A window cleaner fell cleaning sash windows in Noel Road Islington according to reports in the Islington Gazette
David Bluring, who was 58 was cleaning the wooden sash windows last October and tragically died of severe head injuries.
Police reported no signs of disturbance, and there were alcohol or drugs in his system.
Nick Faber, a health and safety inspector, who attended later that afternoon, said: “A brass handle was on the stairs in the lightwell. It appeared to be the same type as on the other wooden sash windows. It would appear to have been pulled out.
“We believe Mr Bluring exited the top floor window on the external façade, where there was a small parapet wall, to clean the windows.”
The verdict was accidental death .
The problem with cleaning sash windows
Old sash windows tend to require cleaning from outside. Either someone hangs out the window holding onto the sash or they use ladders, but access to the outside is needed.
Modern sash windows have tilt mechanisms which allow the sashes to be opened inwards allowing the external panes to be cleaned safely from inside the building.
Properties like these are often protected by conservation areas, to retain their street appeal, and all to often conservation officers will disallow modern sash windows to be installed, despite having safer cleaning facilities.
Perhaps it is time to rethink local planning policies and place safety benefits of those who live and work in these properties, above conservation considerations?
