As architects continue to imagine and design complex projects, it is becoming increasingly common for fall arrest and tieback equipment to be located on building terraces.
As the condominium market is still competitive, builders and developers are devising special features and incentives to lure buyers. Items like barbecues, bars, built-in kitchens, gardens, lounges, hot tubs, patio furniture, and even pools are frequently included on building terraces. While these are great selling features for buyers, they create complications when designing window washing and fall protection systems.
Common Issues with Terrace-Based Fall Protection Systems
These condominiums are so lucrative that every detail is considered. Therefore, much of the building’s equipment is hidden in common areas and private terraces (not to disrupt the aesthetics). This usually means our equipment is recessed on terraces under some removable paver stones. This regularly causes two significant problems:
1) the paver stones over the recessed equipment are not removable
2) items are placed over the top of the recessed equipment
Solutions for Recessed Fall Protection Equipment
If it is planned accordingly, there is a simple solution to the problem.
1) Covers and inserts can be manufactured and installed in paver stones, allowing them to be removed (rather quickly) whenever recessed equipment (underneath them) requires access.
If the design of the window washing and fall protection system is provided to the architect, then the architect can review it to ensure no disruptions.
What should the architect review?
- They should ensure that no items (the unique features and incentives mentioned above or others) are placed over the top of the recessed equipment.
- They should confirm items in line with the point of suspension (perpendicular from the parapet to the equipment) will not interfere with the rigging lines.
2) can become complicated. The architect and equipment manufacturer has communicated and reviewed all the areas. Still, a tenant installs a deck and built-in kitchen on their terrace (usually without contacting the condominium corporation). This makes accessing the recessed equipment nearly impossible, which may mean a drop of windows cannot be washed, or a section of the building façade cannot be maintained.
While a worker can usually move some items, like small barbecues or potted plants, some items, like large barbecues or large planter boxes, cannot be moved. Sometimes, workers may not even want to move anything because they are concerned about damaging the property.
Tenants must be stressed the importance of communicating any additions and modifications to their terraces. The tenant should notify the condominium corporation and contact the window washing and fall protection system manufacturer. The condominium corporation should also notify tenants when the equipment will be inspected or used so that the tenant can remove any items over the recessed equipment.
Optimize Your Terrace Fall Protection Systems. Contact us to design solutions that balance safety with aesthetics.