High windows, especially in commercial buildings, are crucial for your property’s appearance. However, they can prove challenging and risky to clean. Without the right equipment and methods, the process can result in streaks, accidents, and costly repairs. That’s why professionals rely on specialised techniques to ensure a safe, efficient, and flawless clean.
Professionals use a variety of techniques, such as:
- Rope access
- Water-fed poles
- Powered access platforms
These methods help them to clean high windows while maximising efficiency and minimising risk. It also ensures your windows are clean and that all safety standards are met, keeping both workers and your property safe.
In this blog, we examine how professionals clean high windows. We explain their safety methods and why hiring experts is the safest and most reliable choice for your building.
Why Choosing Safe, Professional Window Cleaning Matters
Cleaning high windows is not only about bettering your building’s appearance. It is crucial for the safety of both workers and the public. High-rise window cleaning is one of the most hazardous tasks in facilities management. Inherent risks include falls, accidents, and potential property damage. This is why it is essential to use the correct techniques and adhere to strict safety protocols.
In the UK, businesses are required to comply with The Work at Height Regulations 2005. These rules establish safety measures for individuals working at heights, such as window cleaners. If you lack the right expertise and equipment, cleaning high windows can be risky. On the one hand, it may leave windows with streaks, but it could result in damage. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that falls from height led to 50 worker deaths in 2023-2024. This accounts for 36% of all workplace fatalities, making it the leading cause of fatal injuries at work in Great Britain. By opting for professional cleaning services, you can be confident that both safety and quality are prioritised.
Our team fully complies with these regulations. We use the best equipment and trained staff to clean your windows safely and to the highest standard.
Top Techniques for Safe, Effective High-Window Cleaning
Choosing the correct technique helps window cleaners get the best results. It also keeps workers and the public safe. In the following sections, we examine how each method operates.
Rope Access (Abseiling)
Rope access, also known as abseiling, is one of the most effective and widely used techniques for cleaning high-rise windows. Cleaners use ropes and harnesses fastened to the building’s top. This keeps them safe as they lower themselves to clean windows high up. This method is ideal for buildings with complex shapes or hard-to-reach spots. Traditional equipment, like platforms, cannot be used here.
Key benefits:
- Ideal for tall or irregularly shaped buildings due to its flexibility.
- Requires minimal equipment, reducing clutter and disruption.
- More affordable than scaffolding or cranes, using fewer resources.
Rope access is relatively safe when undertaken by certified professionals, like us. The IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) sets industry standards. They operate a training and certification program to ensure the safety of all workers. Rope access enables facilities managers to clean difficult areas that are usually out of reach. It also ensures that strict safety standards are met.
Water-Fed Pole Systems
For buildings up to 6–8 storeys, water-fed pole systems are a safe, effective solution. This method uses extendable poles that pump purified water to clean the windows from the ground. HSE views water-fed pole systems as a valuable means of avoiding the use of ladders or scaffolding. The reason for this is that it helps cut down the risk of falls. This system eliminates the need for workers to climb to high heights. This is important because, as discussed above, falls from things like ladders are a common cause of workplace injuries in the UK.
Key benefits:
- Minimises the risk of falls, as workers can avoid ladders or scaffolding
- Purified water reduces the reliance on harmful chemical cleaners.
- Ideal for low to mid-rise buildings, offering a quick and eco-friendly clean.
Our cleaners utilise modern water-fed poles to ensure a clean finish, while also prioritising eco-friendly methods.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs)
MEWPs, such as cherry pickers or boom lifts, are often used to clean windows on medium-height buildings. These platforms provide a stable and secure base for workers to access windows. Operators need a valid certification from groups like IPAF (International Powered Access Federation). These organisations ensure they operate safely and skilfully. MEWPs are especially useful for buildings with adequate ground space and for larger windows where stability is key.
Key benefits:
- Provides a secure base for workers, ideal for large window sections.
- Allows quick and efficient cleaning of large areas.
- Ideal for medium-height buildings, where ground space permits platform setup.
For low buildings that require extensive window cleaning, MEWPs provide a safe and dependable solution. They improve productivity while maintaining quality.
Safety First: How We Protect Your Building & Workers
Safe high-window cleaning relies on three things. You need professional training, the right tools, and safety protocols that meet or exceed regulations. Here’s how professionals like our team ensure safety every step of the way:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
High-window cleaning requires the use of PPE to protect workers from potential hazards. This includes helmets, harnesses, gloves, and safety goggles. PPE is a non-negotiable part of any professional window cleaning service. It ensures that workers are fully protected while performing their tasks at height.
Fall Arrest Systems & Equipment
Fall arrest systems are essential to high-rise window cleaning. These systems consist of anchor points, safety lines, and rope grab devices. They ensure that workers stay securely attached to the building. Regular checks on equipment ensure that systems are functioning correctly and meet current health and safety regulations.
Training & Certification
Our team members are certified by IRATA and IPAF. This helps our staff know safety procedures, window cleaning techniques, and emergency protocols. Professional training reduces risks and ensures workers are equipped for any situation.
Choose Experts for Safe, Professional Window Cleaning
Cleaning high windows requires professional expertise, specialised equipment, and strict safety protocols. Professionals clean windows using rope access, water-fed poles, or MEWPs. They do this efficiently and always follow safety standards.
At Dorset Commercial Cleaning, we provide streak-free results. With over 20 years of experience, our team is fully trained and equipped with the latest technology. We provide personalised cleaning solutions. With us, your windows will be cleaned quickly and safely, allowing your business to stay on track without interruption.
Call 01202 986700 or request a free consultation and let us handle your high windows safely and professionally.