Hello everyone this is my first post on this site and am hoping for a ood experience here.
Now to cut to the chase i really want to work high rise window cleaning. I enjoy working at heights and have up to 400ft , (so dont tell me about how dangerous it is i fully understand that). But the problem is i am having a terribly tough time finding somewhere that hires that also trains. So my question is, What is the normal procedure for becomeing a high rise window cleaner and what are other roads that can be taken previously to make my chances easier. Also for a back-up plan persay, What are some other jobs that use RDS?
I believe you are the gentleman who I spoke with on the phone yesterday. It sounds like you may already have some experience? Ideally you want to work your way towards getting a full on Rope Access Certification from either SPRAT or IRATA. That being said, there are industry specific differences between different types of tasks and procedures. Window cleaning is no different. We Use special tools and Equipement that other rope access tasks do not. You “do” want to get on with an established company with a great safety record that uses proper job planning procedures. To get on with that sort of company is no different then getting any job. You will have to prove to them that you are a dedicated go getter. The first thing you will need to do is learn how to clean windows very efficiently standing on the ground. Then you will need to work yourself into a rotation with their rope guys. Obviously there is a lot of training and learning incorporated with this. Once they get you to the point where you can get on rope and be properly supervised, the learning curve for cleaning windows basically starts all over again. Cleaning windows from a chair is a whole different animal then working on your feet. Safety, Quality, and efficiency are the name of the game. While it can seem glorious to work at height, it is very hard and strenuous work. On the upside, your days go by quickly, you get the best office in town, and you’ll stay in great shape. Before getting into this be sure it is for the right reasons. A lot of people think because the consequences of an accident are so high, that the pay is high, and that is simply not the case. There are many small commercial and route/ residential window cleaners who are able to pull down just as much and more per hour. If this is something you really want to do, you must be prepared to sacrifice up front…ie relocation, starting at the ground level, and taking less pay for a training opportunity. Any company willing to invest in you will have a rock solid no-compete requirement as well. My company is seasonal. We shut down mid December through late March except for a little sporadic project work. This has benefits as well for the right individuals. I do wish you luck, and urge you to get in touch with me in late February, early March.
Ps. I am in the process of putting a training program together with varying packages depending on an individuals needs. I do currently offer in house/ on site training programs for established companies. Keep monitoring this forum for updates.
