In Window Cleaning, MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are a common way to work at height - and a common source of falls when they are misused. This guide explains how Window Cleaning teams in Ireland use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) safely, and why a Working at Heights Course ties it all together.
MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Window Cleaning: where the risk lies
A cleaner servicing a multi-storey office facade, choosing between a cradle, a MEWP and a pole system based on access and weather. MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) are suited to reaching height quickly and safely where the ground is suitable, especially for maintenance, installation and access work, but in a Window Cleaning setting the margin for error is small.
Pre-use checks for MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)
Before any Window Cleaning worker uses MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), confirm that:
- The platform, gates and guardrails are intact
- Pre-use function checks of controls and emergency lowering
- The rescue and emergency-lowering plan is understood
- The harness and lanyard (where required for booms) are in date
The relevant standard here is EN 280, operated by IPAF-trained and card-holding operators, thoroughly examined every 6 months.
Common MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) faults to never ignore
- Untrained operators
- No rescue plan for entrapment
- Operating on soft or sloping ground
- Overloading the platform
Pole systems have removed much ladder risk, but high and awkward glazing still needs proper powered or suspended access.
The Working at Heights Course makes compliance simple
Certifying your people is quicker than most employers expect. Our Working at Heights Course is delivered fully online, takes about 45 minutes, and issues a downloadable certificate the same day. It is CPD certified, RoSPA approved and QQI aligned, and it is written specifically for Window Cleaning teams using MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms).
The Working at Heights Training covers the avoid-prevent-minimise hierarchy, ladder and stepladder safety, MEWPs and scaffolds, harnesses and anchor points, and how to carry out a proper risk assessment. Every learner finishes with a recognised Working at Heights Certificate that stands up to HSA inspection and supports your insurance position.
Training that goes beyond the tick-box
Young and new workers are over-represented in fall statistics, and MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Window Cleaning is no exception. Setting good habits from the very first day - never climbing on furniture, never overreaching, always inspecting equipment - is far easier than unlearning bad ones later. Early certification with a Working at Heights Course pays back for an entire career.
The cheapest control is always to avoid the work at height in the first place. For MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) in Window Cleaning, that can mean long-handled tools, lowering the task to ground level, or designing the job so no one needs to climb. Where that is impossible, collective protection such as guardrails and platforms beats personal protection every time.
Frequently asked questions
Do Window Cleaning workers need training to use MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms)?
Yes. Safe use of MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) is part of working at height. A Working at Heights Course covers selection, inspection and safe use for Window Cleaning tasks.
How often should MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms) be inspected?
Before every use by the operator, plus formal recorded inspections to the relevant standard. Keep the logs for HSA inspection.
Is online training enough for Window Cleaning height work?
Our online Working at Heights Training covers the legal and safe-system knowledge; equipment-specific practical tickets (such as IPAF or PASMA) are added where the task requires them.
Get certified today
Do not wait for an HSA inspection or a near miss to act. Window Cleaning teams can complete the Working at Heights Course online in 45 minutes and download a certificate the same day. For 10 or more learners, see our team training rates, or contact our team for a tailored quote.
Start the online Working at Heights Training now and put a recognised certificate in every worker's file before the next job at height begins.
