Beautiful rooftop garden in springtime with a row of Pro-bel's tie-back anchors and a horizontal lifeline running through it

Annual Roof Anchor Inspections Program

Proactively Schedule Your Roof Anchor Inspections Well, we are a couple of weeks into spring, and in our personal and professional lives, we look forward to spring cleaning. Maybe not look forward to it, but cobwebs must inevitably be swept away, fertilized lawns must be fertilized, and windows must be cleaned. Most of our clients are on an annual roof …

Managing risk through Pro-Bel's services: Understanding liability and ensuring safety in rooftop operations

Managing Liability for Roof Safety and Fall Protection

Reflecting on Pro-Bel’s Role in Risk Management It’s the end of a successful 2015. As a Department Manager, I am inclined to sit back and reflect on what my department did well, what we did not do well, and how we can grow the business while continuing to exceed our customers’ expectations. This type of introspection forces me to look …

caste in place anchor for securing fall arrest equipment on wood frame buildings

Ontario’s New Code: Roof Anchors for Six-Storey Wood Frame Buildings

A significant change to the Ontario Building Code (OBC) was just revealed that positively affects the fall arrest anchor and tie-back equipment industry. Effective January 1, 2015, wood frame buildings could be built up to six stories tall in Ontario (an increase from four stories). Since roof anchor systems are required for maintenance and window washing equipment on buildings that are eight …

Terrace of a modern building with recessed fall arrest and tie-back equipment

Fall Protection Equipment on Building Terraces: Best Practices

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 …

importance of checking roof warranties before retrofitting fall protection systems

Retrofitting Fall Protection Systems

Whenever possible, it’s a best practice to ensure that the installation of fall arrest and tie-back anchors for window washing, suspended maintenance, and fall protection systems are completed in the “new construction” phase.  However, often times builders will have a misguided attempt to save the client money on construction costs without considering the potential impacts a retrofit will have down the line. …

Overview of the Inspections Department highlighting its role in ensuring the safety and compliance of fall arrest and tie-back anchors for window washing and fall protection systems

Pro-Bel’s Inspections Department: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

The Inspections Department at Pro-Bel is an integral part of our company. It is dedicated to ensuring that fall arrest and tie-back anchors (for window washing systems and fall protection equipment) are inspected annually in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and Department/Ministry of Labour regulations. The Department ensures annual inspections of fall arrest and tie-back anchors, promoting safety for high-rise workers. Our …

Illustration of energy absorption in fall protection anchors

Strength and Force Standards for Fall Arrest and TieBack Roof Anchors

Many people do not have first-hand experience with fall arrest and tieback roof anchors (for window washing systems and fall protection equipment) and are not versed in high-rate energy performance methods. An ideal fall arrest and tieback roof anchor is designed to meet the strength and force standards contained in Federal OSHA 29CFR1910.66 Appendix C.  To arrest a fall in …

design principles of roof anchors, emphasizing the importance of proper selection and knowledge of fall protection codes and rigging methods

Roof Anchor Design Principles

The selection of proper roof anchors is critical and requires an in-depth knowledge of fall window washing, suspended maintenance, fall protection codes, and rigging methods. Also, recognizing that each building is different, most architects, developers, and general contractors find selecting a professional roof anchor company daunting. Lifelines A standard lifeline is 5/8 inch (1.59 centimeters) in diameter and has a …

Davit Arm Assembly for Window Washing Systems

Davit Systems

Davit Systems are one of the most valuable assets when it comes to window washing and façade maintenance – but a davit isn’t just a singular piece. Davit arm assemblies, davit bases, and more, all have their part in a davit system. Davit Arm Assemblies Davit arms are used to rig over non-structural parapets, decorative elements, and balcony guardrails.  These …

Safety Precautions for Working Near Electrical Lines

Working Near Electrical Hazards

If you are washing windows in a downtown metropolis city, you will certainly be working close to live power lines.  Whether it is working from a: Bosun’s chair Ladder Temporary platform Scaffold working near hydro lines can be dangerous!  Unfortunately, some property managers and maintenance workers do not fully understand the risk that these lines present. Making the Area Safe In …