Intermittent Stabilization Anchor Systems

An intermittent stabilization system is designed to keep window washing equipment such as powered platforms, Bosun's chairs, and/or single cages in contact with the building's façade while preventing unstable movement that could harm the building's exterior or the worker. Intermittent stabilization anchors can also be referred to as façade stabilization anchors or OSHA-compliant intermittent stabilization.

Pro-Bel stabilization systems are designed to keep suspension equipment (including platforms, cages, and bosun chairs) in contact with a building's facade, thereby preventing undesired movement. Without stabilization, worker safety could be in jeopardy due to wind action, or building faces could become damaged due to equipment impacting them. Also, stabilization systems help protect building faces from damage caused by the potential impact of suspension equipment. Stabilization systems are mandatory in the case of permanently powered platforms that are purchased specifically for a given building.

When are stabilization systems implemented?

Permanent powered platforms purchased specifically for a particular building require a stabilization system. In New York State, permanently powered platforms are mandatory on all buildings 75'-0" (23 m) and higher, and in California, on all buildings 130'-0" (39.6 m) and higher.

Currently, federal OSHA covers stabilization under 1910.66, Subpart F—Powered Platforms. Subpart F is confined to powered platform installations "permanently dedicated" to a specific building. Transportable platforms used to service buildings occasionally are covered by 1910.28, Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces. Subpart D requires the contractor to securely lash temporary platforms to the building.

Types of stabilization equipment for Permanent Powered Platforms:

Continuous Stabilization:

When using a powered platform, it is recommended that mullion tracks be employed for rigging flexibility (i.e., they can be roof or ground-rigged). Tracks must be coped out or designed so that platform trolleys or sliding shoes can be inserted at both the top and bottom of the building.

Intermittent Stabilization:

Where intermittent stabilization is employed, it is recommended that buttons or detent pins be installed in vertical rows starting at the highest convenient elevation. The maximum vertical interval between anchors shall be three floors, directly below and in line with primary rigging equipment positions, i.e., davits or outriggers.

Types of stabilization equipment for non-permanent platforms:

It is recommended that a building face stabilization system be considered on all buildings over 130'-0" (39.6 m) consisting of mullion tracks or buttons/detent pins to protect the face of the building following OSHA minimum requirement of lashing the suspended platform cable to the face of the building.

For buildings over 300'-0" (91.4 m) in height, it is imperative the building be equipped with one of the following stabilization systems:

Provision for davit bases anticipating future roof-rigged davit arms and stage transfer locations. Installed buttons on every third floor starting at the highest elevation in line with suspension cables.
Buttons or detent pins at every floor in line with suspension cables.
Installation of mullion guides (tracks) on the complete building if feasible.

As a minimum, one platform "drop" using mullion guides (tracks) with buttons should be installed on the balance of the building on every third floor from roof to ground level in line with suspension cables (a roof-rigged davit system is required).

Pro-Bel’s Intermittent Stabilization Products

Pro-Bel’s stabilization anchors are customized to meet the structure’s material. See below some of the anchors we provide:

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Cast in Place with Extension

Detent Pin usually will be provided by others.
The max. extension for the stud is 3 1/2 inches for a 3/4″ diameter rod.
This is used when there is a soffit or any other decorative system beyond the wall.
Wall must be at least 6 inches thick in order to have a Minimum stud embedment depth is 5 inches*.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Cast in Place Flush Mounted

Detent Pin usually will be provided by others.
Flush with a concrete wall.
Wall must be at least 6 inches thick in order to have a Minimum stud embedment depth is 5 inches.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).
Spring-loaded detent pin sold separately.
ISAs (buttons) are used to stabilize a platform, to prevent movement on the building facade.

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Drop In (Expansion)

The expansion anchor is from “HILTI”, 1/2 inches diameter x 1 9/16 inches long.
Need to order the Adaptor separately for this spring-loaded detent pin application.
Removable type, press button to insert and remove.
Wall must be at least 3 1/8 inches thick.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction.

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Welded

The length of stud welded to existing structure varies from 2 to 3 1/2 inches max. for 3/4″ dia. rod.
Weld size is 1/8 inches.
Removable type, press the button to insert and remove.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction.
Spring-loaded detent pin sold separately.

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Bolt to Mullion – Rectangle

Detent Pin usually will be provided by others.
The button is bolted to mullion using 1/4 inches diameter Hex Washer Head Self-Drilling Screws (4 screws).
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).
Spring-loaded detent pin sold separately.

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Bolt to Mullion – Square

Detent Pin usually will be provided by others.
The button is bolted to the mullion using 1/4 inches diameter Hex Washer Head Self-Drilling Screws (4 screws).
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).
Spring-loaded detent pin sold separately.

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors – Adhesive

Detent Pin usually will be provided by others.
This is for retrofit application.
Wall thickness must be 6 inches thick in order to have a Minimum stud embedment depth of 5 inches.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors Accessories – Detent Pin

Detent Pin is 3/8 inches diameter w/ 2 or 4 stainless steel locking balls.
Removable type, press button to insert and remove.
The maximum capacity is 600 lbs in any direction (factored load).

Intermittent Stabilization Anchors Accessories – Lanyard

A stabilization lanyard is used to stabilize a platform in order to prevent movement on the building facade.