Window washers are professionals who provide cleaning services for buildings and their exteriors. Some jobs can be year-round, while others are seasonal. These positions pay a good wage and have plenty of room for growth. It is also important to follow safety procedures. You must be alert to hazards and know how to handle chemicals and high-rise equipment.
High-rise equipment failure
One of the most daunting tasks of a high-rise window cleaner is keeping the equipment operational in a safe fashion. There is a small risk of catastrophic failure. Fortunately, there are precautions to take. These include regular inspections and maintenance. The high-rise window washer should also be mindful of the weather conditions, especially if they are planning on doing the job during the height of summer.
The name of the game is to ensure the safety of the occupants of the building. In this case, that entails making sure that the equipment is in good working order and that the window washers have a chance to get to work on time. Aside from ensuring the safety of its workers, the building owner is also obligated to follow federal regulations.
Chemicals used
Cleaning the windows of your home can be a challenging job. It can involve a lot of different tools and chemicals. It is a good idea to get some help from professionals if you are not sure how to do the job. You can find information online or you can call up window cleaning businesses and ask for advice.
Most household cleaners contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are known to be harmful to the environment. For instance, a common household cleaner may contain ammonia, which is an irritant to the throat and kidneys.
When you are using chemical cleaners, it is important to ventilate your workspace. You may also want to rinse off the windows with clean water. This helps make them more reflective.
Safety precautions
Taking precautions when washing windows is important. Window cleaning is an activity that can be dangerous, and workers can be exposed to a variety of chemicals.
Fortunately, most window washing companies take steps to protect their employees. They invest in safety training programs and equipment, and they adhere to strict safety standards. A few simple steps can help prevent an accident.
The first step to a safe job is to choose a sturdy ladder. Another is to have a good emergency plan. This plan should be on hand at all times, and should include procedures for dealing with earthquake-prone areas.
Another useful safety measure is a personal “fall arrest system” that meets the proper criteria. These are usually strapped to the sides of the building, and tested once or twice a year.
Work year-round
Window washers are responsible for cleaning the windows of skyscrapers. They can clean millions of square feet of glass without leaving streaks. The job entails using different tools, including ladders and scaffolding.
The International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) provides training to window cleaners. The organization certifies window washers as high-rise specialists. This means they know how to use different types of equipment, and how to set up safety equipment.
They also learn how to climb tall buildings and safely rappel down from the top. They are able to see the world from a bird’s eye view.
The high-rise window washing industry is a lucrative one. It is estimated that a 25-story building can cost $100,000 to be cleaned twice a year.
The job offers many advantages, but it is not without its risks and challenges. While the job does require a certain level of fitness, the rewards are well worth it.
Salary
Window washers are often paid by the hour. The pay is determined by the area, the experience level of the worker, and whether or not the job is seasonal. Generally, window cleaners make more than other maintenance workers.
In addition, some companies provide tips. The average wage for window washers is $14 per hour. The median income is higher than the national average for most other industries.
Window cleaning is a popular job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a high chance that jobs for janitors and building cleaners will increase by six percent in the next decade. However, some jobs are still scarce.
Many window washers work for private companies. Others go out and find their own business. Some franchises are also available.
