Is there a better way to clean these windows? I have a huge building (3 buildings connected actually) that we do once or twice a year. The first year we walked the ledge (3’-4’ deep) and it worked great, however they no longer want us to do that due to their insurance. The past few times now we have used the ladder just like the picture shows. However that takes a toll on your legs after making 200-250 trips up and down that thing. They also wont let me get a parapet clamp and tie off to it from the roof (This is a big corporation with all sorts of stupid rules). Is there any other way to clean this other than the ladder work? 
Unger wfp gooseneck with 10" sections and a GoPro?
@NoStreakingWindowCleaning
what does their insurance have to do with anything? Shouldn’t it be up to your insurance carrier what methods are considered acceptable?
I have a suspicion that this has more to do with someone’s poor reaction to seeing how you were doing it before. I don’t see what’s wrong with walking a 3+ foot ledge on second level work.
I have been down this road with them before. I explained that I am fully insured and had proof. They still didn’t want us walking that ledge. You are correct on the second part of your statement. I think someone of ‘importance’ there seen us up there and got uncomfortable with it. In my opinion, walking that 4’ ledge is 100 times more safe than going up and down a ladder 250 times.
Here’s a question- how do you reach the glass once you’re at the top of the ladder?
And I agree that the ladders are more of a liability than walking that ledge!
We use a short pole once we get up there and pull them to the bottom.
I think you should make your argument to whomever has the problem with this, that walking the ledge is safer. Give them statistics on ladder falls, and how ascending and descending are the most dangerous part of ladder use. Also explain how you need to break the 3-point safety rule in order to satisfy their paranoia. And then for good measure, throw in a discount if you can walk the ledge (it’ll save you a ton of time, after all ;)).
Last resort, you could also present your argument to your insurance carrier, and see if they will go on record saying that you shouldn’t be climbing the ladder that much when a safer alternative exists. Then bring that in and say, “well, it appears we have an impasse. My insurance doesn’t want us doing it your way.”
I was thinking some type of rolling ladder system (This just shows how desperate I am to try something different :O).
I don’t mind going out of my way to try and please a customer, but if THEY want something done a certain way…a more difficult or time consuming way - then the price gets adjusted to reflect their needs. I am currently dealing with a commercial customer who has very stringent protocol on ways of doing things…and come this Fall they are going to be in for a shock when I explain to them our new pricing based on THEIR requirements. In the end we will probably lose the ongoing contract - but I really don’t care.
Do it how they want it done - and double the price.
Yup. I agree. Say “sure, we would be happy to…let me put together an adjusted price quote and get it over to you right away.”
I would suggest a scissor lift with rugged tires, then WFP all the windows from on the lift… but I’m sure they wouldn’t want you driving on their grass. 
Some individuals don’t seem to understand the labor expense involved in window cleaning. Safety is top priority, but time, energy, and resources are the basis for pricing.
rent a lift and WFP it
Thanks for the comments guys. I have the price almost double what it should be. So we are certainly making money on the project. But I would rather be safe and get the job done 1 1/2 days rather than 3 1/2 days. I don’t run any WFP systems so that is going to be out for the next cleaning (in a couple weeks). I thought about a towable lift, that might be an option for now. I can imagine what they will say about me driving on the grass. They just really like us and like the job we do for them. I am going to try set up a meeting this week with the ‘big dog’ and fight tooth and nail to walk the ledge and tie off using a parapet clamp or something.
just throwing out a couple ideas… walk the ledge with a safety line from the roof or maybe a roller beam on the roof and chair it.
I am a little shocked reading this post, as walking ledges as such has been banned here by all commercial building for at least 10 years (unless the ledges can be accessed via a fall restraint system on ledge or the use of twin rope decent), even ladders are on the point on being banned, ladders are classed as access devices not work platforms. In Australia to comply with work safe practices you would need to use a elevated work platform or the use of extension poles with a long goose neck section may do the job but not with the same quality.
Most commercial jobs you will find here expect to pay more because the owners/manages of the property are held directly responsible for all accidents and injury the use of EWP(elevated work platforms) are what is preferred or a scaffolding system, for a job like window cleaning EWP is what is the norm.
Anything over 1.8 meters(6 feet) is considered as a dangerous fall and you must be attached to an approved anchor point. No insurance anywhere in the world would pay you anything if you fell from that high because you took a shortcut. All you need to do if provide the client with a new quote providing your normal cost then the estimate for the hire of - for that job i would use a small diesel 4wd knuckle boom with 2 people int he boom, one a driver the other just cleans the windows with both skilled operators you should not need to stop just a slow crawl. 2 people should get 100m an hour (300 feet). When you consider some of these machines you can get for as little as $100 per day and you only need 2 crew on site, I find them in most cases better than paying a lacky to lag around a ladder. I think you will find in the near future that all commercial properties will be adhering to a lot more stringent OH&S guidelines. Fifteen years ago it didn’t matter we would walk 15 story building ledges wearing a harness that was attached to nothing it was all for show, no one ever fell.
It changed here I am sure it will there, from what i read it has started already.
Any way safest way within top OH&S guidelines is to use a EWP. If you try to save money with a tiny thing you drag around on a trailer, no you will spend way to much time setting up outriggers you need s 35-45 feet knuckle boom to be safe if you have garden beds and other obstacles in your way.
Good Luck
I would use water balloons filled with GG4, dawn or other favorite solution followed up by a couple of purified to rinse. But what do I know - I’m new.
Well I met with the ‘Big Dog’ today and I have great news! He is going to allow us to use a parapet clamp and tie off from it and walk the ledge. Any suggestions on which parapet clamp to purchase?
