[howard]

I am responsible for looking after an office block and I have 3 windows that I need to clean but cannot get at these windows do not open and are double glazed they are situated on the 6th floor and are part of the boardroom so they need to be cleaned on a regular basis access from the ground level is restricted has any one got any ideas

[karlosdaze]

A trolley system would reach these, if you were on the same floor, or one near by.

[WavieDavie]

Hi Howard,

Tell us a bit more - are you the facilities manager, contract cleaner, or sub-contract window cleaner to the office cleaners?

A non opening window on the sixth floor sounds a bit strange - is it the only one? Did the building used to have a cradle, because there's no way you can ladder that. You need to talk to someone there about how they used to get their windows cleaned, and get something done about the restricted access bit - is it a carpark? - because as Karl says it looks like you'll be needing a water fed pole to get that window done. How do the other windows at that height get cleaned, or are they only bothered about the boardroom?

[howard]

Hi wavieDavie
                Imagine hinge and swing dormer type windows 6 in all to the west with an 8ft wide balcony. To the south spanning over about 15ft are 3windows about 4x3 the building has just been extended so this is a new problem for safety reasons planning told the builders they had to be fixed windows, no room for a trolley so that ones out the window[ha ha] there is not enough room between the buildings.The office block windows are mainly to the east &west  which  open and have safety hooks or a balcony for easy access. hope this is enough info. cheers howard.    
 

[WavieDavie]

planning told the builders they had to be fixed windows,

And what do planning say about fire in the building? If there's a fire in the corridor, how would they be rescued - the firemen would probably break the window and damage covered by insurance would be repaired. Sorry not much help there - probably another door to the adjoining room too. Then again if access is so restricted would a turntable ladder reach?

I think you've got to say that in it's present form, after the extension's been built, these windows are impossible to clean without some additional access being investigated. If the gap between buildings is too narrow for polework, they need to think about a cradle or bosun's chair rig up. That'll probably rocket your insurance premiums.

Alternatives?
They invest in some net curtains and so can't see the dirty windows.  
The boardroom is moved to a different room which has opening windows.
The architect is asked to demonstrate to you how HE would clean them.
They put up with the dirty windows.

I'm at a loss, maybe someone else has come across a situation like this and can help. Any volunteers?

All the best for whatever happens.

[Philip Hanson]

Perhaps open a window above (or stand on the roof) and use a WFP downwards.  I have done that a few times, it works surprisingly well.

-Philip

[riz]

Perhaps open a window above (or stand on the roof) and use a WFP downwards.  I have done that a few times, it works surprisingly well.

-Philip

please tie yourself to something!!

[elfords]

I would forget the idea of using a pole from an upper window as suggested the risk of it falling and the consequences of this are just not worth the risk, let alone the strain on the arms. It is hard enough work using poles the correct way let alone upside down.

It sounds like it is just one of those jobs that are far too much hastle to me, just leave the ball squarly in the court of the building managers to sort out a suitable and safe way once you have told them the problems involved.