Why Health and Safety Matters in Commercial Building Washing
Commercial Building Washing
When it comes to maintaining a commercial building, exterior cleaning is often seen as a straightforward maintenance task. However, building washing, gutter cleaning, and moss or mould treatments carry significant health and safety risks if not managed correctly.
Hiring a contractor who prioritises health and safety isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential for protecting people, property, and your organisation from serious risk.
Commercial Building Washing Comes With Real Hazards
Commercial exterior cleaning often involves working at height, handling chemicals, operating specialist equipment, and often working around staff, tenants, or the public. Common risks include:
Falls from height while accessing roofs and gutters
Falling debris or water affecting people below
Chemical exposure from cleaning solutions
Damage to roofing, cladding, or surrounding assets
Slips, trips, and electrical hazards
Without the right systems, training, and controls in place, these risks can quickly turn into accidents, property damage, or costly downtime.
Your Legal Responsibility Doesn’t End With the Contractor
Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act, property owners and managers have a duty of care, even when work is carried out by an external contractor.
This means you are responsible for ensuring that the company you engage:
Has robust health and safety systems in place
Is properly trained and qualified
Can demonstrate safe work methods and risk management
Operates in compliance with industry standards
If an incident occurs and the contractor’s safety practices are inadequate, the liability may not rest with them alone.
Why Professional Health & Safety Systems Matter
A reputable commercial building washing company should be able to clearly demonstrate how they manage the health and safety of their staff and any members of the public, on every site. This includes:
Site-specific hazard identification and risk assessments
Trained and certified staff for working at height and access equipment
Safe chemical handling and environmentally responsible products
Clearly defined exclusion zones to protect staff, tenants, and the public
Documented procedures that ensure consistency across multiple sites
These systems don’t just protect workers — they protect your building operations, reputation, and compliance obligations.
Cutting Corners Can Cost More in the Long Run
Choosing a contractor based solely on price can be a costly mistake. Inadequate health and safety practices can lead to:
WorkSafe investigations and fines
Damage to roofing, cladding, or drainage systems
Injury claims and insurance complications
Disruption to tenants or business operations
Reputational damage for property owners and managers
In contrast, a professional contractor with strong safety systems delivers peace of mind, consistent results, and minimal disruption.
What to Look For When Hiring a Commercial Cleaning Contractor
Before engaging a building washing company, ask for evidence of:
Health and safety accreditations (such as SiteWise or similar)
Staff training and qualifications for working at height and equipment use
Membership of recognised industry bodies
Documented safety processes and environmental controls
Experience working on occupied or high-traffic commercial sites
A professional contractor will welcome these questions and be able to provide clear, transparent answers.
Health and Safety Is an Investment, Not an Expense
Regular exterior cleaning protects your building’s appearance and long-term condition — but only when it’s done safely and correctly. Engaging a company that prioritises health and safety ensures your property is maintained without putting people, assets, or compliance at risk.
When it comes to commercial building washing, safety isn’t just part of the job — it’s the foundation of doing the job properly.
