High access cleaning – choosing the right tools for the job
July 1st 2005

Choosing the right tools can save time, reduce operator fatigue and improve overall safety in window cleaning says Dave Rogers, general manager, Unger UK Worker safety is a major concern when cleaning high areas and falls from heights are a common cause of serious injury when using a ladder. Essential advice to all who clean windows is to ‘foot the ladder’; checking each step to make sure it is safe before climbing. Climbing a ladder to clean large plate glass windows with a squeegee can cause water to drip on the ladder and pavement beneath. These drops of water can turn into slippery and dangerous puddles creating a safety hazard.

To minimise the need for ladders, window cleaners should use a clamp device to grip sponges, cloths (microfibre is best), and chamois leathers.

Made of lightweight fibreglass and reinforced with nylon, these grips can be used with ergonomically designed telescopic extension poles, extending the cleaners’ reach without the use of a ladder. High access telescopic poles make the cleaning of high up, difficult to reach areas an easy and simple task. The best poles come in a variety of lengths, are made of lightweight yet strong aluminium and have poles with ergonomic grips.

Some telescopic poles have modular systems, which allow you to build the length you want up to 30 feet. Look for a modular system in which you can add or remove sections to work at your desired height.

Also, search for a brand where all of the tools, such as washers, squeegees and glass scrapers fit onto the telescopic poles to make high access window cleaning easier and safer. Systems such as Unger’s High Access System range of telescopic cleaning poles allow easy accomplishment of a wide range of tasks. A collection of lightweight, yet strong aluminium cleaning poles are available in a variety of lengths and are designed to solve the problem of cleaning hard to reach, high access areas.

Unger’s High Access System features a range of tools which can be easily attached to each cleaning pole, including Squeegees, Washers, FIXI Clamp and the new ErgoTec LockingCone.

The new ErgoTec LockingCone provides maximum safety when working with telescopic cleaning poles. The product allows tools to be locked securely, preventing attachments from falling off during use. Fitting over the pole, the ErgoTec LockingCone fits into two holes and tools can be easily changed by pressing a quick release spring.

Window cleaning is hard, physical work. That’s why ergonomically designed tools are so important.

Those who manage the cleaning of windows must look for tools that are designed to lessen fatigue and reduce wear and tear on the body. The best tools should help the window cleaner work more efficiently, comfortably and with greater speed. A well designed belt system such as Unger’s new ErgoTecBelt System features a range of compartments to allow easy carrying of tools while working on ladders. Designed for enhanced user comfort and productivity the belt allows cleaners to carry extra weight and prevent back injury through the option of straps which attach securely to the belt using metal spring clips.

Few professions require people to bend, lean and stretch their bodies in so many different ways as cleaning windows. People who clean windows take risks on a daily basis, hanging from buildings that the average person would never consider. However, they must also be practical. Choosing tools that save them time, are less stressful on their bodies and contribute to their safety is probably the best advice that one cleaning professional can ever offer another.

Ultimately, inferior quality, or poorly designed window cleaning equipment can make the job much more difficult, producing mediocre results, decreased productivity and worker fatigue. The long-term benefits of quality cleaning tools definitely out-weigh the initial costs, as well-designed tools will improve cleaning performance, as well as deliver invaluable health benefits.

It is well worth investing.

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