What is Rope Access Window Cleaning?

Rope access window cleaning – or ‘abseil’ window cleaning as it is commonly referred – is a window cleaning method used for high-rise buildings. Expertly trained rope technicians descend the façade of a building using industrial-strength ropes. This affords maximum flexibility to clean the entire surface of the structure.

Technicians anchor themselves securely to the roof of a building before abseiling down, cleaning each window/section of the building as they pass. The cleaner is secured by a harness and rope (via the roof of a building), allowing them to move freely down the building.

Our technicians carry out essential anchor point testing

What Are The Benefits of Rope Access Window Cleaning?

Due to the technicians being anchored to the roof, rope access window cleaning causes minimal disruption to users of the building – and to the public – since it takes up zero space at ground level. Other benefits include:

A more thorough clean. Rope access window cleaning allows operatives to clean areas that are unreachable when using ladders, suspended platforms and scaffolding.
You may not realise this, but rope access window cleaning has a track record for being much safer than other forms of high-rise window cleaning.
Abseil window cleaning is both time and cost-effective, and equipment can be installed and uninstalled rapidly, minimising disruption.
Eco Friendly. It is unobtrusive and the minimal-powered equipment makes it environmentally friendly.

What Buildings Should Be Cleaned Using Rope Access

Buildings located in congested areas will benefit most from abseil window cleaning, due to its efficiency and unobtrusiveness. These buildings may include:

Commercial offices
City skyscrapers
Factories, warehouses and other commercial buildings
Flats and apartment blocks
Historical buildings and places of worship
Shopping centres and atriums
Educational establishments
Hospitals

Essentially, any tall building located in an area that may be difficult to access at ground level.

How Do You Become A Rope Access Window Cleaner?

Rope access window cleaning is a physically and technically challenging role. As such, operatives need a good level of fitness, alongside specific qualifications to carry out the job effectively. They also need to be comfortable with working at height.

Our technicians use specialist equipment to clean the outside structure of the building

What training and qualifications are needed for rope access window cleaning?

Training standards are set by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), which operates a formal training and certification scheme. There are three levels for trainees to undertake:

Level One. This includes a range of rope access tasks that are supervised by a person with a Level Three qualification.
Level Two. This is an advanced qualification which involves more advanced rope access skills and rescue techniques.
Level Three. This qualifies a person to take full responsibility for the safety of a rope access operation. Building on the other two levels, it also includes advanced rigging and rescue techniques, as well as first aid training.

If you are a building manager or owner, it is essential that your chosen service provider has these qualifications to ensure safe practices are carried out.

To find out more about accreditations, click here.

A level 3 qualified rope access technician carrying out abseil service for our client

Want to become a rope access window cleaner?

We’re always on the look out for fresh talent. With the Aquamark ‘Five Year Development Plan’ we’re with you every step of the way in your journey, ensuring all your training and support is carried out effectively.

Is Rope Access Window Cleaning Safe?

You’d be forgiven for thinking that descending skyscrapers is a risky endeavour. But, when practices are carried out properly, abseil window cleaning can be one of the safest methods of commercial window cleaning.

Specialist equipment and expertly trained operatives are key, however. To reiterate our point made previously, always check your service provider has a strong track record and is appropriately trained.

Conclusion – Get In Touch For Your Rope Access Cleaning Needs

This is a high-level overview of the rope access winding cleaning method. For more information, don’t hesitate to speak to one of the experts here at Aquamark. We’re always happy to help!