Have you ever watched a window cleaner working on a high-rise building and wondered how on earth they do it? While it certainly requires a head for heights, the most important consideration for any company involved in this kind of work is employee safety. That’s why, despite the obvious risks involved, serious accidents are very rare.
High-rise window washing also requires some specialist skills and talents. Intrigued to learn more? Read on for our quick guide to window washing at height!
High-Rise Window Washing Techniques
There are three main techniques for tackling high-rise window cleaning:
- Suspended platforms: These platforms are the most common solution for high-rise window washing. Workers usually have electronic controls that allow them to move safely from window to window.
- Bosun’s chair: This one-person contraption allows a window washer to move safely up and down a building. It’s perfect for detailed jobs and allows the operator to sit down while working. The chair includes hooks and attachments for tools, so the window washer has everything they need close by.
- Water-fed pole systems: While they can’t reach the dizzy heights of the other two options, a water-fed pole system is a great way to clean the lower floors of tall buildings. It’s also ideal for mid-rise buildings. It allows the window washer to keep their feet firmly on the ground while thoroughly washing the windows with filtered water that wicks away the dirt.
Safety First
High-rise window washers take their jobs seriously and strictly follow safety protocols. These include:
- Harnesses: Window washers wear full-body harnesses securely connected to lifelines anchored to the building.
- Fall protection systems: OSHA standards set out strict requirements for window washing, including anchorage systems for window washers using a rope descent system.
- Equipment inspections: All equipment used in high-rise window cleaning must be inspected regularly for flaws that could cause accidents.
- Safety training: All operators receive extensive safety training, including what to do in an emergency and how to use and maintain equipment safely.
- Weather monitoring: Cleaning in high winds, rain, or high temperatures poses a safety risk. Under these circumstances, high-rise window washers will postpone the service until a safer time.
Cleaning Techniques
Suspended platform and bosun’s chair cleaning allow for traditional window washing techniques. This involves:
- Removing loose debris
- Liberally applying a specialist soap solution
- Using brushes to gently scrub the window surface
- Rinsing away the cleaning solution and dirt with clean water
- Using a squeegee and microfiber cloth to leave a streak-free finish
Water-fed pole systems work slightly differently. Instead of using a cleaning solution, they use brushes and the power of filtered water to leave a spot-free finish.
Safe, Reliable, and Professional High-Rise Window Washing From SWAT Services
Whether we’re washing domestic windows or working several stories in the air, the window cleaning team at SWAT applies the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
We accept contracts from individual businesses and work with property management companies to keep windows gleaming throughout the Denver Metro and Greater Denver areas. We’re proud to clean retail outlets and provide post-construction window washing services.
Click here for an estimate and discover what we can do for you.
