Window Cleaning For Your High Rises

High Rise Window Cleaning

If you’ve ever glanced up to watch workers wash the windows of a tall high rise building, you’ll realize that the act of window cleaning is an art unto itself! There are a lot of windows to some office buildings, and yet the cleaners avoid having a veritable waterfall cascading down the sides of the building as they clean. Also, not all office buildings have four square sides, meaning window cleaners need creative techniques to reaching awkward angles!

Thus, when hiring contractors to clean the windows of your high rise property, it is important to check that the company meets the highest standards of safety for their employees. Your window cleaning should be done only by trained professionals. Ask the company for their safety record.

A reputable window cleaning company will meet the standards of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA). The IRATA was formed in the late 1980s, in close association with the Health and Safety Executive (UK) to form standard guidelines for those occupations that use industrial rope access activities, including window cleaning. Another thing to look for is if the company is a member of the Federation for Window Cleaners, which employs a Code of Good Practice. Both groups also provide regular training courses in window cleaning techniques and advancements.

Window cleaning companies should have modern cleaning equipment, including cranes and cradle hoist systems or hydraulic “cherry pickers” to lift and suspend cleaners. Since most modern access methods for hard-to-reach windows involves demanding and difficult maneuvers, technicians should be up-to-date on the latest cleaning methods. Ask if technicians are trained in harness methods and if they are certified to work at all heights. For buildings up to 65 feet (6 floors), machine-free methods may be employed, such as lightweight telescopic poles that allow cleaners to work from the ground to “reach and wash.”

Speak with the contractor first to decide the best and least disruptive method to clean the windows of your building. If your building has awkward, hard to reach windows, check to make sure your contractor is certified with trained technicians and proper equipment to perform your window cleaning. These tips will ensure you waste less time dealing with unscrupulous companies and instead hire the best company to perform the highest quality job.

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