Safety should always be of paramount importance in any inspection. Facade inspections involve work at height and inspecting the external parts of a building using one of many access systems. These include rope access, boom lifts, scissor lifts (collectively known as MEWP), and scaffolds.
Each of these access systems has significant inherent risks which can be mitigated through proper risk management and engineering controls.
Rope Access
A “work positioning system” which is a safety method applied for working at height. Only ropes, equipment and gadgets that comply to international standards should be used only by qualified personnel or rope access technicians that have gone through competency trainings. Rope access companies objective is to safely get to desired location for work execution be it inspection, repair or maintenance works with a minimal approach in terms of time, risk and cost compared with other means of access. Through this, a lot of applications can be done with this method of working at height, accessing to difficult locations with minimal impact to other operations, owners’ occupancy, surroundings and environment. Like any other work at height approach, work procedures, safety documentations are furnished and complied to on every job site.
Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWP – boom lift, scissor lifts etc).
All MEWP should be serviced regularly and come with valid Authorised Examiner certificates. Operation of the boom lift should only be by qualified operators with sufficient experience. The ground condition, maximum reach and turning radius should be checked for each job site. Being motorised, there is a risk of fire and adequate fire safety measures should be in place during operation. Banksmen should be deployed at the ground at all times during operation.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is used where neither rope access or MEWP can be used. All scaffolding works should comply with MOM regulations and where required come with PE designs. Where necessary adequate tie backs to the building should be provided.
ABL Consultants together with subsidiary ABL Facade place safety of both our staff, the public and your property as top priority. We have experienced rope access specialists, Manager Work at Height, Design for Safety Professional and Professional Engineers (PE) assessing each job site. In depth risk assessments are carried out prior to commencement of any work at height. Should you have any queries on safe access for your periodic facade inspection, do drop us a line and we will be happy to help.