Window Cleaners Four Thousand Feet In The Air

The specialist window cleaning contractors are masters at working at heights and in the most challenging circumstances.  It is estimated someone falling from the Skywalk would take more than 20 seconds to hit the Colorado River below.

Window cleaners become high wire artists to scrub the Grand Canyon viewing platform four thousand feet above the Colorado River: A specialist team of technicians clamber over the edge of the $30 million Grand Canyon Skywalk to spring clean it. The Canyon is more than three miles wide at that point and the Skywalk is 4,000 feet above the Colorado River. The specially-strengthened glass panes have recently been replaced for the first time since it opened in 2007. Workers spent two days at the end of April completing the highly-technical cleaning operation on the Skywalk. Click all pictures to enlarge.

The workers eventually make their way under the glass to enable them to clean the bottom of the incredibly difficult to reach panes. The specialist contractors are masters at working at heights and in the most challenging circumstances. Visitors to the Skywalk can look over towards the far side of the Grand Canyon which is more than three miles away at that point.

The workers used two different ropes to secure themselves to the Skywalk to provide an additional layer of safety while over the canyon. The specialist team of technicians cleaned the iconic Skywalk landmark which extends over Colorado River on the Grand Canyon.

Brave window cleaners dangle thousands of feet above the Grand Canyon - while giving its 'Skywalk' a spring clean. Technicians cleaned more than 40 panes of glass while taking in the awe-inspiring views of the Colorado River 4000ft below. The horseshoe-shaped structure, which cost $30M to build and juts out 70ft, was opened in March 2007 and offers visitors stomach-churning views.

Two men made their way under the iconic structure to clean the glass floor from underneath to give visitors a perfect view of the canyon. The glass on the iconic structure was recently replaced for the first time since the popular tourist venue was opened in 2007.

The $30 million structure juts out 70 feet over the Colorado River offering visitors an amazing view of the canyon floor 4,000 feet below. The technicians cleaned more than 40 panes of the specially strengthened glass as part of the they contract at the SkyWalk.

The Skywalk is cleaned by Abseilon USA, a Phoenix-based company who belong to the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians. Abseilon's eight technicians - two of whom carried out the cleaning itself - operate a two-line system, which offers workers '200 per cent fall protection'. This system means despite the stomach-churning images and video that the technicians were able to capture, the process itself is extremely safe. Should an error occur in any part of a technician's rope system, they still have at least one additional system to fall back on.

The clean took place between April 27 and April 29 and as well as working on the glass, technicians also rappelled into the Canyon, collecting rubbish and items dropped by visitors. Ken Piposar, founder and CEO of Abseilon USA, said: 'The Skywalk actually just recently replaced the glass, so we came through to perform a spring cleaning. 'We're always a big hit at the Skywalk. 'People love to ask us questions, get their photo taken with us, and find out what we're doing. 'While we do get a lot of "you people are crazy" most visitors to the Skywalk think what we do is amazing. 'A lot of people also offer us their prayers, which we always find to be sweet.'

Also see:

SkyWalk Spring Clean + Fall In New Jersey

Grand Canyon Window Cleaners Sky Walk

Grand Canyon Window Cleaners Sky Walk

Cleaning above the Grand Canyon. Formerly AZ Clearview, Abseilon USA is a SPRAT certified, professional Rope Access company.

Extreme Skywalk cleaning tests Grand Canyon workers:  Spring cleaning has been taken to an extreme level. Workers dangling from ropes 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon are cleaning under the glass walkway today at the Skywalk. The horseshoe-shaped bridge, which has a steel frame and a glass floor, extends 70 feet from the rim of the canyon, giving visitors a breathtaking view of the landscape.

SPRAT Certified Level III Technician Rick Dillman hangs around.

Kenneth Piposar, vice president of Phoenix-based Abseilon USA,  the high-rise window cleaning company that has taken on the daring task, called the job a “great photo opportunity.” “It is the thrill of a lifetime to look down and see a person suspended by two ropes at that height with the Grand Canyon just below them,” he said in a statement. The Skywalk is located about 250 miles from Phoenix.

About the Grand Canyon Skywalk:

• The Grand Canyon Skywalk is active and open to the public year-round, hosting approximately 2 million visitors since it opened in March 2007.
• The Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped, glass-bottom structure that allows visitors to walk 70 feet past the edge of the Grand Canyon wall and stand 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.
• The phenomenal views are enhanced by glass walls and floor panels so visitors get unobstructed views of the Grand Canyon. Each of these glass panels is custom built to the highest standards for safety and clarity.
• The Skywalk is an engineering masterpiece that took four years and $30 million to complete.
• Structure Facts
• The Skywalk foundation is strong enough to support about 71 million pounds – the equivalent of 71 fully loaded 747 airplanes.
• It consists of more than 1 million pounds of steel and 83,000 pounds of glass.
• In total, it weighs 1.2 million pounds.
• The glass walls are approximately five to seven feet high, extending four to six feet above the glass floor – safer than code, yet low enough that guests do not feel confined.
• The Skywalk is 10 feet wide.
• It is located 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.
• Engineering Facts
• In 1996, businessman David Jin, from Las Vegas, NV, approached the Hualapai Tribe with the idea of a glass walkway over the Grand Canyon. He won approval from the Tribe in 2003.
• The Grand Canyon Skywalk was designed and engineered by Lochsa Engineering & MRJ Architects and built by Executive Construction Management, all based out of Las Vegas, NV.
• Engineers conducted tests on the geologic stability of the site and researched the foundation by testing the compressive strength of the rock.
• Engineers also conducted extensive testing during the planning and design phase to ensure the Grand Canyon Skywalk could easily withstand the high winds that have been known to blow through the Grand Canyon.

Internet Daredevil Window Cleaner Fined

This daredevil window cleaner is captured on film balancing on a ledge without a safety harness on the third floor of a building in Bath.

Internet star window cleaner who balanced on third floor ledge is fined £2,000 for breaking health and safety rules: A window cleaner who became a YouTube hit when he was filmed balancing on a third-floor ledge with no safety harness has been ordered to pay £2,000 for health and safety breaches. First reported here.

Fearless Wayne Mallon was caught on camera as he calmly climbed out of a top-floor window to carry out his work 40ft above the pavement. Passers-by watched in horror as he stepped onto the outside of a stone balustrade before walking around the building. A later clip showed him doing the same thing on the level below, but this time walking along the top of the narrow windows – again without any kind of safety equipment.

Self-employed Mallon, who works for Terry Mallon and Sons Cleaning Services, pleaded guilty to three health and safety charges at Bath Magistrates Court in Somerset. The 40-year-old was fined £400 for each of the offences and ordered to pay £800 in costs, as well as a £15 victim surcharge, bringing the total to £2,015.

Risky: Footage showed Wayne Mallon balancing precariously on a ledge without a safety harness as he climbed across the building - 40ft up - to clean its windows.

Mallon, of Whiteway, Bath, took to the windowsills above the Loch Fyne restaurant in Bath in September last year. It was filmed by a passing pedestrian and went viral on YouTube, attracting nearly 90,000 views to date. But the clip came to the attention of the health and safety team at Bath and North East Somerset Council, which brought charges against Mallon and Loch Fyne.

The restaurant chain faces six breaches of health and safety regulations, which will be dealt with this Friday. A spokesman from B&NES Council said: “The council, in common with the window cleaning industry, takes these issues seriously because of the dangers to the public and workers.

“Whilst working in this manner, Mr Mallon was putting not only his own safety at risk but also that of members of the public who were passing on the busy pavement below. “The council hopes that the fine and court costs of £2,000 incurred by Mr Mallon will deter businesses from putting themselves, other workers and members of the public at risk.”

He added: “Falls from height remain the most common cause of workplace fatality. “The council wishes to remind all businesses carrying out these activities that they must, for their own and other’s safety, familiarise themselves with legal requirements which in this case would have assured Mr Mallon’s safety.” 

 

Bath hotel fined over unsafe window cleaner: A restaurant and hotel firm has been fined £15,000 after a window cleaner was filmed balancing precariously on a ledge outside one of its buildings. Loch Fyne admitted one breach of health and safety law and was also ordered to pay costs of £3,023. Self-employed window cleaner Wayne Mallon was fined £2,000 on Monday. He was seen climbing along the ledges of the third floor of the Milsoms Hotel building - owned by Loch Fyne - in Bath without ladders or safety equipment. Mallon, of Whiteway, Bath, who works for Terry Mallon and Sons Cleaning Services, pleaded guilty to three health and safety charges at Bath Magistrates' Court

The footage went viral when it was posted on YouTube in September last year and has attracted more than 90,000 views to date. It came to the attention of the health and safety team at Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes), which brought charges against Mallon and Loch Fyne, which has its roots on the west coast of Scotland. The film was shown to magistrates and Loch Fyne admitted allowing a contractor to work at height in an unsafe manner. 

Robin Wood, representing Banes, told the court that the firm had a duty of care to contractors. "If a suitable risk assessment had been carried out, Mr Mallon would not have endangered himself or others below in the way he did," he said. "There were a number of documents in place to make sure a risk assessment was possible but they were not being used and had not been checked by the company for more than eight years. "We have no evidence that this happened on more than one occasion, except he seemed to know what he was doing."

He added: "The video has been seen by more than 89,000 people on YouTube. It has also appeared in national newspapers and on television. "Window cleaners from around Europe have commented on YouTube. The industry itself is aware of this, and in some ways, they will take note of what has happened in this instance."

Speaking outside court, a Loch Fyne spokesman said the company took health and safety "extremely seriously" and expected the same from its contractors. "We accept today's decision and are grateful this isolated incident in Bath was brought to our attention. "As a result we have put tighter measures in place to prevent anything similar happening again, including stricter procedures for our restaurant manager to follow when using external contractors."

Loch Fyne, which employs 1,234 staff at 42 restaurants and four hotels, said it was the first time it had ever appeared in court. Speaking outside his home, Mallon said he was "very health and safety conscious". He added that only three of the hotel's 28 windows could be reached using "reach and wipe" equipment.

Kärcher Window Vac Bring Out The Extension Pole

Some window cleaners use these - they are very good for drip-less window cleaning. Up until now they have been tied to window cleaning poles by various methods. Now Kärcher have brought out an extension pole, all be it a limited height.

Effortless window cleaning just got even easier: Following on from the launch of its ground breaking Window Vac, Kärcher – leading cleaning specialist – is excited to launch a full range for the Window Vac line. The first of its kind, the Window Vac has revolutionised window cleaning, making it easier than ever to achieve streak free windows with ease, leaving surfaces completely dry, crystal clear. The new range includes a selection of packages to cater for every window cleaning need, including a narrow vacuum head accessory, detergent applicator and replacement blades. The Kärcher Window Vac and accessories make light work of removing liquid from mirrors, shower screens, tiles, condensation from windows and even spills from floors and worktops. Perfect for those who don’t want to spend a long time on their housework but aren’t willing to compromise on the results.

WV50: The WV50 Window Vac is handheld, easy to use and achieves an expert finish with one satisfying swipe. Weighing in at just 700g there is little chance of fatigue - even if you were to clean up to 45 windows, which can be achieved in a single charge. The product is available from £59.99 RRP.

WV60: The WV60 includes a further narrow vacuum head (170mm) for the Window Vac - perfect for cleaning smaller windows with ease. It also includes a spray bottle with micro-fibre cloth and 20ml cleaning concentrate so you can start cleaning immediately. RRP £79.99

WV70: The ultimate Window Vac package, including a narrow vacuum head, spray bottle with micro-fibre cloth and 20ml cleaning concentrate. Furthermore it includes replacement blades for both the (170&280mm) vacuum heads and two replacement micro-fibre cloths, meaning with this must-have gadget, window cleaning has never been so easy!  RRP £99.99

Window Vac reaches new heights - Window Vac Extension pole: The Window Vac extension pole is the perfect accessory for cleaning those hard to reach areas, such as attic and conservatory windows.The Window Vac slots into the extension pole guaranteeing a streak free finish for windows all over your house. Phil Springall, Marketing Manager - Home and Garden Division at Kärcher UK comments: “We are thrilled to have expanded the Window Vac offering with a full product range – now window cleaning truly is easier than ever. The accessories allow windows and surfaces to be cleaned in a fraction of the time it can take using traditional methods. The Window Vac range has been created to save time and effort and add a little fun to one of the most hated household chores.”

All the extra accessories are avaiable to be purchased on the Kärcher website and be delivered directly to your door. Launched last year, the Kärcher Window Vac has made a strong impression and the consumer verdict is crystal clear: "Finally have really clean and sparkling conservatory windows. First time in 15 years they look like new.” The Window Vac leaves no drips, is streak free and saves time. For more information on how Kärcher’s Window Vac can take the bore out of chores visit Kärcher.

Kärcher Extreme Window Cleaning

Unsafe Window Cleaner Video Goes Viral

Daredevil window cleaner not good for image of window cleaners.

Bath's daredevil window cleaner with a head for heights: A daredevil window cleaner has been captured on film balancing on a ledge without a safety harness on the third floor of a building in Bath. More than 1,000 people have viewed the Extreme Window Cleaning clip on YouTube, which shows a man working above the Loch Fyne restaurant, at the corner of Milsom Street and George Street. During the three-minute film he is seen to climb out of the top floor window and onto the other side of the stone balustrade, before walking around the outside of the building. Later on he is seen doing the same thing on the level below, but this time walking along the top of the narrow windows - but again without any kind of safety equipment.

A member of staff at Loch Fyne said the incident was being dealt with internally by the restaurant chain’s owners Greene King, and added that they had been in contact with the health and safety team at Bath and North East Somerset Council. B&NES today confirmed it was investigating the incident. It is understood that the floors above the restaurant are occupied by the hotel side of the business, Milsoms, which has a number of rooms available for guests.

Extreme window cleaning (BATH, SOMERSET): An investigation has been launched after a daredevil window cleaner was captured on film balancing on a ledge without a safety harness on the third floor of a city centre building. The YouTube clip, which shows a man working above the Loch Fyne restaurant is being investigated by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

The New Little Giant Xtreme Multi-Use Ladder

I know these are enormously popular in the USA with window cleaners. My equivalent basically gets used full time as a work bench. Here is the detail from the website...

Additional Resources: Facebook, twitter, YouTube. Little Giant Ladder Systems, Inc. manufactures and distributes superior-quality climbing products to discerning homeowners and professionals throughout the world. The company’s growing family of consumer brands includes Little Giant Ladders®, Little Giant Xtreme™,SumoStance™, Select Step™, Lunar™ and MicroBurst™.

New Little Giant Xtreme™ Multi-Use Ladder Unveiled - Flagship of Entire Product Line: 40 Years of Engineering Results in Safest, Strongest, Most Versatile Ladder in the World Springville, Utah, September 12, 2011

Little Giant Ladder Systems®, maker of the original articulating ladder, unveiled today the new Little Giant Xtreme™ multi-use ladder—the result of 40 years of innovative engineering. Versatile and easy to use in multiple positions and heights, the Little Giant Xtreme easily converts to a stable, wide-flared extension ladder, a multiple-height A-frame stepladder, a 90-degree ladder, a staircase ladder, and a time-saving trestle-and-plank scaffolding system.

Now the flagship of the Little Giant Ladder Systems product line, the lightweight Little Giant Xtreme is easy to handle and adjust for projects around the house or on the job. View the Little Giant Xtreme video at: www.LittleGiantXtreme.com

“Little Giant has pushed the envelope again to create the safest, strongest and most versatile ladder in the world,” said H. Arthur Wing, President. “The Little Giant Xtreme is the pinnacle of the ladder industry—it boasts several new patents and innovations that will help people get their jobs done faster and safer. Even though the new Little Giant Xtreme ladder improves on the original Little Giant Ladder in so many ways, it is available for the same price as the original.” DIY homeowners, general contractors, painters, window cleaners, facility maintenance professionals, landscapers and home decorators are among the many people who will now be able to use the right ladder for the right job every time.

What is the Little Giant Xtreme™ ladder?   

The Little Giant Little Xtreme is the safest, strongest, and most versatile ladder in the world. As the new flagship product of Little Giant Ladder Systems, it boasts several new patents and innovations that will help people get their jobs done faster and safer.

What makes the Little Giant Xtreme ladder unique?    

Versatile and easy to use in multiple positions and heights, the Little Giant Xtreme easily converts to a stable, wide-flared extension ladder, a multiple-height A-frame stepladder, a 90-degree ladder, a staircase ladder, and a time-saving trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. Forty years of innovative engineering has made the Little Giant Xtreme the finest ladder in the world.

Who should purchase a Little Giant Xtreme ladder?

DIY homeowners, general contractors, painters, HVAC specialists, window cleaners, facility maintenance professionals, roofing contractors, landscapers and home decorators are among the many people who will now be able to use the right ladder for the job every time and feel safe and secure.

How much weight does the Little Giant Xtreme ladder hold?    

The Little Giant Xtreme meets or exceeds OSHA and ANSI standards. It is rated to hold 300 lbs. as an extension ladder and as a two-sided, two-person ladder.

What models are available?    

The Little Giant Xtreme ladder is currently available in a 17- and 22-foot model. A 26-foot model is forthcoming.

How much does the Little Giant Xtreme ladder weigh?    

Exclusive aerospace-grade aluminum alloys, commonly used in military aircraft, make the Little Giant Xtreme lighter than any comparable multi-use ladder on the market. The 17-foot model weighs 34.5 lbs. and the 22-foot model weighs 41.5 lbs.

Do I have to pay sales tax?    

Sales tax is charged only on orders shipped to Utah at: 6.85%.

Do I have to pay Shipping & Handling?    

No, not in the contiguous 48 states (AK, HI or PR will pay additional shipping & Handling charges).

How is the Little Giant Xtreme shipped?

Standard shipping is FedEx ground (please allow 10-15 days for delivery), unless 2nd day shipping is purchased then it is shipped 2-day FedEx Express.

What is the AirDeck™ workstation?

The AirDeck™ workstation includes a magnetized utility tray and safety handrail so the user has a secure handhold at the top of the ladder.

What is the price of the Little Giant Xtreme?

Even though the new Little Giant Xtreme improves on the original Little Giant Ladder in so many ways, it is available for the same price as the original. The 17-foot model has an infomercial price of $359.80 and the 22-foot model is $399.96.

Little Giant Xtreme Comparisons:     Model 17    Model 22

Weight capacity:                                  300-lbs.    300-lbs.

Ladder weight:                                    34.5 lbs.    41.5 lbs.

Min extension height:                                    9'    11'

Max extension height:                                 15'    19'

Min A-frame height:                                      4'    5'

Max. A-frame height:                                    7'    9'

Storage height:                                           4'7"    5'7"

Max scaffolding height:                                 3'    3'

Max workbench height:                                 4'    5'

Width at base:                                         24.50"    27.50"

Warranty:                                             Lifetime    Lifetime

Price:                                                    $359.80    $399.96

Shipping:                                                 Free *    Free *

* In contiguous US only

What's New?   

Redesigned MAG4™ Hinge

Adding even more stability to the world's safest ladder wasn't easy. But the revolutionary MAG4™ hinge system does just that. The MAG4™ hinge locks into place with 4 pins instead of 2 for increased stability and overall safety.

   

Rock Locks™

The Little Giant Xtreme features a redesigned Rock Lock™ system that makes adjusting your ladder quick and easy. Simply push the lock to release, adjust the ladder, then tap to lock. It's simple, fast and safe.

   

50% Wider Rungs

Guarantee Superior Foot Support.

   

New AirDeck™ Handrail & Workstation

Provides a Portable Workbench for tools and materials and a safety handrail for extra stability.

   

New Tip & Glide™ Wheels

Makes for Easy Transport.

   

Built in Comfort Step™

Feel Comfortable Standing at Any Height.

What's the Same?

Safety

The Little Giant Xtreme is designed to be the safest ladder on the planet. Since it's adjustable, the Little Giant Xtreme can be used safely on stairs, ramps, curbs, docks or other uneven surfaces.

Strength

The Little Giant Xtreme is made using  the very same material used in aerospace construction. So it's ultra-strong while remaining light and portable.

Versatility

Independent tests prove the Little Giant Xtreme will replace 60-70% of all portable ladders currently being manufactured.

When you buy a Little Giant Xtreme from Little Giant, you're not just getting one ladder. You're getting 24 different ladders combined to make the world's most versatile ladder system.

Paying Homage To The High Rise Window Cleaner

KFC delivered lunch to window washers 40 stories above the Chicago River. Click to enlarge.

Last week, KFC delivered lunch to window washers 40 stories above the Chicago River. Strapped to a harness a climber dressed in the Colonel’s white suit hand delivered lunch to window washers at Chicago’s River Bend building. Obviously the whole thing was a choreographed stunt but still, pretty cool. KFC made a rather radical marketing push in support of their $5 Everyday Meal. The promotion came as a result of the fried chicken brand pulsing their social media networks to nominate particular folks they felt were in need of an extreme lunch delivery.

After sorting through more than 100 “out-of-the-bucket” occupations, the consensus was that high-rise window washers were the most deserving of a mid-work meal delivery. With a photographer and KFC Colonel stunt double in hand, the Colonel demonstrated KFC’s commitment to “taking lunchtime meals to new heights.” Strapped in and donning the iconic white suit, the KFC Colonel strapped on a harness and ascended 38 floors up Chicago’s River Bend Building. The picture’s have a definite unrivaled swagger, paying homage to the often overlooked task of sky scrapin’ window cleaning and all similarly extreme jobs.

Kentucky Fried Window Cleaners

He’s No Chicken: KFC Colonel to Make an “Extreme” Lunch Delivery 38 Stories above the Chicago River - After Soliciting Suggestions via Social Media, KFC® Colonel to Deliver $5 Everyday Meals to Skyscraper Window Washers at “High” Noon Today in the Windy City. 

Chicago: Bringing new meaning to “haute cuisine,” KFC will give lunch an extreme makeover by dispatching its KFC Colonel to personally deliver new $5 Everyday Meals to window washers working nearly 40 stories up at Chicago’s “River Bend” building. At noon today, the KFC Colonel will strap on a harness and descend 38 floors with food in tow, demonstrating KFC’s commitment to taking lunchtime meals to all new heights. “And, what better way to highlight the tremendous value of these $5 box meals than with an extreme lunch delivery to a location nominated by our fans?”

To launch the everyday lunch value, Kentucky Fried Chicken asked America via its social media channels to name folks in need of a “So Good” extreme lunch delivery. After sorting through more than 100 “out-of-the-bucket” occupations (including working at Area 51, changing the lights that top water towers and skyscrapers and trimming trees), the chain decided to literally send its KFC Colonel up in the air to bring lunch to one of America’s most extreme occupations – high rise window washers.

“With the introduction of our $5 Everyday Meals, we’re encouraging America to go above and beyond a simple sub for $5 and reward themselves with a real meal deal everyday of the week,” said Barry Westrum, chief marketing officer for KFC. “And, what better way to highlight the tremendous value of these $5 box meals than with an extreme lunch delivery to a location nominated by our fans?”

Residents of Chicago’s River Bend building, employees of neighboring skyscrapers and passersby will be able to view the KFC Colonel in his iconic white suit on scaffolding high above the city streets as the world’s most popular chicken restaurant chain demonstrates once again it is willing to go to any length to serve its customers.

Today - Two window washers rescued after pulley fails to work in ... Kentucky. Firefighters from the Lyndon Fire Department rescued two window washers Tuesday afternoon. Apparently their pulley was not working and they were stuck in the 9200 block of Shelbyville Road off Whittington Parkway. No one was injured.