Short answer: before a window cleaning contractor works on your site, ask for proof of insurance, a site-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS), health and safety accreditation such as SafeContractor, trained operators, and DBS checks if they’ll work around children or vulnerable people.

The checklist

• Public liability and employer’s liability insurance — ask for current certificates.
• RAMS for your site — a risk assessment and method statement covering access, equipment and working at height.
• Health & safety accreditation — e.g. SafeContractor, which independently checks policies and insurance.
• Operator training — e.g. Federation of Window Cleaners (FWC) standards.
• Powered access training — IPAF registration if cherry pickers or scissor lifts are needed.
• DBS checks — essential for schools, nurseries, healthcare and care settings.
• Inspections and reporting — how will standards be checked and recorded?
• Invoicing and records — electronic invoices and service records make audits easier.

Why it matters

Working at height is one of the main causes of serious workplace injuries in the UK. As the client, you have a duty to check that contractors are competent. The right paperwork protects your staff, visitors and organisation.