The Chicago skyline is full of massive commercial skyscrapers, and getting their windows washed is part of their professional presentation. But window washing—especially for high-rises—is a highly regulated business in the city. Business owners must ensure that the window cleaning companies they hire have safety regulations to adhere to, insurance to maintain, and permits to secure to safeguard themselves from financial and legal problems. If you are a building owner or facility manager in Chicago, the following are the local Chicago window cleaning regulations that you should know about.
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Commercial Window Cleaning Safety Regulations
Window cleaning high above the ground poses serious threats. This is the very reason the City of Chicago, just like OSHA, has imposed safety rules intended to secure the workers as well as members of the general public.
OSHA mandates that any window cleaner working at a height beyond a certain level use fall protection measures like scaffolding, guardrails, or safety harnesses.
Rope descent systems (RDS) are only permissible on buildings over 300 feet when there is no safer alternative. All suspension gear and scaffolding must also have weight and stability requirements to avert mishaps.
Chicago has also put safety measures in place. Any structure that requires high-rise window cleaning must have certified roof anchors, which are inspected annually by a licensed engineer.
Chicago also prohibits window cleaning during winds in excess of 25 miles per hour. A common problem with Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
For property owners, having the knowledge that a window washing company has these safety precautions in place removes liability and allows the work to be done without additional risk.
High-rise maintenance Chicago
Insurance for Window Cleaning Services
Obtaining a window cleaning company which is not covered by insurance can prove to be a costly mistake. If an accident happens when an employee visits your business, you could end up being sued.
Companies in the Chicago area should only hire those cleaning companies that carry the following insurance policies:
- General Liability Insurance – Covers damage to property and injury caused by window cleaning activities.
- Workers Compensation Insurance – Required by the state of Illinois, it covers medical treatment and lost wages if an employee is injured while working.
- Commercial Auto Insurance – Covers vehicles used to transport cleaning equipment and personnel.
- Bonded Insurance – Provides financial guarantee in case the business fails to complete the job as per contract.
Commercial building window cleaning
Window Cleaning Permit Requirements in Chicago
Some commercial window cleaning activities require city permits, especially if the project will impact sidewalks, streets, or public space.
All Chicago window cleaning companies are required to have a current business license issued by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).
They must be registered with the Illinois Secretary of State and show proof of liability insurance.
For a high-rise building or for any installation work that is being performed on public property, a CDOT permit is probably necessary. Where the sidewalks or streets need to be closed for a temporary period to perform the work, the city requires a sidewalk obstruction permit or street closure permit.
Noncompliance with the required permits can lead to costly fines, work halt, and litigation. A compliant window cleaning company should obtain permits in its clients’ names to be completely compliant.
Certified cleaning professionals
How to Choose a Compliant Cleaning Service
Not all window cleaning companies are as professional as they might be. To guard against potential safety and legal issues, building owners should carefully screen any cleaning company before hiring them.
Watch for the following:
- Proof of business license, insurance, and OSHA status
- Trained and certified window washers with high-rise experience
- Safety inspections on harnesses, scaffolding, and equipment every year
- Staff obtaining appropriate permits for public space work
Utilizing a serious business entails safe, efficient, and law-abiding window cleaning, which renders your property and business free of unnecessary risks.
Building exterior maintenance
Maintaining the Law with Power Bright Cleaning Services
Chicago window cleaning laws and regulations are worth knowing if your building is to stay in compliance. Choosing a completely licensed, insured, and safety-focused window cleaning service keeps your building in top shape without any legal complications.
At Power Bright Cleaning Services, our specialty is commercial window cleaning with the finest methods and strict compliance with all Chicago safety codes and permit regulations. If you have a storefront, office building, or high-rise, our professionals offer top-quality cleaning services with an emphasis on safety and compliance.
Schedule an appointment today:
Phone: (312) 312-7866
Email: [email protected]
Let us take care of your window cleaning requirements while ensuring your business remains in complete compliance with Chicago’s laws. Contact us today!
