Roof anchor systems can be designed for a series of different purposes. Mainly, they are used for fall protection, as supports / lifelines for window washing, or as supports / lifelines for suspended maintenance (swingstage) work. With these different functionalities, it is important that the specifications describing this scope of work accurately reflect the intended design of the system. Far too often a general spec is put out and it is not relevant to the individual projects needs at all. This can create confusion, and additional costs for the owner or general contractor.
This particular blog is intended to examine the key areas of the specifications that commonly are not well written and offer suggestions on how they could be improved to eliminate confusion and save time and money.
The Title of Specification
The title of the specification should reflect the intended design of the system. For example, if the system is designed to be used for fall protection only, the specification should not be titled, "Window Washing Systems", it should more accurately be titled "Fall Protection Systems". Besides the obvious incorrect title, this situation creates another problem. Although the roof anchor system may be clearly designed for fall protection only, since the system specification is titled "Window Washing Systems", the owner or general contractor thinks that they are getting just that.
Part 1: General Requirements, Section Includes
This particular section of the specification is a fantastic opportunity for the specifier to place a written description of the design intent for the roof anchor system in plain view. This way, the bidders have an understanding of exactly what kind of system the owner is looking for. Far too often a generic description or a description for the wrong type of system is placed here. Below, find an example of a description for a fall protection only roof anchor system.
The intent of this scope of work is to design, supply and install an engineered fall protection only system. All window washing and exterior facade maintenance operations are to be carried out from ground level.
Manufacturer Qualifications
Window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection is a huge industry. There are a ton of companies that supply this equipment. The specifier should use this opportunity to place requirements in this section that will solicit bids from only the most qualified of companies. The bidder should have sufficient liability insurance, errors and ommissions insurance, have a minimum of five years documented experience in the industry, and specialize in this type of equipment.
This criteria will eliminate the possibility of miscellanous steel fabricators bidding on this scope of work. These companies are not qualified to bid on fall protection, window washing, or suspended maitnenance systems. Handling this scope of work comes down to more than just fabricating the equipment.
Part 2: Products, Equipment
There are many different ways to skin a cat. With a concrete structure for example you could supply a cast in place single stud roof anchor, a fully embedded roof anchor, bolt through after the pour, or use an adhesive anchor after the pour. Every option has its advantages and disadvantages. This is a great opportunity for the specifier to evaluate which type of equipment is best suited to the job and place it here. If the wrong type of equipment is listed and can result in a needlessly more expensive system and create confusion.
Reinforcing
If the roof support structure is steel beams and joists, the areas in which the roof anchors are installed will need to be reinforced. It should be clearly stated in both the steel and fall protection trades specification that the structural steel trade is responsible for this. If you want to learn more about this please read my previous blog posting on reinforcing roof anchors and steel structure.
At the end of the day, writing specifications for window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection can be very tricky. I would highly recommend seeking out assistance fomr a reputable manufacturer. They typically will not charge to help out with writing specifications as long as they are listed as a bidder.
Michael Gray
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Marketing and Sales Support
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
No comments:
Post a Comment