High rise window cleaning is an incredibly dangerous job, requiring specialized skills, equipment, and safety procedures to ensure that workers are protected from potential hazards.
High-rise window cleaning is generally safe if workers use the right equipment and take proper precautions to protect themselves. Fatalities in high-rise window cleaning are exceedingly rare. The biggest risk for window washers is, of course, falling from a great height due to a failed piece of safety equipment.
The short answer is, somewhere between once a month and twice a year. The in-depth answer isn't quite that vague, so let's dig a little deeper and add a few details. Here are some of the leading factors that determine how often your skyscraper windows should be washed.
Ideally, you would clean your high rise windows with an extendable water-fed pole. But if that is not available you could use a telescopic cleaning pole, glass cleaner and a drop of dish soap.
Blunt impact is definitely a cause for window breaking, no matter the structure it is attached to. While high-rise windows are naturally thicker than regular windows, strong impacts can still cause cracks in the glass.
In high-rise buildings, windows must use toughened or laminated safety glass, which is designed to minimise injury if shattered. Equally, stronger glass leads to fewer breakages in general, and a more secure building.
Polycarbonate panels are significantly more difficult to break than both standard glass windows and laminated glass mentioned above. Compared to these latter options, polycarbonate panels deliver superior protection against forced entry attempts, burglaries, and weather-related disasters.
Fatalities in high-rise window cleaning are exceedingly rare. High-rise building window cleaners, as a class, see 1.5 million exposures — times when they are working on the side of a building — every year. Yet occupational fatalities remain low, typically about one or two per year.
High-rise window cleaning cost
Commercial window cleaning prices for high-rise buildings can approach $170 per hour. Rates climb when cleaners do; working at height comes with greater risks and typically requires special insurance coverage.
PPE is a cornerstone of safety for high-rise window cleaning. Technicians are required to wear harnesses, helmets, gloves, and other safety gear to prevent falls and protect themselves from potential hazards. These protective measures ensure that workers can perform their tasks with confidence while minimizing risks.
Spring: Traditionally, spring is the most popular time to get your windows cleaned. They don't call it 'spring cleaning' for nothing! The weather is pleasant overall; however, pollen can accumulate on exterior glass windows and make them look dirtier quicker.
On an average day, one abseil window cleaner can expect to work for four hours, which covers one descent, and hand-cleaning every window on the way down. We will normally deploy multiple cleaners each day, so a typical skyscraper would take anything from a week to two weeks.
If you don't have a ladder available, using an extension pole can help you reach high windows. Begin by attaching your sponge or brush to the end of the extension pole. Next, scrub the window from the top and work your way downward.
An alternative to this is the squeegee. Some professional window cleaners will enlist the help of a water-fed pole where water runs through a long pole and exits out the center of a brush to clean tall windows.
High Rise Window Cleaning Equipment
High rise window cleaning requires a lot of specialized equipment. This equipment includes ropes, powered platforms, ladders, aerial lifts, and water fed poles. There needs to be strict adherence to safety standards and the whole process should not be taken lightly.
Like Squeegee Squad crews, hiring professionals can provide a quality window washing service in half the time it would take you to do it yourself, and they most likely will do it better than any DIY enthusiasts. Perhaps most importantly, they can wash windows safely without risk to you or your home.
Understanding the Risks – An Overview of High Rise Window Cleaning Safety Procedures. High rise window cleaning is an incredibly dangerous job, requiring specialized skills, equipment, and safety procedures to ensure that workers are protected from potential hazards.
Residential windows we recommend every 6 or 12 week to keep on top of the clean. Commercial windows, especially those in high-traffic areas with lots of visitor, like hotels, shops, pubs and restaurants, we would recommend every 4 or 8 weeks.
Health and safety risks for window cleaners include falls from a ladder or external sill, falls through fragile roofs, and falls from / accidents related to inadequate access equipment.
A high-rise window cleaner is responsible for cleaning the windows of tall buildings. They typically work in teams of two, using a harness to safely clean the outside of the windows.
Lock all windows and doors. Check that side gates, sheds and garages are locked and tools or ladders are not accessible. Store all house, car and window keys out of sight and away from doors or windows. Make your home look occupied by using a timer switch to turn on lights, a radio or TV at night.
Casement windows, double-hung windows, and sliding windows are the most secure windows to prevent intruders. A window vibration sensor can be installed, and an alarm will sound if the window breaks. Fixed windows will provide extra security from the interior, helping to prevent falls.
Window Bars
They add enhanced security and protection against unwanted intruders and additional defense for small children and pets. Burglar bars are often made of aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, and they can be installed on the outside or inside of windows.