What is High Level Cleaning and Why Do You Need It?

What is high level cleaning?

High level cleaning is exactly what it sounds like; it’s any cleaning that’s above standard reach. Typically, it includes anything that’s more than two metres from the floor. Of course, industrial buildings often need to have high ceilings to accommodate machinery, racking, and ventilation systems – which means these elevated areas will inevitably need cleaning.

However, as with any type of industrial cleaning, high level cleaning can be extremely hazardous if it isn’t carried out correctly by a properly trained team. 

High level cleaning usually involves ceilings, high walls, purlins, beams, ductwork, lighting fixtures, sprinkler systems, pipes and any other elevated surface where dust, debris or cobwebs might build up. Cleaning these areas may require navigating around machinery or pipework and therefore they may be very awkward or hard to access, and may involve the use of cherry pickers, extendable brushes or industrial vacuums.

Finally, high level cleaning is important because it can make all the difference to the overall appearance of your facility. Clean, bright and well-maintained facilities send a powerful message about your professionalism. When we have completed high level cleaning projects for our clients in the past, the difference between the start and finish is staggering. A freshly cleaned facility immediately feels and looks lighter, brighter, and overall it reflects more positively on the business. Ensuring that even hard-to-reach areas are clean reinforces your commitment to quality and good practice.

Internal vs External High Level Cleaning

Internal high level cleaning: targets interior areas such as ceilings, high level walls, pipework, cable trays, ducting, purlins and skylights. This may often involve industrial vacuums, extendable brushes, MEWPS and other specialist tools to safely clean at height without disrupting machinery or posing unnecessary risks to the cleaning team. 

External high level cleaning: focusses on the building’s exterior, including gutters, roofs, cladding, signage, and windows. These surfaces are exposed to the elements and often require MEWPs or high-pressure washers to remove dirt, algae or debris. 

High level cleaning in ATEX zones 

Some sites, such as wood mills or chemical plants, may be classified as ATEX environments – areas that have potentially explosive atmospheres due to fine dust or vapours. 

Cleaning in these areas is specialist in nature, as it requires: 

• ATEX-rated, spark free equipment 
• Anti-static PPE
• Highly controlled, slow cleaning techniques. 

Specialist training is extremely important in these areas to avoid ignition risks caused by disturbed dust clouds. 

I need high level cleaning; how should I go about it?

If you think your site needs high level cleaning, the best place to start is with an initial assessment. Walk through your facility and identify areas where dust, debris or cobwebs have visibly built up – look especially at ceiling panels, ducting, purlins, lighting or pipework. 

Once you’ve identified problem areas, speak to a professional industrial cleaning company. An experienced team can help you figure out whether work can be done safely while production continues, or whether it should be planned during a shutdown. They can also assess any access or safety considerations to make sure the job is done safely. 

Planning ahead is also key. Book early to align with production downtime or shutdown periods. Be sure to ask the cleaning company how long the job is likely to take and what preparation is needed on your end (e.g. clearing work areas, isolating equipment, removing staff from the area). 

Finally, ensure the company you use is properly trained and certified to carry out high level cleaning safely. They should be strict with their Health & Safety, Risk Assessments, Method Statement and Safe Systems of Work (RAMS & SSOWs), and use appropriate access and cleaning equipment. 

Why hire professionals for high level cleaning?

There are two primary reasons why high level cleaning should be completed by an industrial cleaning company; first, they can do the job safer, and second, they can deliver a higher quality result. 

High level cleaning requires access to cherry pickers, scissor lifts, extendable industrial vacuums and other specialist cleaning equipment; all of which an industrial cleaning company can take in their stride.  A trained team will have the experience and training to navigate sensitive machinery, pipework etc – all while delivering a high quality clean in a competitive timeframe. 

Conclusion – Need high level cleaning? Get in touch with our team

High level cleaning is an unavoidable necessity in most industrial sectors. With high level ceilings being standard in industrial buildings, these areas will inevitably need some manner of high level cleaning at some point or another. Investing in this cleaning helps protect your people, equipment and reputation – and will greatly improve the appearance of your site

If you’re involved in planning the cleaning or maintenance schedules for your site, make high level cleaning part of your annual schedule. 

Need support from a professional team? We’re here to help – get in touch today for tailored advice and a free site consultation.