Window Cleaning and Maintenance Access

Window cleaning and facade maintenance involves working at height on the outside of buildings.
Common access methods include cradles, bosun chairs, rope access, MEWPs, and water-fed pole systems.
Water-fed pole systems allow cleaning from ground level, eliminating the need to work at height.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 hierarchy requires ground-level methods to be considered first.
Building-mounted cradle systems must be inspected and thoroughly examined under LOLER every six months.
Rope access requires operatives to hold IRATA or equivalent certification with regular revalidation.
Wind speed limits apply to all elevated access methods — cradles and MEWPs are especially sensitive.
Falling tools, squeegees, and cleaning equipment from height endanger pedestrians below.
Wet surfaces on platforms, cradles, and window ledges create significant slip hazards at height.
Cleaning chemicals may require COSHH assessment, especially for acid-based stone or glass cleaners.

Fall prevention	Falls during window cleaning and facade maintenance account for numerous fatal and serious injuries annually.
Public safety	Dropped tools and equipment from height above public areas can cause fatal injuries to pedestrians below.
Legal duty	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require the safest practicable method, prioritising ground-level solutions.

Do

Don't

Consider water-fed pole systems first to eliminate the need to work at height
Select access equipment appropriate for the building height, type, and task duration
Check wind speed before deploying cradles, MEWPs, or commencing rope access work
Ensure cradles are thoroughly examined under LOLER before use and every six months
Verify rope access operatives hold current IRATA or equivalent certification
Secure all tools and equipment to prevent them falling onto people below
Protect the public below with exclusion zones, netting, or hoarding as appropriate
Complete a COSHH assessment for cleaning chemicals before use at height
Wear non-slip footwear on wet platforms, cradles, and elevated working surfaces
Brief the team on the access method, wind limits, and rescue procedure before starting

DON'T use elevated access methods if the task can be done from ground level with poles
DON'T operate cradles or MEWPs in wind speeds above the manufacturer's stated limit
DON'T use rope access without current IRATA certification and a buddy system
DON'T lean out of cradles or platforms beyond the safe reach — reposition instead
DON'T carry loose tools at height — tether everything to prevent drops
DON'T use cradle equipment that has not been thoroughly examined within six months
DON'T allow the public to walk beneath elevated window cleaning operations
DON'T use acid-based cleaners at height without COSHH assessment and eye protection
DON'T stand on window ledges, parapets, or railings instead of using proper access
DON'T work alone at height without someone monitoring from the ground or building

See also: Working at Height Hierarchy of Control | Rope Access Safety

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