There’s no doubt that the consequences of any working at height procedure could result in catastrophe. According to the 2019/20 HSE report, falls from height are responsible for 47% of fatalities recorded, meaning working at height remains the most dangerous activity in the construction industry.
As buildings continue to get taller and more modern structures are made with glass, the demand for commercial window cleaning continues to rise (excuse the pun).
In this article, we’ll cover the risks involved with the different high rise window cleaning methods and if it is, in fact, a dangerous procedure.
Risks Involved With High Rise Window Cleaning
It’s important to note that there are many different methods that could be applied to the cleaning of windows in high-rise buildings, and this will depend on your individual needs and/or circumstances. Let’s start by discussing the different types of high rise window cleaning available to building managers and owners.
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Risks Involved With Abseil Window Cleaning
Abseil window cleaning is typically used for large residential and commercial buildings including offices and apartments. Also known as rope access window cleaning, it is suitable for all high-rise buildings including those with challenging architecture.
By descending from a building with industrial-strength ropes, it doesn’t have the limitations that other window cleaning services can have with access and height restriction.
Although it looks dangerous and risky, when planned and done properly, abseil window cleaning is extremely safe and efficient. Anchor points play a pivotal role during Abseiling. They are built into the façade structure to provide a point at which the equipment can be securely fastened for support.
If there are unsafe eyebolts and anchor points, it could lead to serious health and safety risks including potential injury, lack of compliance and damage to the infrastructure of a building.
To ensure compliance and safety, anchor points must be tested regularly. This is best done by the window cleaning team you regularly work with as they will understand where the key anchor points are positioned and how the pressure and weight will be distributed. To read more about anchor point testing, click here.
A thorough site survey and risk assessment should also be carried out before work commences.
The benefits of Abseil Window Cleaning include:
- No height limitation
- Minimal disruptions to business
- Ideal for awkward access situations
- Doesn’t require any ground access other than the main entrance
Risks Involved with Water-fed pole Window Cleaning
Water-fed pole high-rise window cleaning is a popular, versatile and trustworthy procedure. With a reach of over 82 feet, the poles can clean a variety of buildings and structures up to seven floors.
In essence it provides an overall safer solution because it is carried out at ground level. However, water-fed poles cleaners should always ensure they follow the correct guidelines and procedures to prevent any harm or damage.
Potential risks of using water-fed poles could include:
- Trip hazards from the trailing hose
- Trip hazard from wet pathways
- Injury from falling debris or poles
- Incorrect handling of equipment
- Poor maintenance of the system
By ensuring you use a reputable company to carry out high-rise window cleaning, you are minimising the risk of lack of compliance and will feel confident in ensuring the company will follow the necessary health and safety requirements.
Cherry Picker
Cherry pickers are mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS). When access to a commercial building’s windows is not possible by other cleaning solutions, cherry pickers allow cleaners to work at height, whilst being securely harnessed to the anchor point in the machine.
By providing the flexibility to manoeuvre in specific areas without compromising health and safety, they can reach up to heights of 100ft (62 metres) and they can be mounted on ground level or via a truck.
When operating a cherry picker, it’s crucial that proper safety procedures are in place and that the right safety equipment is selected so that falls and other height related accidents don’t occur.
How to control and limit risks:
- Ensure there are mandatory general use and emergency safety procedures in place
- Check weather conditions
- Clear the ground below
- Ensure you have an effective fall arrest system in place
There are plenty of benefits when a cherry picker is used correctly for high-rise cleaning. Companies should ensure all staff are IPAF licensed, entirely compliant with health and safety legislation and thoroughly experienced and trained.
Cradle Cleaning
Cradle window cleaning is used for high rise buildings where it is possible to affix pulleys. It is an effective solution which works with minimal interruptions and no height restrictions.
Cradle cleaning process requires the Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) to be in appropriate working order and ready for use. This can be done by checking the service certificate, LOLER test certificate and insurance certificate.
Before a company starts the high-rise Cradle clean, they should determine if it is safe to do so. This includes checking the weather conditions, by-passing any safety advice, ensuring not to overload the cradle and making sure they are wearing the correct PPE and harness.
When the process is carried out correctly, the benefits of Cradle Cleaning include:
- No height restriction
- Minimal disruption
- Fully trained and certified staff
- All legal criteria met by cradle operatives
Does Weather Impact The Safety of High Rise Window Cleaning?
Changing and inclement weather can have a huge impact on high rise window cleaning and it’s crucial that operatives recognise when the weather presents too great a risk to continue.
According to the HSE there are strict rules in place to revert high window cleaning if adverse weather conditions could endanger those working at height including working with access equipment, especially during high winds.
Ice and snow could also pose a significant hazard, especially when temperatures fall below freezing.
Safe and Efficient Commercial Window Cleaning
To recap, high rise window cleaning can be an extremely safe and efficient process. Although there are risks associated with the four different procedures, these are mitigated and erased when services are conducted properly and professionally.
The company you hire to carry out your high rise window cleaning should have an excellent safety record and provide regular training with their operatives.
When you’re looking at renewing your contract for window cleaning for a reliable, high-quality clean with professional window cleaners, or you want to explore which solution is most suited to the building you manage, contact the team at Aquamark.
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About Aquamark
Aquamark recognises the diversity of issues that come with managing large residential and commercial properties. That’s why they’ve designed a unique approach to commercial window and glass cleaning that creates valuable customer experiences for all.
With their unique In-Touch Live Status Checker, you are kept updated with what has already been cleaned, what is currently being cleaned and what’s still left to clean, in just a few clicks.
This gives you full transparency-allowing you to focus on work priorities, whilst they focus on implementing the most effective window cleaning programme for the building.
They are not only recognised as a highly credible commercial high rise window cleaning company in London but nationwide across the UK. This is down to their extended commercial window cleaning offering which includes: abseiling window cleaning, cradle window cleaning, water-fed pole window cleaning, cherry picker, construction cleans, building cleans and commercial gutter cleans.
When you’re looking at renewing your contract for window cleaning for a reliable, high-quality clean with professional high rise window cleaners, or you want to explore which solution is most suited to the building you manage, contact the team at Aquamark.
You can book your slot for a free site assessment here, or if you’d prefer to chat, pick a time that best suits you.