and stable ground and special height access may be required if this is not the case. If the fixing height is more than 3.7 metres, or sloping or confined space then a stable work platform is required to perform a blind, curtain or awning installation in the form of a Elevated Work Platform, scaffolding or boom.  We at Installco can asssist in determing what height access solution best suits the installation enviroment. It is important to note that cost cannot be used as an argument in a court of law for not providing adequate and safe height access.

Working at height on roofs, or balconies can also present fall risks which also need to be eliminated or reduced in the form of guard rails, saftey lanyards & harnesses and the placing of anchor bolts for fall restraints and lanyards.

We at Installco can asssist in determing what height access solution best suits the installation enviroment and to make sure that the blind, awning or curtain installation complies with OH&S laws and most importantantly keeping everyone onsite safe.  Installco can help determine height access costing which is generally needed early in the planning stages to detrermine accurate costings as well as access for the height access equipment which may not be available in later stages of the building process. 

 

Asbestos - 

Installco Windowfurnishing curtain, blind or awning installers will from time to time come across some claddings,substrate or materials which will contain asbestos.  Installco's installers will not install or drill through any suspected Asbestos or Asbestos materials unless it it is proffessionally removed and replaced.  If in doubt it is recomended that a sample be sent away to be tested.

 

Inclement Weather -

External Blind or Awning Installations in the event of inclement weather (Raining, Wet Ground, Lightning and sometimes High Winds) Installco Windowfurnishing Installers will postpone the blind or awning installation and reschedule it for a later date.

 

Footwear -

Installco Windowfurnishing Installers are required by law and to comply with insurance requirements to wear adequate footwear. All curtain, blind and awning installers will at all times be required to wear footwear and at no stage will they remove their footwear.  It is the customers/owners/builders responsibility to provide safe floor protection to protect their floors.  The blind, curtain or awning installer where practical will clean their shoes prior to entering the house.

 

Children/Pets -

It is the customers resposibility to provide a safe working enviroment while the blind, curtain or awning installer is onsite. During the course of the curtain, blind or awning installation the customer must keep all children and pets clear of any area where the installer may be working.  

 

Obstructions -    

Prior to the commencement and for the duration of the curtain, blind or awning installation the customer, owner/s, builder is responsible to provide a clear work enviroment for the Installco Windowfurnishing installer/s. For all internal & external blind, curtain or awning installation all working areas must be free of any furniture, electronics, cables, fragile items, building material etc or any other item that may create a hazard, block, or inhibit the installer from working, opening his ladder fully, or anything that could be  potentially damaged in the course of the installation.

It is the owners, customers, builders responsibility to move, cover or protect anything that may be damaged by the installer in the course of the blind, curtain or awning installation.

Installco Windowfurnishing Installations will not take any responsibility in any way if the customer has not taken adequate actions to protect their property.

Owners, customers, builders must also provide a safe working enviromenmt for all external blind and awning installations. They are responsible for and are required to trim back any plants, hedges, trees or any other vegetation to provide a safe working enviroment for the blind or awning installer to safely open his ladder fully and place it on stable ground as well as to give the installer adequate room to access and work around the window where the blind or awning is being installed.

Installco Windowfurnishing installers will take practical care not to damage any plants but take no responsibility if the vegetation is damaged due to them performing an blind or awning installation in a manner they deemed to be safe.

 

Hidden Services / Hazards -

In nearly all structures there are areas which will contain services which are hidden internally. These include such this as cables, pipes, mechanisms, waterproofings etc. These hidden service can not only present a real danger to the blind, curtain or awning installer, but if ruptured or penetrated can cause extensive damage and expensive repairs.  Installco Windowfurnishing Installations and its Installer/s need to be made fully aware by the owner/builder/foreman/architect or any designated competant person onsite to inform the blind installer/s the exact location of where these services are located and very clear and specific instructions as to the exact fixing location and/or type and length of fixings that can be used. Installco Windowfurnishing Installations and its blind, curtain or awning installers will not take any responsibilty whatsoever if the installer ruptures or penetrates a service. 

 

Commercial Projects & Safe Work Method Statement SWMS-

On most commercial projects the builder will require the priciple contractor to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement or otherwise known as a SWMS ( pronounced SWIMS) What is a SWMS?......

 

"A SWMS is a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace,  hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks."

 

Even though many people may not deem curtain, blind or awning installation as a high risk construction activity, this is an important safety document which must be completed prior to any curtain, blind, or awning installers being allowed to begin installation onsite.

Installco Windowfurnishing Installations can assist and consult on preparing a SWMS document that is specific to the installation of windowfurnishings on a commercial site. We can help identify specific risks and how to put measures in place to reduce or completely eliminate the risk.