fall protection systems the deisgn process

Designing Fall Protection Systems

Fall Protection System Design is a highly specialized area. At Pro-Bel, we have a design process to ensure your system meets state/provincial and national regulations for your buildings’ unique rooftop fall protection system requirements. Our Design Service is also FREE for any eligible projects (a majority of projects qualify, please contact us to learn more). Some highly complicated projects may require a …

probel logo square

Throwback Thursday – Pro-Bel’s Logo History

Pro-bel Logo: History of Permanent Fall Protection in North America Pro-Bel has been part of the fall protection and suspended access industry since 1978. We copyrighted the first ever roof anchor in North America, leading it to become a staple of the industry. Today, we’re happy to provide roof safety by implementing roof anchor systems around the globe. As a …

various roof anchors, tie-back anchors and window washing davits

When are Roof Anchors and Davits Required for Window Washing?

Permanent roof anchors and window washing davits are two different types of permanent window washing equipment. The choice of which to install depends on the specific architectural needs of the building.Permanent roof anchors are usually considered for window washing on any building that’s over three storeys high. At that height, ground-rigged window washing mechanisms such as water-fed poles, ladders, or …

worker using a horizontal lifeline (HLL) system for fall protection

Why Are Horizontal Lifelines Important for Fall Protection?

Horizontal Lifeline Systems (HLL) are our solutions to providing a complete fall protection system without sacrificing mobility. Workers within 1.8m of a vertical drop – a ‘fall hazard zone’ or ‘restricted area’ – are required by law to be tied off to an anchor point (OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI/IWCA 1-14.1). However, single anchor points may not be ideal in cases …

bosun's chair system (Rope Descent System) used for window washing

Guide to Bosun’s Chair Systems (Rope Descent System)

Window Washing is often performed with either a bosun’s chair system (boatswain chair system) or a suspended platform in conjunction with Pro-Bel rigging equipment (such as anchors, davits, outriggers, etc.). In OSHA, a bosun’s chair system is referred to as a Rope Descent System (RDS). Read on for a quick RDS guide as outlined in OSHA 1910.27 (Scaffolds and rope …

Diagram illustrating the steps to launching a roof rigged platform using a roof rigged davit system

Roof Rigging – Launching a Platform Explained

Roof Rigged Davit Systems are designed for buildings where ground rigging is not ideal. Sometimes, site conditions, particularly at lower levels, do not allow for a platform to be picked up from the ground. Roof conditions such as permanent equipment, parapet/screen wall height, building shape, and especially suspension height must all be taken into consideration when deciding between designing for …

Pro-Bel's window washing monorail system

Guide to Suspended Access Monorail Systems

The Benefits of a Monorail System Suspended access monorail systems offer an efficient solution for facade cleaning, allowing access to challenging or otherwise inaccessible exterior and interior glass areas. These systems allow workers free access to indoor and external regions otherwise rendered inaccessible. A Pro-Bel monorail system acts as a continuous anchor system, which is ideal when rooftop equipment installation …

gap detail for a terrace safety and tie back anchor system

Designing the Ideal Gap Detail for Roof Anchor Systems

Public terraces are a common element in buildings today, and they often have glass guardrails that cannot support the load of lines. For non-structural elements, one solution for suspended facade access is to design a more expensive davit system that provides clearance over the parapet. However, if we are involved early in the project, our designers can recommend alternative/outside-the-box solutions that are …

White man attached to horizontal lifeline as he walks along the roof edge

When do you need Fall Protection?

Photo: Horizontal Lifeline System Confused about whether your project needs Fall Protection? Read on for a quick guide! Above all else, it’s essential to understand what fall protection is and why it’s so vital. Fall protection is the term for a collection of safety measures outlined in the region’s relevant standards and regulations, such as OSHA, for maintenance workers, window …

Pro-Bel's window washing monorail system

Is Your Fall Protection System in Good Hands?

The manufacturer of your system or a professional engineer are the most qualified to provide you with inspections and certification services.  It’s important that your Fall Protection System and/or Suspended Access System is being inspected in compliance with OSHA 1910.27. One requirement is that your system be inspected by a “qualified person”. Here’s how OSHA defines this term: “Qualified describes …