WINDOW CLEANER
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Window Cleaner Job Description and Duties:

What window cleaning contractor could help You the Homeowner with:
Window cleaning is the exterior and interior cleaning of architectural glass used for structural, lighting, or decorative purposes. It can be done manually, using a variety of tools for cleaning and access or using an automation methods.
There are different materials used for window cleaning:
-Chamois leather and scrim — Chamois leather is used to loosen and remove dirt, followed by a buffing with scrim or cheesecloth.
-Water and squeegee — Chemicals are added to water, and a device such as a brush or cloth-covered handle is dipped into the solution and used to scrub glass. A squeegee is then used to sluice the dirt from the glass. Cleaning chemicals added to the solution range from dish soap and glass cleaner to Trisodium Phosphate and etching salt. In sub-freezing temperatures, anti-freezing cleaning chemicals are added to the solution to prevent it from crystallizing on the pane before it is washed off.
There are different cleaning tools used for window cleaning:
-Water-fed poles —Telescopic poles, fitted at the upper end with a brush and water jets, fed either from vehicle-borne tanks of deionised water or by on-site production of deionised water using a domestic or water outlet. The water is filtered by either a two-stage or three-stage filtration process, involving a carbon filter, and two de-ionization filters, or a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis membrane filter, and a de-ionization resin filter.
The filtered water should contain no total dissolved solids, when being used on windows. The reason for this is that if there are some particles in the water used, it could lead to spotting on the glass. The amount of spotting would depend entirely on what mineral composition is the water. The washing technique is quite simple- The brush is used to agitate the debris off the window, while spraying water, and then the brush is lifted a few inches from the glass to rinse the glass with the pure water jets.
Fan jets are used for hydrophobic glass, and "pencil" jets are used for hydrophilic glass.
The de-ionized water is lacking in ions, so it will pull solid particles off the glass and dissolve the solid particles into the water, aiding in the cleaning process. Because there are no solid particles dissolved in the water, the windows dry clear without water spots. Water-fed poles vary in length. The longest poles are about 70 feet, and can reach up to six storey high. Water-fed cleaning is also referred to as pure water cleaning. It is common in the UK.
Methods of access and equipment related to both access and cleaning vary regionally. If a window is not easily accessible using one type of equipment then it is advisable to combine different tools and methods to be able to clean the widows properly.
Additional window cleaning access equipment:
-Ladders Supported scaffolding — A temporary platform workers can stand on that rests on a surface below, rather than hanging from above like suspended scaffolding.
-Suspended platform or cradle — Unlike supported scaffolding, these are not fixed to a lower surface or the ground, but rather are suspended by wire rope from above. They raise and lower the worker either by hand or with a motor power.
-Aerial work platforms are elevated platforms that workers can stand on, such as a scissor lift, or cherry picker. These include Boatswain's chair (bosun's chair) — A single-person seat designed for controlled descent of rope. Often referred to as "rope descent systems" (RDS), these are typically anchored to a roof structure, counterweight configuration, or connecting points designed for the purpose. These are always temporarily installed for the purpose of access. However, their anchor points used can be installed for either temporary or permanent use.
-Suspended platform — An access platform for one or more workers with manual or motor driven devices for raising and lowering the window cleaners via rope.
Platforms may be fitted to high rise buildings, or assembled from components to suit architecture and nature of work being performed. These can be either temporary or permanent. Both methods have their own unique governing codes and regulations. There are certain safety risks involved in window cleaning process. Risks include slipping on water or soap, and falling from heights. Window cleaning is considered the most dangerous construction job in the UK. Several window cleaners die each year, and many are injured.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE)is not attempting to ban ladders or stepladders for window cleaning, but ladders should not be the automatic first choice of access. They should only be used after a suitable assessment of the alternatives and the prevailing site conditions. The selection process for access equipment is coming under increasing scrutiny at HSE inspections. This guidance clarifies that for short duration work like window cleaning, provided a number of well-recognised precautions are taken, ladders will remain a common tool for many jobs.
In the recent years it became very important how "green" window cleaning companies are. It was noted that banning the non-essential use of water and extending their already tight restrictions to prevent the use of water-fed safer which reach up to 60 ft. Window cleaners could return to the bucket-and-mop method, because Health and Safety Working at Heights allows such for temporary access.Many window cleaners and window cleaning companies argue that their usage of water is minimal in comparison with water usages of large industry and energy companies, and that their water usage accounts for a small percentage of overall water consumption in developed countries.
Recently it was big increase in use of automated methods and technology in window cleaning process which minimises the need for manual window cleaning and all the risks and hazards that accompany the manual process.
The availability of technology such as the pressure washer has made the window cleaning process made it more efficient. In the recent years, in high tech developed nations started to use fully automated robotic window cleaners to replace a manual labour. It would make sense to employ a professional window cleaner and Your windows would be cleaned properly and would stay clean for longer period of time.