Essex University

Aquafactors has been evaluating their water fed poles at various sites including Essex University.

The main campus is partly built down the middle of a short valley in parklands of over 200 acres. Many of the buildings are set into the hillsides. This makes for an attractive setting but one that gives enormous problems for traditional window cleaning methods, as outlined to us by Shirley Shelley, the cleaning contractor. Water Fed poles are the only answer and the Aquafactors aluminum pole system works particularly well.

However, even with the flexibility and the advantages of the dual water feed facility, Mark Shelley explained that the gradients involved make it necessary to use poles at some difficult angles. Lightness in use is therefore a major consideration as well as handling. Additionally, the campus site is very windy making the Tucker pole the safest way of cleaning. Some of the new buildings are fitted with ‘brise soleil’ canopies and were originally omitted from the cleaning schedule because access was impossible either by rope access or by cherry pickers. With interchangeable goosenecks poles can now be used over these canopies with great effect. Mark operates a Aquafactors trailer mounted system which gives the option of leaving the equipment on site. The university also has a number of enclosed squares (see below). For these Mark uses a portable deioniser water treatment system from an outside tap.

Shirley Shelley started its business, in Ipswich, 22 years ago and has a rope access division. However, they are avid fans of the Aquafactors system. The cost effectiveness has enabled them to secure large local authority cleaning contracts where safety has been a main consideration.

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