The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : ‘Spidermen’ add sheen to buildings

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Sunday, Nov 15, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

‘Spidermen’ add sheen to buildings

Liffy Thomas

Photo: M. Karunakaran

Clean job: They scale great heights to help buildings maintain a clean facade. —

CHENNAI: Imagine sliding down a 50-foot high building with a plastic bucket and a whole lot of paraphernalia. That is what these men do every other day, removing dust and grease from tall and imposing glass and chrome structures.

If high-rise constructions are a solution to the growing population of a city, then there is as much requirement for experienced window cleaners.

There is no hint of fear when Yuvaraj and Mohan slide down the roof of a multi-storeyed hospital at Teynampet, the blue sky overlooking them and protruding branches of a tree obstructing their movement. With the suction pad for support, Yuvraj is cleaning a panel when his supervisor overseeing the work from top screams that he has not fixed the left hook. He is a little reluctant but fastens it before making the next stop.

Façade cleaning is a job for those with a head for height and agility. For six years, A. Rajesh, 24, has been doing the “Spiderman act,” as people in this profession describe it. It took him one month to overcome the fear of heights. Today, Rajesh can venture into dizzying heights. “There is a prayer on my lip as I slide. It’s risky but then you have the satisfaction that you are rewarded for good work,” he says.

“We see a better market in Bangalore but in Chennai we have technology companies that are particular that their buildings look aesthetic from outside,” says Vasanth Kumar, head (business development), Glass Hoppers. Those in the business say there is a great requirement for workers, especially if one is skilled. “When I took up this job the starting salary was around Rs.2,500. Today, with a few years’ experience, one gets Rs.5,000,” says E. Sudhakar.

Accidents are common. Rajesh recalls how a hook fixed by a previous company he worked for proved to be dangerous. “Luckily, I was saved by my safety lock.” Accident insurance policy and Employees’ State Insurance cover are essential .

S. Shiva Kumar, who offers training, says: “In a batch of 20 people, 15 withdraw in the first week itself fearing heights.”

At the end of the day, it is the satisfaction that a well-kept façade is the business card of a building that brings smiles on the faces of these ‘Spidermen.’

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