Window washers left dangling from high rise building

Two Sydney window washers were left dangling more than 30m in the air after a cable snapped off their platform today.

The two men were washing the high rise office complex at 130 Pitt St today when their platform jammed around the 8th floor. 

A cable was seen lying on the ground just under the 17 storey building as firemen attempted to bring the two men to safety.

Inspector Kernin Lambert, Duty commander with Fire and Rescue NSW, said there was a bit of difficulty during the rescue operation.

"They had a tight squeeze getting the aerial appliance into the laneway. It can be potentially tricky because once we get above three levels, you start encountering swirling winds," said Mr Lambert.

The rescue entailed transferring the two men, said to be in their early twenties, from the platform into the aerial appliance and bringing them safely to the ground.

Some 25 Fire Fighters were present at the scene and several units from Police Rescue assisted in the workers' transfer. 

The workers were in "good spirits" and remained "calm the whole time", Mr Lambert said.

The two men have been assessed by the ambulance and they are in good condition.

What exactly caused this to happen will the subject of further investigation by WorkCover.

Source: Fire and Rescue NSW

Author: Danielle Robertson, Approving editor: Simon Black