Does Your Window Cleaner Follow Proper Ladder Safety?

Keeping your windows sparkling clean should never come at the expense of safety—either yours or the cleaner’s. Before you schedule that next appointment, here are essential questions to ask (and red flags to watch for) to ensure your window cleaner is committed to ladder safety.

1. Are Technicians Trained in Ladder Safety?

  • Certification & Refresher Courses
    Ask if technicians complete formal ladder-safety training (e.g., OSHA’s Ladder Safety standards) and if they receive regular refreshers.

  • Hands-On Practice
    Training should include real-world drills: setting up on uneven ground, angle placement, and safe ascent/descent techniques.

2. Do They Inspect and Maintain Their Ladders?

  • Pre-Use Checks
    Every job should begin with a quick ladder inspection: rungs, locks, padded feet, and rails.

  • Routine Maintenance
    Ladders should be tagged with inspection dates. Any dents, cracks, or bent rails warrant immediate replacement.

3. What Type of Ladder Is Used—and Is It Rated?

  • Duty Rating
    Ladders are classified (Type I, IA, IAA) based on weight capacity. Ensure your cleaner uses industrial-grade (Type IA or IAA) ladders that handle equipment plus body weight.

  • Appropriate Height & Style
    Extension ladders, step ladders, and articulating ladders each serve different needs. A professional will choose the right style for your building’s height and pitch.

4. How Is the Ladder Secured?

  • Stabilization Techniques
    Technicians should use levelers on uneven ground and transport-care straps or locking devices on smooth surfaces.

  • Anchor Points & Tie-Offs
    For taller setups (over 20 ft), ladders must be tied off or otherwise anchored to prevent slipping.

5. Are Fall-Protection Measures in Place?

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
    Harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points add a critical layer of safety for work above 10 ft.

  • Ground-Person Assistance
    A spotter holding the ladder base reduces sway and catches tools or debris.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unlabeled or visibly worn ladders

  • Technicians skipping inspections or rushing setup

  • Lack of PPE or unsecured ladders

  • No clear answers when you ask about training or insurance

Why Choose TLC: Making It Easy?

With over 20 years in business, our window-cleaning crews go beyond sparkle—they prioritize safety every step of the way:

  • Certified & Trained Staff: All technicians complete OSHA-approved ladder-safety courses and quarterly refresher drills.

  • Top-Tier Equipment: We use only Type IAA industrial ladders, regularly inspected and maintained.

  • Rigorous Safety Protocols: Anchor systems, spotters, and personal-fall-arrest gear are standard on every job.

  • Fully Insured: Comprehensive liability and workers’ comp coverage give you peace of mind.

Ready to let professionals handle your windows—safely? Contact TLC: Making It Easy today for a free estimate, and rest easy knowing your home (and our team) is protected from the ground up.

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When to Use a Lift for Commercial Window Cleaning