EXPERT ADVICE HIGH-LEVEL HIJINKS
Modern architectural techniques, along with new materials and building practices, have resulted in some stunning skylines across the world. However, as Sean Canty, Director of CAM Specialist Support explains, they don’t always make easy workplaces for those cleaning and maintaining the exteriors.
Today’s building designs are innovative and more energy efficient, but the substantially more complex shapes involved and the detailed architectural features, including cantilevered glass and double skinned climate walls, make cleaning them far more testing. In London alone, more than 50% of buildings have been redeveloped since 1997 according to the City of London Corporation, resulting in a lot of challenging environments.
We have a number of clients in the retail sector who require our services because of the awkward nature of some of the buildings involved. For instance, large glass roof areas on retail malls are popular as they flood the shopping areas with natural light, creating a more inviting consumer destination. However, they definitely also create a significant cleaning challenge. The heights and type of structures involved mean careful planning is required along with thorough, and bespoke, risk assessments. This is especially the case in areas with large footfalls such as shopping centres. Glazed canopies above entrance areas also cause concerns as public access and safety need to be of paramount importance.
The decision over whether to use carbon fibre water-fed pole systems, suspended access equipment (cradles), mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) or rope access techniques, should be based on a strict regime of risk elimination and control to identify the safest and best method to carry out the cleaning at height task. Tackling unusual design elements and features should not be done by anyone without significant skills, experience and relevant qualifications.
MORE THAN JUST WINDOWS When you’re cleaning at height, there are numerous features to consider which may not be visible from ground
58 | Tomorrow’s Cleaning August 2016
level. This includes solar panels, which can be very sensitive and easy to damage. Most solar panels are placed in difficult to access areas, to maximise their exposure to sunlight and keep them out of harm’s way. It is vital to clean solar panels regularly – using de-ionised water – as their effectiveness is considerably reduced if dust, dirt and grime is allowed to accumulate.
THE ARCHITECT’S MIX When designing a building architects have a lot to consider, such as the client’s brief, ensuring the building is fit for purpose, sustainability, structural issues and aesthetics. The health and
safety of working at height operatives is just one element in the mix.
Although architects regularly consult with access system specialists and engineers when designing a building, it is a pity that the specialist contractors who will ultimately clean the building are rarely involved at the design stage.
The insight that experienced specialists bring to the operational and logistical challenges of cleaning glazing and other surfaces at high level is extremely valuable and can reduce the difficulties of cleaning complex buildings considerably. This can also have the effect of reducing the running costs of the building. Most glazing and high level features do still need to be accessed by hand for cleaning and maintenance. Therefore, it is very valuable for architects to consult with specialist high level cleaning contactors early in the design process. We can make a significant difference to the workings of a building without stifling creativity.
GET THE JOB DONE When working at height, there can sometimes be testing and difficult challenges, although a solution can be found to most situations. Safety must remain paramount though and cost will, of course, always be a consideration.
Until self-cleaning buildings are invented or air pollution is eradicated and flying pests eliminated, there will always be a place in a building maintenance programme for experienced, competent, specialist high-level contractors. We just need to be able to adapt to the new challenges thrown at us and keep buildings of all shapes and sizes in their best possible condition.
www.camsupport.co.uk
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