Profession window cleaner

Window cleaners use cleaning tools such as sponges and detergents to clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces of buildings, both on the interior and exterior. They use specific ladders to clean taller buildings, using safety belts for support.

Personality Type

• Realistic / Conventional

Knowledge

• Risk assessment for window cleaning

  Risk assessment process that takes into consideration all the risk factors, monitoring of control measures and recording assessments related to working in the window cleaning field.

• Cleaning industry health and safety measures

  Preventive and interventional methods used in the cleaning industry to maintain health and safety for all workers and tertiary persons.

• Personal protective equipment

  Types of protective materials and equipment foreseen for various types of tasks such as general or specialised cleaning activities.

Skills

• Prepare cleaning materials for window cleaning

  Ensure the appropriate preparation of the cleaning products and equipment such as ladders, cradles and rope access equipment required to clean windows at heights.

• Complete report sheets of activity

  Keep written records of the service provided on a regular or punctual basis, with explicit hours of work performed and signature.

• Dispose of non-hazardous waste

  Dispose of waste materials which pose no risk to health and safety in a manner which complies with recycling and waste management procedures.

• Clean glass surfaces

  Use cleaning products to clean any surface covered by glass, especially windows.

• Maintain inventory of cleaning supplies

  Follow the stock of cleaning materials, order new material when the stock is empty and closely follow their usage to maintain a constant supply.

• Handle chemical cleaning agents

  Ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals in accordance with regulations.

• Follow reporting procedures

  Apply and follow the procedures for reporting any damage, breakages and/or complaints or disagreements to the appropriate supervisory authority.

• Protect window frames

  Apply a protection sheet on the frames or borders of the windows in order to protect them against scratches or dirt.

• Maintain personal hygiene standards when cleaning

  Make sure to keep yourself clean and tidy and wear protective equipment when performing cleaning activities, as required by the health and safety procedures of the task or the organisation.

• Maintain cleaning equipment

  Clean and preserve the equipment and material used for cleaning purposes in a proper state.

• Follow organisational guidelines in the cleaning industry

  Apply and follow all protocols or guidelines described by the company within your specific cleaning area. It can also involve wearing the foreseen uniform or piece of clothing at all times or using specific equipment or materials.

• Follow control of substances hazardous to health procedures

  Adhere to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) procedures for activities that involve hazardous substances, such as bacteria, allergens, waste oil, paint or brake fluids that result in illness or injury.

• Report on window damage

  Inform the client or responsible authorities about damage occurred during or prior to the window cleaning activities.

• Use a water-fed pole system

  Make use of poles fitted with brushes and water dispersing mechanisms to reach windows and facades at heights.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB