On 24/1, at an apartment complex in Phuoc Long ward, a team of workers rappelled down a 17-story building to apply waterproof paint. Truong Van Luu, 32, stated that many buildings undergo thorough cleaning closer to Tet, making it a consistent earning period for painters.

On the rooftop of the apartment building, the workers pull ropes into pillars to descend to lower floors for work. Upon arriving at a building, they carefully check the stability of the rooftop pillars before accepting a contract. The process involves two working ropes and one lifeline, which can bear a load of approximately 2,000 kg. "Tying the lifeline is the most important step to ensure safety in case of an incident", said Tran Truong Sinh, 28.

At the same time, Thach Quay Thay Da, 27, tied his safety rope and began working. The equipment includes ropes, a harness seat, a container, safety locks, a full-body harness, and painting tools. Each time they rappel up or down or change painting positions, the workers must carefully check the ropes, as a small mistake can cost a life. Once seated securely, Da received the paint bucket from his teammates.

"When I started this profession, I took a one-week occupational safety course. The first time I rappelled, I was still nervous, even on a low-rise building; later, I gradually increased the height", said the Khmer worker, who has been in the profession for four years and is the youngest member of the team.

A team of about five workers takes turns performing the tasks. In addition to their main income of approximately 800,000 VND per day, workers can also take on house painting jobs for residents within the apartment complex.

With over 10 years in the profession, Tran Truong Sinh (right) shared: "The Tet season is the busiest for painting and window cleaning. We often have continuous work every day and sometimes have to turn down jobs".

Depending on the building's requirements, workers may paint, waterproof, clean walls, or wash windows. The work proceeds vertically, from top to bottom. Since the ropes can only go down, the workers must pay special attention to corners and edges. If the work is not satisfactory, they have to re-rope, which takes a lot of time.

Ideal weather for window cleaning is cool and calm. Workers most dislike working in hot sun, which causes fatigue, or strong winds, which can make them sway during work.

During their break, which lasts more than one hour, the team primarily eats packed lunches and takes naps on the rooftop, stairwells, or emergency exits of the building.

Sinh collected his equipment and stored it after finishing work at 17h. Due to the nature of the job, painters cannot rappel in the dark to ensure safety.

"Everyone in this profession faces danger, but if safety principles are strictly followed, it will be safe", he said.

Quynh Tran