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 …
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 …
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 …
Why Are Horizontal Lifelines Important for Fall Protection?
Horizontal Lifelines (HLL) are our solutions to providing a complete fall restraint system without sacrificing mobility. Workers within 1.8m of a vertical drop – we call this 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 …
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 …
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 …
Guide to Monorail Systems
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 act as continuous anchor systems, which is ideal when installing equipment on the roof that is impractical or not preferred. Monorail Components Aluminum Rail Section: The central element of the system, supporting a manual or …
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 …
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 …