Monorail Hoist & Trolley Systems

A suspended access monorail hoist system is permanent window washing equipment for facade cleaning in difficult-to-reach spots, such as under overhangs or lobbies, where installing rooftop equipment is impractical.

For buildings with hard-to-reach or otherwise inaccessible exterior or interior glass, Pro-Bel recommends installing a custom-made monorail system. Monorail systems are typically used with powered platforms, although they also accommodate single work cages and bosun chairs.

Rails, which can be straight or radiused, may be left exposed or concealed in soffit or ceiling spaces. Whatever the application, the platform is "slid" along the monorail.

Typically, workers access monorails via a localized window, hatch, rigging sleeve, or ladder. They then suspend their lines from the monorail and return to the first floor or lower level to ground rig their platform. One of the most overlooked items by design professionals is the provision for localized access and fall protection for workers to approach monorails safely.

When are Monorail Hoist Systems implemented?

Monorail hoist systems are ideal for the underside of building overhangs, sloped glazing/skylighting, all types of atrium glass, domes, and similar applications wherever continuous horizontal movement is required.

This system can also be set up to be used as fall protection equipment rather than for window washing. Monorail fall protection systems are usually installed in industrial buildings. Some industries in which they are typically installed include airplane maintenance facilities, public transport facilities, and factories that manufacture large-scale products or equipment.

When are Monorail Fall Protection Systems Implemented?

A monorail hoist system and a monorail fall protection system use the same type of equipment, but the difference is the layout and the intent of the design. With a monorail system that’s intended for window washing, the design will take into account what platform the maintenance personnel will use (Bosun’s chair, powered platform, single cages).

Typically, a fall protection monorail system is intended for maintenance personnel who need to work in an area with a hazardous drop distance where a standard guardrail can’t be implemented (for example, an engineer working on a commercial airplane may need to stand on the wing when making repairs). In these cases, the monorail system will be custom-designed so that employees can safely hook themselves to it before proceeding with their work.

Types of trolleys for Monorail systems

Pro-Bel’s monorail hoist systems incorporate various trolleys, e.g., manual, manual chain drive, motorized, battery operated, and climbing.

Rails, which can be straight or radiused, may be left exposed or concealed in soffit or ceiling spaces. Whatever the application, the platform is slid along the monorail (manual systems).

Curved rails

Curved rails are available with a 90o or 45o bend or circle configuration and require a 3-0" (915 mm) minimum radius. Typically, workers access monorails via a localized window, hatch, rigging sleeve, or ladder. They then suspend their lines from the monorail and return to the first floor or lower level to ground rig their platform. One of the most overlooked items by design professionals is the provision for localized access to the monorail and fall protection for workers while en route.

Pro-Bel supplies the following curved monorail products: