Plan of Service (Window Cleaning)
Under Federal OSHA (29 CFR 1910.66) and ANSI/IWCA I-14.1, buildings performing window cleaning operations are required to maintain a written Plan of Service. This document must include a detailed Emergency Action Plan and defined operating procedures for suspended access equipment.
Failure to maintain a compliant Plan of Service may expose building owners to regulatory citations, fines, and liability in the event of an incident.
Highline prepares comprehensive, independent Plans of Service tailored to each building’s facade access systems and operational constraints.
What Is a Plan of Service?
A Plan of Service is a formal operating document that defines:
- Emergency action procedures
- Suspended access equipment protocols
- Drop zones and hazardous work areas
- Public protection measures
- Safety procedures and operational limitations
The document establishes standardized methods for performing window cleaning and related facade maintenance activities safely and consistently.
Why It Matters
While window cleaning contractors maintain their own safety programs, building owners remain responsible for providing a safe work environment for exterior maintenance operations.
Without a building-specific Plan of Service:
- Contractors may improvise procedures
- Hazard zones may not be clearly defined
- Emergency protocols may be inconsistent
- Liability exposure increases
Regulatory enforcement and financial penalties for safety violations have become increasingly common.
A properly developed Plan of Service demonstrates proactive compliance and risk management.
Competitive Bidding and Risk Management
A building-specific Plan of Service also:
- Standardizes operating methods across contractors
- Ensures consistent bidding assumptions
- Reduces ambiguity in contract scope
- Supports defensible documentation in the event of an incident
When incorporated into maintenance contracts, the Plan of Service helps protect the owner’s interests and reduce accident-related exposure.
Independent and Qualified Preparation
ANSI/IWCA I-14.1 requires that a Plan of Service be prepared by a window cleaning contractor or other qualified person.
Highline develops Plans of Service independently from any maintenance contractor or equipment manufacturer, ensuring objective, building-focused documentation that serves the owner’s long-term interests.
Contact Us
For assistance developing or updating a compliant Plan of Service for your building, please contact Highline Consulting.
