How can I check a window cleaning company’s high-rise rigging gear?

Rigging is where a purchase can go wrong in a serious way, so do not rely on a visual check alone. Ask to see logs showing when each item was inspected, by whom and what was found. Gaps in the record are a signal. Match the serial numbers or markings on the gear to the equipment list so you know what you are actually buying.

Bring in someone who understands this type of equipment to look at the gear with you. Ask about retired or replaced items and why they were removed. Check whether the building anchors and permits that the company relies on are its own or belong to the property owners, since that decides what you can use after closing.

People are part of the safety picture. Ask for training records for each worker, and for any incident reports and investigation notes. Talk to your insurer about the history and whether coverage would carry over. Your lawyer can tell you what obligations come with the equipment, and your accountant can confirm how it is valued in the statements. If any item fails inspection or cannot be traced, treat it as unusable until it has been replaced or cleared.

Key takeaways

• Review inspection logs and match every item to the equipment list.
• Have a qualified person examine the gear rather than relying on the seller’s word.
• Ask for worker training records and any incident or near-miss reports.