Rope Access Helps Window Cleaners Reach Hard-to-Access Spots on Buildings

The same set of rope access skills and techniques used for adventure sports such as caving and rock climbing can also be used for window cleaning, cleaning of high gutters, and even as a way to remove the errant piece of trash or debris that has blown up and stuck to the roof or side of your building. Does this fact make you think twice and give you more of an appreciation for those who perform high rise building maintenance on a routinely basis? Read on about the many useful application of rope access positioning in a variety of jobs.

APM - Window Cleaning

Rope access is also called abseiling. In terms of building maintenance, it is a practical method of cleaning and reaching hard-to-reach parts. It eliminates the need for expensive machinery or other actions that may disrupt the sidewalks or traffic below. But with all potentially life-threatening maneuvers, this technique requires special training.

Rock climbers and cavers first perfected the usage of ropes to help scale or descend rock walls. The technique of rope access was rapidly acquired by workers on scaffolding, such as those who worked on oil rigs and gas platforms. Now it has become a mainstay technique used by window cleaners, painters, welders, or any worker with the need to access awkward angles of tall buildings.

All users or rope access should be trained to meet the standards set by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA). In summary, the IRATA guidelines request the following:

1. When working with ropes, each rope should have at least two attachments with independent points of anchor;
2. A rope-bound technician should have a fail-safe descent mechanism;
3. Any tools to be used by the technician should be bound to his body harness by lanyards to avoid falling and causing damage to below;
4. At least two trained technicians should work on a job together, with one being the spotter;
5. All technicians should be independently certified and trained also in rescue techniques;
6. All equipment is up-to-date and maintained;
7. All companies using rope access technique meet the codes set by IRATA and current safe working practices.

Ask your building maintenance contractor for their company safety report. If they claim to use rope access technique for window cleaning, you should make sure their employees are IRATA trained. A reputable company will show you all employees’ safety records and training.

For more information, please visit www.apm-uk.com.