Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd designs, engineers, manufactures, installs and inspects window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection systems worldwide. To date, we have successfully completed over 11,000 projects and have offices in 6 different countries: Canada, United States, Brazil, Belgium, China and Abu Dhabi. With over 200,000 square feet of office space and more than 200 employees we are one of the largest firms of our kind in the world.
Marc Lebel, owner, started the company in the 1970’s operating it as a high rise window cleaning company called Pro-Bel Services. When high rise window washing and exterior maintenance operations were carried out at this time, buildings did not have properly identified and engineered anchorage points. Without proper anchorage points on roof tops, workers would essentially ‘tie-off’ to whatever they could to do the job. This gap in building construction and obvious safety hazard led Pro-Bel to a shift in focus from window cleaning services, to the development of proper anchorage systems for window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection.
Over the past 30 years, Pro-Bel Enterprises has acquired a reputation for being a highly qualified authority on fall protection and suspended access systems. Some of what sets us apart is our attention to customer service, the fact that we manufacture our own equipment, we carry $10,000,000.00 in legal liability insurance, and $2,000,000.00 in errors and omission insurance.
From roof anchors to cars Pro-Bel safety systems are engineered for life. For more information on what Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd has to offer please visit our website at http://www.pro-belgroup.com/.
Best,
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Showing posts with label Window Washing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Window Washing. Show all posts
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Green Roofs and Window Washing Systems
More and more everyday, governments, corporations and individuals are making more of an effort to 'go green' and reduce their carbon footprint. The construction industry is no exception; in fact it has set an outstanding example.
Projects are now Leed certified, buildings use geothermal heating, solar panels collect power from the sun, rain water is collected for re-use, construction materials are made from recycled content, low flow plumbing is installed, sunshades help control building temperature, and green roofs are installed. Just to name a few.
Green roofs in particular possess a multitude of advantages. They keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, extend the life of the roof, provide architectural aesthetic, produce oxygen, maximize building square footage, retain storm water, create a wildlife habitat and much more. Some governments are actually mandating that green roofs are incorporated into new construction projects (Toronto, Ontario: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/27/c8082.html).
Very often now, there are green roof systems being installed on highrise roof tops in tandem with window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection systems. Here in lies the challenge.
Fall Protection Systems
Green roof systems typically span to the edge of the roof against some sort of parapet wall. As all areas of the green roof will require some form of regular maintenance, it is crucial to consider if workers at the green roof edge are in a fall hazard situation. A good rule of thumb is: if the worker is within six feet or the roof edge and the parapet is less than guardrail height (36"), the worker should be utilizing some form of fall protection. The fall protection is commonly a horizontal lifeline cable system that spans the perimeter of the roof allowing the worker to easily walk anywhere at the roof edge and be tied off.
Window Washing and Suspended Maintenance Systems
The concern with these types of roof anchor systems is not with the functionality of the anchoring system. It's with damaging the green roof. When window washers or swing stage workers rig a building, they may need (depending on the roof anchor design), to walk all over the green roof. Having workers walk all over the green roof space may not seem potentially damaging, but take into consideration the tools and equipment they will be carrying around with them: outrigger beams, ropes, swingstages, davit arms, scaffolding etc...
A window washing manufacturer should always be consulted in the design phase of the project, this is ever more so important on projects with green roofs. The layout of the roof top must reflect the logistics of the window washing system to minimize wear and tear on the roof. This can be commonly achieved with strategically placed pavers and walkways.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Projects are now Leed certified, buildings use geothermal heating, solar panels collect power from the sun, rain water is collected for re-use, construction materials are made from recycled content, low flow plumbing is installed, sunshades help control building temperature, and green roofs are installed. Just to name a few.
Green roofs in particular possess a multitude of advantages. They keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, extend the life of the roof, provide architectural aesthetic, produce oxygen, maximize building square footage, retain storm water, create a wildlife habitat and much more. Some governments are actually mandating that green roofs are incorporated into new construction projects (Toronto, Ontario: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/27/c8082.html).
Very often now, there are green roof systems being installed on highrise roof tops in tandem with window washing, suspended maintenance and fall protection systems. Here in lies the challenge.
Fall Protection Systems
Green roof systems typically span to the edge of the roof against some sort of parapet wall. As all areas of the green roof will require some form of regular maintenance, it is crucial to consider if workers at the green roof edge are in a fall hazard situation. A good rule of thumb is: if the worker is within six feet or the roof edge and the parapet is less than guardrail height (36"), the worker should be utilizing some form of fall protection. The fall protection is commonly a horizontal lifeline cable system that spans the perimeter of the roof allowing the worker to easily walk anywhere at the roof edge and be tied off.
Window Washing and Suspended Maintenance Systems
The concern with these types of roof anchor systems is not with the functionality of the anchoring system. It's with damaging the green roof. When window washers or swing stage workers rig a building, they may need (depending on the roof anchor design), to walk all over the green roof. Having workers walk all over the green roof space may not seem potentially damaging, but take into consideration the tools and equipment they will be carrying around with them: outrigger beams, ropes, swingstages, davit arms, scaffolding etc...
A window washing manufacturer should always be consulted in the design phase of the project, this is ever more so important on projects with green roofs. The layout of the roof top must reflect the logistics of the window washing system to minimize wear and tear on the roof. This can be commonly achieved with strategically placed pavers and walkways.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Monday, February 14, 2011
Specifying Window Washing and Fall Protection Equipment
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
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
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Window Washing System Design Services
Designing window washing, suspended maintenance, and fall protection systems is highly specialized. It requires a high degree of engineering and intimate knowledge of the myriads of codes and standards that govern the industry.
As an architect, contacting a reputable manufacturer is a prudent first step when incorporating these systems into your building. The manufacturer can provide you with:
Key coordination issues (to name a few) to be addressed in the design stage are:
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
As an architect, contacting a reputable manufacturer is a prudent first step when incorporating these systems into your building. The manufacturer can provide you with:
- a roof top layout indicating all locations for equipment
- written system description describing exactly how the system functions
- details showing how the equipment interfaces with the roof structure
- project specifications written precisely for a given building
- budget
Key coordination issues (to name a few) to be addressed in the design stage are:
- structural (reinforcing of structure on with steel framed roofs is a very common issue)
- budget with owner
- stabilization buttons on building facade
- flashing and interface with green roof systems
- owner suite / terrace access required on condominium buildings
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Ltd
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Friday, February 4, 2011
Workers On Your Condominium Terrace
Condominium terraces can be a fantastic place to unwind after a busy day, entertain friends and family or take in a breathtaking view. They also are sometimes used as rigging platforms for workers to gain access to the facade of a building for window cleaning or building maintenance operations. When terraces are on the top floor, or do not have structure above them, there are times when it is absolutely necessary for suspended access companies to install permanent equipment on the condominium unit owners terrace. It's the only practical way to rig the building.
These systems are typically recessed (e.g. placed underneath a paver) so that the owner of the unit will not be able to see them, but once a year, window cleaners may need access to this area. Further down the road, restoration workers may require access to these areas as well. The manufacturer of the suspended maintenance system will also need access once a year to visually inspect the system for defects as per the law in Ontario.
The reason why some buildings cannot be rigged from a higher roof level to avoid placing equipment on a unit owners terrace is $$$. At times it can be [I]incredibly[/I] costly to install a suspended access system on a higher roof level. At other times, it is simply impossible. This being said, it is not the fault of the developer that these systems are at times required to be placed on private terraces.
Please find below a link to a typical scenario where a terrace is being used to as a work area to support a davit arm for window washing operations. The arm that you see is portable, it would not be left on the terrace but is carried to each new area of the building where exterior maintenance is required.
Best,
Michael Gray
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Limited
P: (905) 427-0616 x 2457
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Marketing and Sales Support
Ontario and Eastern Canada
Pro-Bel Enterprises Limited
P: (905) 427-0616 x 2457
e: mikegray@pro-bel.ca
t: @Pro_Bel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)