When it comes to cleaning windows at a high access level there are different methods used and also many pieces of equipment to ensure the safety of those carrying out the work. Due to most of the work being at height it is essential that the people working for the window cleaning company know exactly what they are doing and have the required training to work with the equipment.

Different systems used in high access window cleaning

Window cleaning companies are now finding ways to eliminate as much risk as possible from cleaning the windows at height by introducing new pieces of equipment that mean the person can stay grounded as the tool extends and cleans the windows. Below are some of the methods used by high access window cleaners;

Water fed Systems (WFS)

The water fed systems are becoming more popular with many window cleaning firms because of the fact they eliminate any of the height risk from cleaning the windows. It has only fairly recently become widely used and works by having a pipe running up the inside of the telescopic pole with a brush end, so as the water is sprayed out of the end the brush can then scrub off any dirt. As well as being safer it is also quicker because the cleaner doesn't need to keep stopping and starting to manoeuvre their ladder.

Cradle Systems

This method is used on many high rise buildings that have no easy access because the cradle is attached to the side of the building and lowered from the top on a pulley system. These are ideal for places that it is not suitable or possible to use a cherry picker to gain access. For the cleaners to be able to use a cradle there needs to be a sufficient surface for all the equipment to be attached to. The people using the cradle need to have specialist training because the pulley system is an automatic one so it is important they can operate it correctly.

Abseiling claening technique

There are some companies that use the abseiling technique because unlike the cherry picker and the cradle systems it doesn't require a lot of space and it is possible to reach any area no matter how minimal the access. It also means that the cleaner doesn't have any equipment obstructing their access to the window pane because they only have the ropes that hang above them. With the person not having to operate and position equipment it means they can get the job done much quicker, which is another bonus to cleaning firms today also. As with the cradle system the person cleaning would have to have specialist training before using the method.

Cherry picker system

This technique is only really appropriate if there is sufficient room for the cherry picker to sit at the base of the building and there is nothing obstructing it raising up along side the building. This method is similar to the cradle in the way that they are working off a platform along side the windows. As with the abseiling and cradle systems you would require a special license to use the cherry picker.

These high access methods are mainly focused on the safety of the people using the equipment but they also have to ensure that no one around the machinery gets injured either. It is the responsibility of the cleaning company to make sure that all their staff that work on this equipment have the required experience and license to do so. As well as this they should be sure to have the right insurance needed for working in this industry and at such heights.