Specialised window cleaners clean smooth surfaces (windows, display cases, mirrors, etc.) at shops, offices, buildings, towers or monuments of various sizes, using suitable cleaning and elevation methods (where necessary), including stepladders, scaffolding, ropes - climbing systems -, etc.. Depending on the cleaning areas involved, they require certain climbing skills and must not be afraid of risks or heights. In most cases, they require specialised training. At present a trend has developed for these cleaning services for companies or institutions to become increasingly specialised in various areas, on the one hand due to their daily or regular nature, and on the other because of the specific nature of the work. Generally speaking, cleaning interiors (floors, tables, dusting, etc.) is an everyday task; on the other hand, cleaning windows and mirrors is a periodic task that requires specific and different conditions, products and skills.

• Cleaning interior glass and mirrors: clean the inside part of windows and glass screens separating different work stations or spaces.
• Cleaning exterior windows: this may involve traditional buildings in which the exterior part of the window can be cleaned from within the building or from the balcony. Alternatively, these may be office blocks or modern buildings similar to office blocks (i.e. linear ones) which require the use of "exterior lifts", or even buildings made entirely out of glass or with large glass surfaces which are difficult to access.

• In the case of interiors, prior to cleaning they must protect the other areas to ensure that they aren't damaged by any of the cleaning products used.
• Clean windows, mirrors or polished surfaces. apply special cleaning products on the surfaces that require cleaning, using a sponge or cloth.
• Use a brush or wiper to clean and rinse windows or mirrors.
• Get rid of tough stains by scrubbing them with a cloth or a scraper.
• To finish the job, polish the surface with a cloth.

Regulated training and graduates

• Minimum compulsory education
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Serveis Socioculturals i a la comunitat: Neteja de superfícies i mobiliari en edificis i locals (Nivell 1)

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Orientation within reach: Level 1

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Team work and cooperation: Level 1

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Architectural Restorer

Tubular scaffolding assembler

Tower-crane operator

Building waterproofing system installer

Drywall panel installer

• Work hours

  Hours may depend on where professionals work. Generally, owing to the nature of the job (which is often done outdoors), natural light is required in order to work. As such, although cleaning hours normally take place outside an office or company's standard business hours, these specialists may sometimes work relatively normal hours (cleaning during the day, but taking care to cause as little disturbance as possible).

• Salary

  Depends on experience, how dangerous the work is and the number of buildings they clean a month.

• Professional category

  Specialist staff

• Human resources and equipment

  Self-employed workers must possess their own cleaning equipment (tools, machines and products) and the necessary equipment to safely work at heights (access equipment in excellent condition).

• Initial investments

  Purchasing the aforementioned materials.