Facility Maintenance

High-Rise Exterior Window Cleaning: Safety, Certification, and Scheduling

6 min readUpdated 2026-08-14By Blue Collar Cleaning Co.

High-rise window cleaning falls under OSHA 1910.66 (powered platforms) and 1910.140 (personal fall protection). Facility managers who don't verify contractor compliance can share liability if something goes wrong.

Contractor Vetting Checklist

  • IRATA or SPRAT rope-access certification for every worker.
  • Current $5M+ general liability insurance.
  • Workers' compensation with additional insured naming your building.
  • Written work plan and rescue plan submitted before job start.
  • Roof anchor inspection certification (annual, per OSHA 1910.27).
  • Signed hold-harmless agreement.

Roof Anchor Requirements

OSHA requires roof anchors to be certified annually by a qualified engineer. Building owners — not the window cleaning contractor — are responsible for anchor certification. If yours aren't current, no reputable contractor will hook up to them.

Scheduling and Tenant Communication

Notify tenants 5-7 days in advance. Ask tenants to close blinds and remove items from window sills. Coordinate with building security for roof access.

Coordinated Window Programs

We coordinate high-rise contractor scheduling and roof anchor certification for property managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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