Falls from Height During Window and Facade Cleaning Operations
HighFinal building cleans require comprehensive window cleaning both internally and externally across all building levels, often extending to multi-storey facades. Workers access high windows and external surfaces using mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), building maintenance units (BMUs) where installed, fixed scaffolding remaining from construction, ladder systems, or waterfed pole systems operated from ground level. Fall risks arise from inadequate edge protection on MEWPs, equipment positioning on sloped or uneven ground surfaces, overreaching from ladders or platforms, equipment mechanical failures, and working near unprotected edges of balconies or terraces during external area cleaning. Newly installed window systems may lack final balustrade installation or have temporary edge protection removed prematurely. External window cleaning from inside using manual methods requires workers to lean through openings or work near full-height glazing that may not be adequately marked. Wind conditions on elevated facades create additional instability risks for equipment and workers. Falls from height during final cleaning operations consistently rank among the most severe injury risks in the construction completion phase, with potential for fatalities from high-level falls or life-changing injuries from lower-level falls onto hard surfaces or protruding objects.
Chemical Exposure from Industrial Cleaning Agents and Solvents
MediumFinal building cleaning requires industrial-strength cleaning agents significantly more aggressive than routine cleaning products to remove construction residues including concrete splatter, render smears, silicone excess, adhesive residues, protective coatings, paint overspray, and builder's dust. These products include acidic concrete cleaners, alkaline degreasers, solvent-based adhesive removers, caustic concrete splatter removers, and specialised products for specific surfaces. Workers experience chemical exposure through skin contact causing chemical burns, dermatitis, and sensitisation; inhalation of vapours in poorly ventilated spaces causing respiratory irritation; and eye exposure causing corneal damage. Many construction residue removers contain hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, or sodium hydroxide at concentrations requiring extreme caution. Application in enclosed spaces including bathrooms, service cupboards, and basement areas without adequate ventilation results in vapour accumulation exceeding safe exposure limits. Workers may inadequately dilute products thinking stronger concentration improves cleaning effectiveness, increasing chemical exposure risks. Mixing incompatible cleaning chemicals creates toxic gas generation—acid cleaners combined with chlorine-based products produce toxic chlorine gas. Prolonged contact from inadequate PPE during extended cleaning operations causes cumulative exposure effects including chemical sensitisation and chronic skin conditions.
Musculoskeletal Injuries from Repetitive Cleaning Tasks and Manual Handling
MediumFinal building cleaning involves extensive manual handling and repetitive physical activities over prolonged periods to meet comprehensive cleaning requirements across entire buildings. Workers repeatedly lift and move equipment including vacuum cleaners, auto-scrubbers, water containers, and cleaning supply trolleys. Window cleaning requires sustained overhead arm positions causing shoulder strain. Floor cleaning using mops, scrubbers, or polishers involves repetitive forward and backward movements in bent postures. Stair cleaning requires sustained squatting or kneeling positions. Workers repeatedly bend to clean low surfaces, reach overhead for high surfaces, and twist while cleaning around obstacles. The pressure to complete final cleans within tight timeframes often results in workers continuing repetitive tasks without adequate breaks, accelerating fatigue and injury onset. Cleaning large floor areas using heavy equipment like auto-scrubbers requires workers to push and manoeuvre substantial loads, sometimes on inclines or transitions between floor levels. Waste removal during rough clean phase involves handling construction debris bags, disposing of protective materials, and moving accumulation of residues. Without proper manual handling techniques, mechanical aids, task rotation, and enforced break schedules, workers commonly develop musculoskeletal disorders affecting backs, shoulders, necks, wrists, and knees that may become chronic conditions affecting long-term work capacity.
Slips, Trips, and Falls on Wet Surfaces and Construction Debris
MediumFinal cleaning operations create extensive slip hazards through water use for mopping, pressure washing, and surface cleaning that leaves floors wet and slippery. Newly installed floor surfaces including polished porcelain tiles, sealed concrete, and some stone finishes have reduced traction when wet. Cleaning product residues can create invisible slip films on floors if not properly rinsed. Trip hazards include vacuum cleaner cords, pressure washer hoses, water feed lines for cleaning equipment, cleaning supply buckets and containers, and construction debris not yet removed including offcuts, packaging materials, and dropped fixings. Transition between different floor levels or surface types creates trip points especially where lighting may be inadequate in incomplete buildings. Workers carrying cleaning equipment or materials have reduced visibility of ground-level hazards. Some workers may use inappropriate footwear lacking slip-resistant soles. Wet floor warning signs may be ineffective in construction environments where no public access exists and other trades may not recognise cleaning zones. Falls on wet surfaces can result in significant injuries particularly when workers carry items preventing protective arm responses during falls or when falling on hard construction surfaces or near sharp building elements.
Exposure to Hazardous Dust and Airborne Silica Particles
HighConstruction dust accumulation throughout buildings during construction contains crystalline silica from concrete cutting, stone working, and render application; cement particulates; timber dust; fibreglass particles; metal grinding residues; and potentially asbestos fibres if renovation work occurred on older structures. Final cleaning operations disturb these accumulated dusts during vacuuming, sweeping, and surface wiping, potentially creating dangerous airborne concentrations if improper cleaning methods are used. Dry sweeping or use of compressed air to remove dust generates substantial airborne dust clouds exposing workers to inhalation hazards. Inadequate vacuum filtration allows fine respirable particles to pass through and become airborne. Dust accumulated in ceiling spaces, service voids, and plant rooms disturbed during access for cleaning creates concentrated exposures in confined areas. Workers cleaning HVAC diffusers and ductwork can release accumulated dust into occupied spaces. Without appropriate respiratory protection and dust suppression methods, workers face cumulative silica exposure risking silicosis, an irreversible and potentially fatal lung disease. The asymptomatic latency period of silicosis means workers may not recognise exposure severity until years later when significant lung damage has occurred. Fibreglass and other insulation fibres cause immediate respiratory irritation and skin irritation during handling.
Electrical Hazards from Cleaning Near Active Building Services and Temporary Power
HighFinal cleaning occurs while buildings transition from construction power to commissioned electrical systems, creating complex electrical hazard scenarios. Workers clean around active electrical switchboards, distribution boards, and power outlets that may be energised for testing or commissioning. Water-based cleaning near electrical installations creates electrocution risks through direct contact or water bridging to live conductors. Extension cords and power tools used for cleaning equipment may have damaged insulation from construction traffic or be connected to circuits without proper earth fault protection. Some electrical equipment may be energised for testing without appropriate signage or isolation controls. Cleaning inside electrical cupboards or plant rooms may involve working near exposed conductors or bus bars. Pressure washing external areas can direct water spray toward electrical service entries, meter boards, or external power outlets. Workers using scissor lifts or boom lifts for high-level cleaning may contact overhead electrical services or bring equipment into dangerous proximity to power lines. Inadequate lighting in areas not yet fully commissioned may reduce visibility of electrical hazards. The assumption that buildings are 'complete' can lead to complacency about electrical risks when in fact commissioning and testing activities mean electrical systems are energised but not necessarily protected to standards required for normal occupation.
