Who Can Perform These Inspections?
Again, the qualifications of a roof anchor inspector can vary from province to province and state to state, but typically these inspectors perform their duties under the supervision of an engineer. What this means is that the company that employs the inspector must have on staff, a licensed engineer who is willing to take responsibility for the anchor system reports of the inspectors. This engineer must train the inspector in exactly what to look for and how to write detailed reports on their findings. The inspector does not necessarily have to be an engineer but this is sometimes the case. Obviously the manufacturer of the equipment is suitable to perform these inspections, however, there are also other companies such as engineering firms that can do the work.
What Is Involved In An Inspection?
When an inspector goes to a building, he or she is not necessarily there to review the design or layout of the roof anchor system (although this is not always true), they are more there to review the integrity of the system. This includes:
- performing a visual inspection looking for: signs of rust or corrosion; improper flashing; code compliant anchors installed; an up to date as built shop drawing posted at the roof access point; examining previous reports and log books; obvious fall hazards
After the inspection is completed, a report with either a passing or failing grade is sent to the building owner or property management company for there review. If the system is passed, it is safe for use. If the system contains deficiencies preventing it from being compliant, the inspector should provide a list of recommendations on how these problems can be corrected. This system may not be legally used until it has passed inspection.
What Is Pull Testing?
Window washing and fall protection systems that utilize an adhesive securement type to secure to the roof structure must periodically undergo a process called pull testing. Typically it is required every five years but this may vary in different jurisdictions. Adhesive anchors essentially use glue to secure themselves to an existing concrete structure. The pull testing process places a lateral load on the anchor to ensure that the glue is still holding up. Sometimes on very old roof anchor systems, or systems with no as built shop drawings, the anchors are pull tested regardless of the securement type just to make sure the structural integrity of the anchors is still intact. Pull testing can typically be performed by the same companies that do the inspections.
How Expensive Is It?
The cost of inspection can vary greatly depending on how sophisticated the system is, where the building is located and if there is suite access required. Building owners or property management companies that represent several buildings can save money by awarding contracts to the same inspector for several buildings, and by signing up for multiple year contracts.
I Have Window Washing Equipment On A Tenant's Terrace or Balcony
Sometimes there is nothing that can feasibly done to avoid this. If this is the case on your building, you must arrange access through the unit tenants suite for the roof anchor inspector. The inspector will require access to ALL terraces and balconies that contain window washing equipment.
At the end of the day, building owners and property managers should make sure window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection systems are inspected every year regardless of use. If the system did not pass the most recent inspection, deficiencies are not corrected and the owner allows someone on to the roof top, they are liable for anything unfortunate that could happen. The value of piece of mind is definitely with the low cost of having an inspection done.
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro-Bel
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