Clean windows are necessary for commercial buildings, not only for aesthetic reasons but also because of the impact they can have on the working environment.
It can be quite daunting making sure you’re getting everything sorted prior to a window clean, asking all the necessary questions and checking if commercial window cleaning operatives have the right training and accreditations.
To help make this process a little less stressful, this blog goes through the key points to consider before a commercial window clean…
Commercial Window Cleaning: Have You Thought About Everything?
There are many aspects of a window clean that you may not have thought about which could impact the quality of the clean.
You may need to think beyond a window clean for commercial buildings, as well as window and sills, do your building’s frames need cleaning too?
Have you thought about cladding cleaning? Internal sides of balustrades? Balconies? What about the doors leading up to balconies?
When it comes to maintaining and looking after commercial buildings, an all-around clean ensures that the building is up to high and professional standards.
Whilst all services that work at height require operatives to have a height training certificate, there are other things to consider…
Rope Access Window Cleaning
Rope access window cleaning (also known as abseiling) is the service to consider if you have a high-rise commercial building.
With access to reach high-level buildings and awkward angles, abseil window cleaning is often the best way of preserving the cleanliness of a tall building.
Planning For An Abseiling Clean
When it comes to an abseil clean, the first step is to conduct a building risk assessment with the help of competent professionals. This is necessary so that both parties are aware of the project’s scope and can prepare for any potential dangers.
Communication is critical when the risk assessment is completed. Give the date and approximate time of the work to employees, or building users so they are aware that windows must be closed and work should continue as usual within the building.
A hi-vis vest, hard hat, safety harness, and safety boots should be worn by every commercial window cleaner (this is applicable for all services).
Also, if your commercial building is directly on the street, you’ll need to think about barriers and signage to ensure that pedestrians are adequately rerouted.
Rope Access Window Cleaning: Training And Accreditations
Due to the heights involved in high-rise window cleaning; health and safety must always be considered. As a result, significant procedures must be implemented to ensure that abseiling is done safely and effectively. To identify any issues that may develop, all sites must be surveyed and risk assessed.
All abseil technicians should have the proper training and be members of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association, so they can tackle any project while complying with all health and safety regulations and producing the finest results possible.
Although the operatives don’t always have to be an L3 Rope Technician, there must always be one on-site.
Cherry Picker Window Cleaning
Cherry pickers are mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPS). Cherry picker window cleaning involves being raised and lowered by a mechanical arm.
This has the advantage of being simple to manoeuvre and allowing operatives to clean all areas of the building.
Planning For A Cherry Picker Window Clean
For a cherry picker window clean, you’ll need to make sure that operatives are fully IPAF trained and are compliant with health and safety legislation. This will ensure the safe and effective use of powered access equipment.
Even though commercial window cleaners stand inside the platform while it’s being operated, they must be equipped with appropriate fall-arrest equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe and protected in the event of an emergency (this is applicable with all services working at height).
MEWPS: Other Considerations
For window cleaning with cherry pickers, operatives must be harness trained to ensure they’re operative safely and have a comprehensive understanding of harness use.
It’s also important that you make known any previous issues that have arisen on previous window cleaning visits so that operatives can put a plan in place for a successful clean.
Water-Fed Pole Window Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning the residential or commercial buildings that you manage, the water-fed pole (also known as the reach-and-wash system) is a trustworthy tool.
It offers distinct advantages because it can reach heights of up to 85 feet, which other hand-held instruments can’t.
The water-fed pole is used at ground level so there aren’t accreditations to look out for as such. However, there are things to look out for.
Reach And Wash (Water-Fed Pole) Window Cleaning Considerations
It’s important to search for operatives that are trained in manhandling and are compliant with health and safety legislation.
There could be additional in-house training programmes that a window cleaning operative have conducted – this is also crucial to find out.
Another consideration is that regular audits are necessary, to ensure all equipment is in working order. Therefore, operatives must audit equipment every 6 months.
Cradle Window Cleaning
Cradle cleaning, also referred as a BMU (Building Maintenance Unit) can provide an outstanding window clean in structures where pulleys can be attached.
The cradle is essentially a platform that is suspended on a crane. This method is popular since the platform is usually large enough for numerous window cleaners to work from.
The crane rotates the platform around the building by suspending it in a cradle hung by high-strength cables.
Planning For A Cradle Clean
Like cherry picker window cleaning, cradles require all operatives to be harness trained.
Cleaning cradles can be a quicker alternative to abseiling because cleaning professionals can bring larger buckets of water up with them.
As a result, there will be less downtime because the technicians are not having to stop for freshwater as frequently. Rigging and de-rigging are also not a concern for cradle operatives.
Conclusion
A well-managed window cleaning service goes beyond a building’s appearance. It’s your gateway to increased savings and happier building occupants.
Make sure you’re planning ahead and ensuring the commercial window cleaning company you opt for have the right qualifications and accreditations.
To find out more about how to prepare for a commercial window clean, contact us today.
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