Don't kill the cleaners!

We've all gulped at men and women putting themselves in hair-raising situations just to clean windows. Well, now CIRIA has published a guide for clients, designers and contractors to help them build in a way that doesn't expose repair and maintenance staff to unnecessary risk.

Fall guys
The document comes at a time when the Private Finance Initiative and other Public Private Partnerships are forcing clients and suppliers of buildings to focus on the whole-life costs of assets.

A wide range of guidance is offered, such as how to avoid forcing operatives to contort themselves uncomfortably in reaching confined spaces, to preventing accidental falls from roofs and parapets.

The guidance is aimed primarily at building designers but will inevitably be of interest to clients, planning supervisors and facilities managers. The authors note that design input occurs at any point in the supply chain.

CM has one copy of the guide to give away. To enter a draw for the book, describe the most awkward or least safe design detail you've ever seen and send it by email to construction_manager@cmpinformation.com.