Window Cleaning

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RIVERRAT

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Well I am attempting to get back on my feet. Been good with my money so I am far from being in direr straights. But I am thinking about taking a job doing window cleaning. It's all high work. Some much higher than I have ever worked been before.

I am great to about 85-100'. After that I get a bit sketchy. I am thinking this would be a great opportunity to satisfy my picture taking lust while expanding my horizons until my bizz gets back up & running...I shall see.
 
It sounds like an interesting gig Jeff. Definitely take some pictures if you get up high. I've always been curious about the gear used as well.
 
I just saw a tv program on high work window washers, a young fellow just starting out in the trade. I don't know if what they showed is the same methods as over there, but a highly disciplined and safe approach was obvious. Learning to really get the windows clean took some learning, too. They were using two ropes per individual, with a mechanical locking device, and sitting on a little seat. Interesting program.
 
I did it off and on over the years in downtown Seattle. Got to chair some of the tallest buildings in town, 600'+ drops. It was actually a fun job, didn't pay great, but I lived cheap at the time. I used to LOVE rapping down to the next set, and Smack my suction cup on the window, scaring the living shit out of some suit at his/her desk. Shaking my wet mop out on folks down below was also very amusing.:evil:
 
I took these in Honolulu Hawaii when visiting Wesley.
 

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I think that generally the anchor tie ins are built into the roof walls. Wonder what the load rating for them is?
 
You'd be surprised Jay. Sometimes parapet clamps get used, sometimes 2-3 AC units would get an equalized anchor. The newer and recently retrofitted building have rated anchors every 12' or so around the perimeter.
Many times the crew has to get creative.
 
Yeah, I came up with this ANSI quote, only in effect sine 2001.


Anchors and Anchorage

The most critical component in suspended access equipment system
is what the suspension lines and safety lines are attached to on the
roof of the building. An inspection of the roof of a building will reveal
whether or not there are structural elements that can be used as
adequate anchors or that the building may need to have anchors
installed.

In order for window cleaning operations to be conducted properly,
buildings must have properly identified anchorage points. These can
be either roof anchors or other existing anchorage points that are
certified. This is important to note because if a building is not fit with
roof anchors as pictured, many buildings still may comply with the I-
14 Standard because other structural elements existing on rooftops
can be easily utilized and converted into “certified roof anchors” with
the assistance of a structural engineer. For example, vertical columns
for roof screens or structural framing supporting mechanical
equipment are likely candidates for roof anchors.

Buildings without any form of anchorage must be retrofitted with roof
anchors. The anchors must be designed by a registered professional
engineer (P.E.) and inspected annually by a qualified person.
 
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