Fall Compliance Checklist for Commercial Window Cleaning Crews

Learn essential fall safety protocols and compliance steps for window cleaning crews.

Why falls increase risk and require focused site safety planning

Each fall, as window cleaning demand spikes with cooler weather and post-summer dust, property managers and cleaning vendors face heightened risks on high-rise and commercial sites. Safety is not only a best practice—it's the law. Fall protection becomes even more essential as wet leaves, wind gusts, and temperature swings make conditions unpredictable. Professional-grade window cleaning companies start every season with detailed safety meetings, ensuring all staff are briefed on current OSHA and IWCA regulations and building-specific guidelines. During the pre-fall schedule, facility and property managers should confirm updated anchor point certifications and verify their cleaning provider’s record for OSHA compliance and training. When hiring for fall maintenance, prioritize crews that provide written safety policies and can produce incident-free track records. The Arizona market, with its mix of high-rises, hotels, and multi-tenant properties (often with unique anchor systems), requires a partner who is well-versed in both regional and national rules. For an overview of anchor point rules, see this summary of fall requirements.

Overview of OSHA, IWCA, and local Arizona regulations for building maintenance

Safety for commercial window cleaning—especially in the fall—starts with a thorough understanding of both federal and local regulations. In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and industry organizations like the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) set strict standards for high-rise and commercial window washing. For Arizona and other regions with high-rise and specialty access, these standards require planning well before the first cold snap. Key compliance issues include anchor point certification, which now mandates annual inspection and minimum load ratings (5,000 pounds per employee, per OSHA). All safety harnesses, ropes, seat boards (bosun chair/RDS), and other fall arrest systems must be in top condition. Facilities management is responsible for providing written documentation of building anchor point status before crews arrive and should maintain clear access paths and roof safety zones at all times. For details, see OSHA requirements summary. In addition to equipment and building-level requirements, worker safety protocols must be observed. Teams must inspect their harnesses, lanyards, rescue plans, and descent devices daily. Managers and engineering teams should oversee training status and ensure third-party certifications are up to date—all before scheduling the first crew in the fall. For an in-depth guide to window cleaning anchors and rope regulations, review this industry blog.

Getting property staff, vendors, and tenants prepared for safe maintenance season

To guarantee safe and compliant seasonal maintenance, start by reaching out to your building’s engineering and facilities team well before October. Arrange a walk-through of roof access areas, document anchor point statuses, and ensure all written compliance is available for your cleaning provider. Communicate expectations to tenants so they are aware of service days and can help maintain clear access. Encourage vendors to provide pre-cleaning safety checklists, and routinely observe working crews to ensure all harnesses, lifelines, and fall arrest components are actively in use. A good seasonal strategy includes reviewing the previous winter’s cleaning schedule, addressing any incident reports, and updating your formal maintenance plan accordingly. Remember, the aim is zero accidents—making compliance preparation as important as the cleaning itself. For more tips, see OSHA guidelines here.