Professional Window Cleaners DO use scrapers
Since window cleaning is one of the last phases of construction, meeting deadlines for occupation requires the most efficient method, and scrapers have been part of that method for decades.
So that windows can be cleaned efficiently with standard methods - not only after construction, but throughout the life of the home or building - builders, architects and remodelers are urged to specify that tempered glass surfaces be free of fabricating debris, and to indicate that any tempered glass with fabricating debris will be returned for a full and complete refund. The International Window Cleaning Association is recommending that tempered glass be checked for fabricating debris before installation.
Certainly the ultimate owner of the new home or building deserves to know whether or not fabricating debris is present on tempered glass, because if it is, then vigilance will be required of them to somehow assure that scrapers are never used, or that the need to use scrapers never arises - for the life of the window.
But it is sometimes suggested that the fabricating debris scratch problem is simply due to the use of scrapers by window cleaners who “should know better”.
Don’t let anyone tell you that the very act of using a window cleaning scraper on uncoated glass is unprofessional.
The simple fact is that the use of window cleaning scrapers is widely accepted and embraced by professional window cleaners.
One need only to look at the websites of professional quality squeegee manufacturers to see that their product lines include window cleaning scrapers.
Ettore Products Company window cleaning product line includes squeegees as well as scrapers.
Pulex Cleaning Equipment - window cleaning product line includes squeegees as well as scrapers.
Sörbo Products - window cleaning product line includes squeegees as well as scrapers.
Unger Enterprises - window cleaning product line includes squeegees as well as scrapers.
And a quick look at major professional window cleaning supply catalogs shows the same thing. They sell window cleaning squeegees and scrapers.
Detroit Sponge & Chamois - sells squeegees and scrapers to window cleaners.
Squeegees.Net - sells squeegees and scrapers to window cleaners.
The Colker Company - sells squeegees and scrapers to window cleaners.
CWC Supply - sells squeegees and scrapers to window cleaners.
J. Racenstein & Company - sells squeegees and scrapers to window cleaners.
Furthermore, the largest supplier to the glazing industry - CR Laurence - actually sells a variety of scrapers, and some tempered glass products. An item in their catalog called a window scraper is described as “Very commonly used when scraping walls, windows, paint, and labels. From building maintenance to glaziers, and general contractors, all can benefit from these tools!”
(Search their site for “tempered glass” and “scraper”.)
One of the world’s largest largest tool manufacturers - Stanley - sells scrapers, including one called a window scraper. (Search their site for “scraper”.) Their Stanley Access Technologies division sells door systems featuring tempered glass.
To bolster your argument that Professional Window Cleaners DO use scrapers, you can visit the above websites and print catalog pages.
Planning ahead by using a written work plan can prevent accidents from taking place. A requirement of the ANSI/IWCA I 14 Window Cleaning Safety Standard, the written plan can be simply considered as operating instructions when it comes to window cleaning using suspended equipment or where hazards exist that may affect the safety of the worker(s) or general public. Most will agree that they’re very easy to put together. The IWCA has a template version in the safety training workbooks that are given out during safety seminars.
Those of you whose job it is to look at and price jobs should be the primary person to develop the written plan. After all, this is the time when you see things like anchor points (or lack of) entranceways, sharp edges and other concerns. The best part of the written plan is the fact that it allows the building owner or manager to work with you in creating a safe place to work for you and your employees. Even better, once you’ve done a plan for a particular building there wouldn’t be a need to do another one, unless of course site specific changes or techniques needed to be renovated.
Once the plan is complete, be sure and go over it with the workers who will be at the site and ensure that everyone understands all the instructions. You should also go over the plan with the manager of the building. Having written plans for the buildings you do that need them is a most crucial step toward safety in the workplace. To learn more about this and other safety related matters, be sure and attend the next IWCA Safety Training program coming to a town near you.