Window Cleaning Safety
Window Cleaning Can Be Dangerous
Window cleaning safety most often comes into play with professional window
cleaners because they are usually responsible for cleaning window surfaces while
suspended at great heights.
For the benefit of professional window cleaners a set of window cleaning safety
guidelines have been developed, many of which deal with fall protection.
Guidelines for Window Cleaning Safety:
All professional window cleaners should utilize at least one of the following
systems to protect themselves against falls.
- Fall arrest systems. These consist of a safety rope, anchor point, harness,
lanyard, and a rope grab. The moment a fall occurs the fall arrest system
should slow the fall down and eventually bring the falling worker to a complete
stop before any injury can occur.
- Properly constructed roof anchors. These devices are used when a roof suspension
apparatus is needed to reach high-up windows. Window cleaners will be attached
to the roof anchor so all anchors should must be designed by a registered
professional engineer and inspected by a highly qualified contractor on an
annual basis.
- Fall restraint systems. These systems are designed to prevent falls with
a permanently installed horizontal line to which workers can attach their
harness and lanyard. The fall restraint system is usually used when a window
cleaner is working on a window ledge and it prevents them from getting to
close to the edge and falling off.
- Warning line systems. This system is used to warn workers that there is
a hazard nearby by clearly identifying a danger zone. With a warning line
system a hazardous area will be taped off with caution tape, or marked with
pylons to indicate danger ahead.
Always Be On The Safe Side
All window-cleaning services should have strict window-cleaning safety to ensure
that workers and the public are protected in the event of an unexpected occurrence.
Some Helpful Tips
For more information on the best ways to clean your windows, try our window cleaning tips site. It has all the information you will need to get the job done.
