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Window Cleaning Risk Assessment — Generated Instantly for £29
Window cleaning is the UK's second most common cause of fatal falls from height after construction. A professional risk assessment covering ladders, pole systems, access equipment and fragile surfaces is legally required and expected by commercial clients. Describe your working methods and site conditions — we generate a fully written, UK-compliant window cleaning risk assessment in minutes.
Used by self-employed window cleaners, cleaning companies and facilities teams across the UK
🪜 Working from ladders above 2 metres? The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that ladder work is only carried out where other safer methods (towers, MEWPs, water-fed poles) are not reasonably practicable. Your risk assessment must justify ladder use and demonstrate compliance with Schedule 6.
Legal requirements for window cleaning
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that all work at height is properly planned, supervised and carried out by competent persons. Regulation 4 places a duty to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable — where it cannot be avoided, Regulation 6 requires that measures are taken to prevent falls, including proper access equipment, edge protection and training. Falls from ladders during window cleaning account for multiple fatalities every year in the UK.
Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations sets out specific requirements for ladder use: ladders may only be used where a risk assessment has shown that other safer work equipment is not justified because of the low risk and short duration, or where features of the site make other equipment impracticable. This assessment must be documented.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers and self-employed persons to assess risks to their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their work. For window cleaners, this includes risks from falls, ladder accidents, fragile surfaces (conservatory roofs, skylights), manual handling, slips on wet surfaces, and lone working.
HSE guidance HSG33 (Health and Safety in Roof Work) and INDG455 (Ladder Safety) set out industry best practice. Commercial clients, facilities managers and insurance providers routinely require a written risk assessment before permitting window cleaning work on their premises.
How it works
1. Describe the job
Tell us the type of property (domestic, commercial, high-rise), your working method (ladder, water-fed pole, cherry picker, rope access), maximum working height, and any specific site hazards such as fragile roofs, public access areas, or overhead power lines. If you work alone, mention it and we will include lone working controls.
2. Let the app take the strain
Anyrisks produces a fully written, UK-compliant window cleaning risk assessment referencing the Work at Height Regulations 2005, Schedule 6 ladder requirements, and HSE guidance on safe working practices.
3. Instant download and use
Download as PDF and Word. Hand it to your commercial client, facilities manager or insurance provider, or file it for HSE compliance. £29, no subscription, money-back guarantee.
What it covers
Every window cleaning risk assessment is written in full — covering all work at height and site hazards relevant to your job.
Falls from height — ladder, pole and platform work
Ladder stability and Schedule 6 compliance justification
Water-fed pole system — manual handling and electrical safety
Cherry picker / MEWP operation and ground conditions
Fragile surfaces — conservatory roofs, skylights, glass panels
Edge protection and fall arrest equipment
Working near overhead power lines
Slips, trips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces
Manual handling of ladders, poles and cleaning equipment
Lone working on domestic and commercial premises
Public access control and site safety
Vehicle safety — loading, unloading and parking
COSHH — cleaning chemicals and water treatment additives
Adverse weather conditions — wind, rain, ice
Works for
From domestic rounds to high-rise commercial contracts, Anyrisks covers every type of window cleaning work.
What customers say
"I do a lot of commercial work and every facilities manager wants to see a risk assessment before I start. Anyrisks gives me something professional and specific to each site without spending hours on paperwork."
David M.
Self-employed window cleaner, Manchester
"We switched to water-fed poles last year and needed a new risk assessment. Anyrisks covered pole handling, electrical safety and working near power lines — all the things our old template missed."
Claire T.
Window cleaning company director, Bristol
"I clean a lot of conservatories and the assessment included fragile roof procedures and justification for ladder use under Schedule 6. Insurance company accepted it straight away."
James R.
Domestic window cleaner, Surrey
Anyrisks vs DIY templates
| Anyrisks | DIY / Templates | |
|---|---|---|
| Written in full — not a blank form | ✓ | ✗ |
| Work at Height Regulations 2005 referenced | ✓ | ✗ |
| Schedule 6 ladder justification included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Covers all access methods (ladder, pole, MEWP, rope) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Fragile surface and conservatory roof controls | ✓ | ✗ |
| Lone working procedures included | ✓ | ✗ |
| Ready in under 2 minutes | ✓ | ✗ |
| Instant PDF and Word download | ✓ | Sometimes |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a risk assessment if I only clean domestic windows?
Yes — the Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all commercial work, including self-employed window cleaners. If you employ anyone, or work for commercial clients, a written risk assessment is legally required under Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Does it cover ladder work and pole systems?
Yes — describe your working method (traditional ladder, water-fed pole, cherry picker, rope access) and the assessment will include the specific controls required. Ladder work must comply with Schedule 6 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
What about working on conservatories and glass roofs?
Yes — mention conservatory or fragile roof work and the assessment will include controls for fragile surfaces under Regulation 9 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, including edge protection and safe access routes.
Can I use this for commercial contracts?
Yes — Anyrisks produces a fully written, regulation-referenced risk assessment in the format expected by facilities managers, property management companies and principal contractors. It is accepted across the industry.
Does it cover lone working?
Yes — if you work alone on customer premises, mention it in your job description and we will include lone working controls, emergency procedures and communication requirements.
How long does it take to generate?
Under 2 minutes. Describe your window cleaning work, access methods and site conditions and Anyrisks produces a complete, UK-compliant risk assessment instantly.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Risk Assessment · Do I Need a Risk Assessment · Risk Assessment Legal Requirements · Risk Assessment Generator