With the passing of the new ANSI  I-14 Window Cleaning safety standard, it is required that everyone  who works on the exterior of a building must be provided with a safe workplace for anyone performing services to the exterior of a building. Regardless of the type of equipment being used , for window cleaners in particular, suspended scaffolding or bosun’s chairs are required to be secured to a structurally sound portion of the building. This includes all life-lines, tie backs and roof anchors. KEVCO Building Services, in conjunction with American Anchor Corporation evaluates all rooftop installations to ensure that all buildings we work on comply with the requirements set forth by OSHA , providing not only the safest work environment for our employees, but also “peace of mind” for the building owners and managers as well. As a part of our evaluation program, we also make recommendation should your building need to be retrofitted for new roof anchors. Our program is your properties best defense should there ever be a question concerning OSHA requirements.

Why are roof anchor points so important?

Roof anchors, the structural parts of a building that provide support for fall arrest and protection systems for exterior maintenance operation, do not exist on a large percentage of buildings. Architects did not see the necessity nor did they appreciate their importance at the time the building was in the design and construction phase. For a majority of suspension equipment out there, proper roof anchors are the difference between life and death – and what has happened is that contractors working on the exterior of a building have been left with a tremendous decision to make; “ Do we work on this building and possibly place our employees in jeopardy or do we become more vigilant in our cause and create a standard that says the property management professional has to do something about it.” Do you want a potentially dangerous situation at your building? KEVCO is here to provide you with a solution.

The Solution

Buildings must have structurally sound roof anchor points. They can either be existing anchors that have been certified by a licensed roof inspector or structural engineer or the anchors can be permanently installed. Regardless, an on-site roof anchor evaluation is in order.

On-Site Rooftop Evaluation

Written documentation, testing and maintenance is required by building owners and managers for all types of permanent anchor support system installations. This ensures safety compliance with OSHA standards. KEVCO acts as a liaison between the building owner or manager and the structural engineering company (American Anchor) providing such an evaluation at an additional cost to the client. It is at this time that recommendations are made and if the site passes inspection, the site is rendered satisfactory and an inspection report is generated and issued by the structural engineer indicating that the exterior maintenance support systems comply with all building codes and regulations.

Annual Inspections

An annual inspection includes but is not limited to a visual inspection and evaluation of all permanent anchor support systems. The initial inspection, to be performed by American Anchor Corporation, has to be held within one year of the initial roof certification. At this time all proper documentation must be in place, thus affirming to the building owner or manager that their building is in OSHA compliance.

A Final Word from KEVCO about Safety and Certification

The importance of a well run safety and certification program is paramount in our quest at achieving the goals we have built our reputation on for the past two decades. With complete trust  in the partnership you build with us, you can be certain that the safety and security of you, your building and our employees will always come first. Build a partnership with KEVCO and form the alliances and assurances of a strong and safe building and working environment. KEVCO is the metro area’s first choice in Safety, Quality and compliance.