Client: Activate Learning Colleges: Activate Learning Colleges is a forward‑thinking education group operating multiple campuses across the south of England. Their estate includes a wide mix of modern and traditional buildings, many featuring high‑level glazing and architectural structures that make access challenging.
About the Project: Annual External Window Cleaning Programme: This project formed part of the colleges’ annual schedule, focusing exclusively on external windows. Many of these windows sit well above standard reach, including several positioned over five storeys high, requiring specialist access solutions.
Key Details: The layout and height of the buildings meant traditional ladders or pole systems were not suitable. Several elevations included recessed glazing, deep façades, and high‑rise windows that demanded a safe, compliant method of working at height.
Service Provided: MEWP‑Assisted High‑Level Window Cleaning: To safely access each window and ensure a high‑quality finish, we deployed MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). These included both scissor lifts and boom lifts, selected according to the height, terrain, and reach required for each building. This approach allowed us to access windows that would otherwise be impossible to reach using standard equipment.
Project Overview
MEWPs are an essential part of our specialist access equipment. As powered platforms, they allow our operatives to be lifted to precise working positions while maintaining maximum stability and safety. For Activate Learning Colleges, many windows exceeded five storeys, making MEWPs the safest and most compliant option.
Our IPAF‑trained team operated each machine with full adherence to Health & Safety practices. Every stage of the project — from planning to execution — followed detailed RAMS documentation, ensuring that both operatives and campus users remained safe throughout the works.
Scope of Works
The project involved completing external cleaning across high‑level windows of multiple buildings. These buildings varied in height, design, and access restrictions, requiring flexible powered access methods.
- Safe cleaning of windows positioned above five storeys
- Use of boom lifts to reach recessed or angled glazing
- Use of scissor lifts for straight vertical access
- Continuous safety supervision during operation
Because these works formed part of the annual schedule, we ensured consistency across all buildings and coordinated with campus management to minimise any disruption.
Challenges & Solutions
- High‑level windows above five storeys – MEWPs provided the safe vertical and horizontal reach required where ladders would be unsafe and non‑compliant.
- Complex building shapes and recessed glazing – Articulated boom lifts allowed precise positioning to reach behind structures and overhangs.
- Busy educational environment – We created controlled exclusion zones and scheduled movements to avoid peak student traffic.
- Health & Safety compliance requirements – All operatives were IPAF certified, and all works were carried out under strict Working at Height regulations.
Client Experience
Activate Learning Colleges benefitted from a smooth, fully managed service. Our ability to adapt access methods to each elevation meant that all windows — including those generally deemed inaccessible — were cleaned to a professional standard.
This included clear planning, strong communication, and our commitment to maintaining a safe working environment on campus.
Outcome
Every building in the programme was successfully completed, with all difficult‑access windows safely reached using MEWPs. This allowed the client to maintain a clean, presentable environment across their estate, supporting both the visual appeal and long‑term care of their facilities.
The project demonstrates how MEWPs continue to be a vital solution for high‑level cleaning, particularly where buildings exceed standard reach or incorporate complex architectural features.
Contact Abacus Window Cleaning
For reliable, professional exterior cleaning and specialist access services, contact us on 01252 834238 or visit https://www.abacuswindowcleaning.com/.
