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 …

Several men on a powered platform window washing

Design Considerations for Fall Protection and Suspended Access Systems

Projects that require fall protection and/or suspended access can come in all shapes and sizes. We’ve worked on buildings as short as 2 levels to as tall as 99 levels. However, for each building maintenance solution, there are design considerations that must occur at the preliminary planning stage.AT PRO-BEL THERE’S NO PROJECT TOO SMALL OR TOO TALL; WE DO IT …

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. Which one is installed depends on what criteria the building’s architecture needs.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 lifts usually meet …

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

Why Are Horizontal Lifelines Important for Fall Protection?

Horizontal Lifelines (HLL’s) are our solutions to providing a complete fall restraint system without sacrificing mobility. When a worker is within 1.8m of a vertical drop – we call this a ‘fall hazard zone or restricted area’ – they are required by law to be tied off to an anchor point (OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI/IWCA 1-14.1). However, single point anchors …

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 …

fall protection systems the deisgn process

Fall Protection Systems – The Design Process

Window Washing Equipment and 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. Our Design Service is also FREE. Some highly complicated projects may require a fee, or if you’d like a more detailed design. In order to begin designing your Fall Protection/Window Washing …

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 …