Monorail System
For buildings with hard-to-reach or otherwise inaccessible exterior or interior glass, Pro-Bel recommends the installation of a custom-made monorail system. Monorail systems are typically used in conjunction with powered platforms, although they also accommodate both 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 is this form of suspended access equipment implemented?
Monorail 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.
Types of trolleys for Monorail systems
Pro-Bel monorail systems incorporate various types of 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:
Climbing Monorail trolleys
Climbing monorail trolleys are designed to traverse along a horizontal, inclined, or vertical monorail _ even those with twists or curves. They are used to suspend a platform, a single work cage, or a bosun's chair. Climbing monorail trolleys are ideal for sloped interior atria while external applications include curved and sloped building facades.
Gantry systems
A gantry system is permanent platforms on monorails that can be employed for working over glass when all other conventional means of performing maintenance cannot be used.
Alternatives to monorails
Rigging sleeves are often used with or as a substitute for monorail where the only option for locating suspension lines or lifelines is through a wall, floor, or roof.
Portable hook ladder systems are an efficient, simple alternative to either monorail or gantry systems in many cases.