I. Clause on Cleaning Exterior Windows
The standard employment contract for foreign domestic helpers contains a clause on cleaning exterior windows, aiming to ensure the occupational safety of foreign domestic helpers. This clause clearly stipulates that if the employer requires the foreign domestic helper to clean the outward-facing side of a window (i.e., exterior window), and this window is neither located on the ground nor adjacent to a balcony or corridor that can reasonably be used for the foreign domestic helper to work safely, then the following two safety measures must be met before cleaning the exterior window can be carried out:
The window to be cleaned must be fitted with window grilles, and the grilles must be locked or fixed to prevent them from being opened.
Except for the arm, no other part of the foreign domestic helper's body should protrude out of the window.
II. Reminders from BOSS Human Resources in Macau (Cleaning Exterior Windows)
Cleaning of aluminum window rubber edges: Cleaning the glass rubber edges is not easy. It is similar to cleaning the glass rubber edges in the bathroom. Bleach can be used to soak a cloth strip or paper strip and cover it on the glass rubber. Mold can be removed in about half an hour.
Cleaning of window frames: Aluminum windows are prone to accumulate dust near the outdoors and will turn yellow if not cleaned for a long time. Daily cleaning of aluminum window frames is very simple. Just prepare water, add a spoonful of detergent and stir. Then, use a rag dipped in detergent water to wipe the window frame. No special detergent is needed. If some stains have penetrated into the aluminum window frame, 200-grit or lower waterproof sandpaper can be used. Waterproof sandpaper has a relatively fine texture and is suitable for metal surfaces. As long as the waterproof sandpaper is wetted and then polished on the stains on the window frame, the stains can be removed.
Cleaning of aluminum window hinge grooves: Few people pay attention to the aluminum window hinge grooves. They are in contact with the outdoors for a long time and accumulate a lot of dust. Since the hinge groove position is difficult to clean with a rag, an old toothbrush can be used to scrub the stains.
Cleaning of glass: The cleanliness of the glass of aluminum windows will affect the brightness of the interior. Glass cleaning should be the last step in cleaning aluminum windows. The rag for wiping windows should be made of a fabric that does not shed easily. Similarly, dip it in detergent water, wring it out, and wipe it from top to bottom. Do not wipe back and forth so that the glass can be wiped clean.
III. Reminders from BOSS Human Resources in Macau (Related to Exterior Window Safety)
Check first, then clean: Before cleaning, first check whether the window handle, hinges, screws, etc. are loose. If there is a problem, it should be inspected and repaired in time.
Do not lean on the window frame for support: Aluminum windows can bear limited weight. In addition, some screws or hinge positions of the windows may have rusted. Therefore, one should not lean on the window frame for support to avoid accidents. If there are no window grilles on the home windows, one must stand on the ground when wiping the windows.
Make good use of ladder tools and do not extend the upper body out of the window: Do not stand on a folding stool when cleaning. Use ladder tools for assistance. Do not extend the body too much outside the ladder or stand on the top two steps of the ladder. Except for the arm, the upper body and other body parts should not protrude out of the window.
Make good use of long tools such as window cleaning rods and keep the air circulating: Make good use of long tools such as window cleaning rods or window scrapers. When cleaning, tie a rope to the tool handle and then loop it around the wrist to prevent the tool from falling off. When using chemicals, ensure good air circulation and wear gloves, goggles, and masks.
