In order to work as a high access window cleaner, you must first have the proper certification to prove that you have attended the necessary courses to do this job. The courses in which you must train and obtain certification for are "power operated access equipment" and "abseiling techniques".

Rope Access window cleaning

Rope access is a technique that has been developed from that used in climbing and caving. It is used in today’s industries to provide a cheap and practical answer to jobs that require high access. Specialist staff that have solid experience in this particular field of work will definitely include people such as commercial window cleaners.

What are the advantages of using rope access?

There are a number of reasons why rope access is more beneficial, such as;

• Using rope access techniques causes minimal disruption to a buildings occupants, pedestrians and traffic flow.
• Rope systems can be easily installed or dismantled, which means that they can be removed from site after working hours and kept in a safe location. This will eliminate any potential acts of theft or vandalism.
• Rope access can be used in any number of circumstances and is far more affordable and less time consuming than other alternatives.

Since the rope access technique was introduced (about fifteen years ago), there have been few accidents.

Using ladders in window cleaning

Ladders should meet the British or European standards, so always make sure that you check for the logo whenever you buy, hire or borrow a set. Please note, that a British Standards logo will not appear on some other types of ladder (e.g. Roofing Ladders), in this case look for other associations in order to be certain that you are using quality equipment.

When buying, hiring or borrowing a set of ladders, ask yourself the following question;

Are ladders you are choosing strong enough for the job in hand?

The UK uses three different categories in ladder strength, which are;

Industrial Duty (Class 1) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 175kg (27.5 stones). This will sometimes be referred to as "safe working load". Trade Duty (previously Class 2, but now EN131) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 150kg (23.5 stones)

Domestic Duty (Class 3) ladders are designed for a Maximum Static Vertical Load 125kg (19.5 stones) Confusion frequently arises from the use of the term "Duty Rating" on some ladders, where Class 1 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 130kg and Class 3 ladders are designated a Duty Rating 95kg.

These figures were arrived at by British Standards from a consideration of the frequency and general conditions of use. They are not an accurate guide to the Safe Working Load. The "Maximum Static Vertical Load" is a more useful measure and gives a more accurate guide to relative strengths.