Short answer: water-fed poles are usually best for low-rise buildings cleaned from the ground; cherry pickers suit low-to-mid elevations with firm, level ground in front; cradles suit tall buildings that already have one installed; and rope access suits almost everything else, especially tall, complex or hard-to-reach facades with no ground access.
The Work at Height Regulations come first
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require duty holders to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable, and otherwise to choose equipment that gives the best protection. So where glass can be cleaned safely from the ground, for example with a water-fed pole, that will often be the right choice. Above that height, the choice depends on the building.
Comparison at a glance
| Method | Typical use | Ground footprint | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-fed pole | Low-rise, usually up to about four or five storeys | Small | Safe standing area at ground level |
| Cherry picker / MEWP | Low-to-mid height, accessible elevations | Large; may need road space | Firm, level hardstanding; trained operator |
| Cradle / BMU | Tall buildings designed with one | None | Installed, maintained and inspected equipment |
| Rope access | Mid- to high-rise, complex shapes, atriums | Exclusion zone below each drop | Certified anchors; trained technicians |
| Scaffolding | Long-duration or heavy works | Large and long-term | Design, licences, erection and inspection |
When rope access makes sense
- The building is too tall for water-fed poles
- There's no safe, level ground for a cherry picker, or the street can't be blocked
- There's no cradle, or the cradle can't reach setbacks, atriums or canopies
- The job is short or scattered, so scaffolding would cost more than the work itself
When it doesn't
- Low-rise glass that can be cleaned safely from the ground
- There are no suitable anchors, and installing them isn't practical
- Heavy, continuous works that need a stable platform for weeks
Questions to ask before you decide
- How many storeys, and are there setbacks, balconies or atriums?
- Are there roof anchors or eyebolts, and when were they last inspected?
- Is there firm, level ground in front of each elevation?
- Will equipment at ground level block entrances, roads or parking?
- Is the work a one-off or regular?
If you're still unsure, send us the address and some photos and we'll recommend a method, even if it isn't rope access.