What to Ask Before Hiring a High-Level Cleaning Crew

Hiring a crew to clean rafters, ceilings, or structural steel at height isn't the same as hiring a standard janitorial service. The work happens above occupied space, often involves powered equipment, and carries real safety implications if it's done by an unqualified crew. Here's what facility and property managers should ask before signing a contract.

What training does the crew actually have?

Ask specifically whether crew members hold current Working at Heights certification — not just "experience," but a documented, current certification. If powered access equipment (scissor lifts, boom lifts) is involved, ask whether operators are licensed for that specific equipment type, and ask to see proof.

How do they verify the work is actually done?

Rafters and high ceilings are hard to inspect from the floor, which means it's easy for a crew to miss sections — or for a facility manager to have no real way of confirming the job was done thoroughly. Ask whether the crew uses camera-mounted equipment or another method to verify coverage, and whether you'll get documentation or photos as proof of completion.

What's their approach to safety planning?

A qualified crew should be able to describe their process before they arrive: a hazard assessment specific to your site, a plan for controlling the work zone around building occupants, and a clear equipment plan matched to your ceiling heights. If a contractor can't answer these questions concretely, that's worth treating as a red flag.

Are they insured for this specific type of work?

General liability coverage doesn't always extend to work at height or powered access equipment operation. Ask for a certificate of insurance and confirm it covers the actual scope of work being performed, not just general cleaning services.

High-level cleaning done right is safe, thorough, and verifiable. If a contractor can't speak clearly to training, verification, safety planning, and insurance, it's worth continuing to look.

General guidance only. Facility managers should independently verify a contractor's certifications, insurance coverage, and safety documentation before engaging them for work at height.