Applied Technical Services offers the expertise of our consulting engineering team to ensure the safety and compliance of client window washing systems. These structures can vary from the complex, in the case of BMUs, or relatively simple, in the case of roof anchors; one thing they have in common is the overwhelming need for the systems to allow users to safely navigate the façade of a building while suspended many stories above the ground.
Ensuring the safety and effectiveness of a window washing system requires a thorough inspection and certification process performed by a licensed Professional Engineer with experience in window washing systems. ATS offers a comprehensive array of services relevant to ensuring the continued safe operation of a client’s window washing system.
Types of Window Washing Systems
Commercial buildings will have different window washing system requirements based on their size, shape, and height. Depending on the façade access needs, the system(s) will have different regulatory requirements that determine their design and upkeep. To ensure the safety of the equipment’s users and the regulatory compliance of their buildings, ATS performs a range of services relevant to the type of window washing systems listed below:
Roof Anchorage Systems
- Components include anchors for rope descent systems, tie-downs for outriggers, and lifelines for davit systems
- Structural components can be utilized as roof anchorage points if tested and certified by a registered professional engineer
- Examples include Steel Beams, Screen Wall Columns, and Concrete Columns
- ATS can design and install these systems for buildings that do not yet have them — or provide expert consulting services to guide the design and installation process
- For an existing system already in place, our knowledgeable and experienced field staff can perform testing and certifications, as well as annual inspections of the system for compliance, under the direction of a Professional Engineer
- Testing and certifications shall take place prior to use for newly installed systems
- Re-testing and re-certifications should take place either once every 5 years (for adhesive anchors per ASME A120.1-2014) or once every 10 years (per 29 CFR OSHA 1910.27 and IWCA I-14.1-2001)
- After certified safe and ready for use, ATS offers yearly inspections to help building owners and managers maintain the condition of their unit, find any flaws, and suggest maintenance or repair measures if necessary
- ATS services are compliant with 29 CFR OSHA 1910.27, 29 CFR OSHA 1910.66, and IWCA I-14.1-2001, and ASME A120.1-2014
Davit Systems
- Components of a davit system include davit bases or davit pedestals, and davit assemblies consisting of davit sockets and davit arms, which are typically portable
- Most often used in conjunction with staging/suspended scaffold (either permanent or temporary)
- Typically provided on buildings higher than 130 feet but less than 490 feet or for building’s with complex facades
- Complex facades include balconies, sunshades, awnings, and overhangs
- As with roof anchorage systems, ATS performs design, installation, consulting, and testing services, as well as yearly inspections
- Testing and certification should take place prior to use for newly installed systems
- Re-Testing and re-certification should take place once every 10 years (per ASME A120.1-2014 and IWCA I-14.1-2001)
- ATS services are compliant with 29 CFR OSHA 1910.66, IWCA I-14.1-2001, and ASME A120.1-2014
Monorail Track and Trolley Systems
- Notable components include 2 trolleys per track for a single user or 4 trolleys per track for 2 users
- Commonly used in buildings with large overhangs or interior atriums (typically 3 stories or higher)
- As with roof anchorage and davit systems, ATS offers design, installation, consulting, and testing services, as well as yearly inspections
- Testing and certifications shall take place prior to use for newly installed systems
- Re-testing and re-certification should take place once every 10 years
- ATS services are compliant with 29 CFR OSHA 1910.27, 29 CFR OSHA 1910.66, and IWCA I-14.1-2001, and ASME A120.1-2014
Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) Systems
- BMU System — Also known as Roof Cars, Roof Carriages, Window Washing Rigs, and Roof Rigs
- BMU Systems are required for buildings over 490 feet per ASME A120.1-2014
- ATS offers annual inspections, performance testing, and compliance certifications, as well as 3rd party quality control for maintenance providers and consulting services for new construction and retrofit projects
- ATS coordinates with well-known BMU maintenance providers for maintaining and servicing BMU’s
- Common issues include not meeting the correct service requirements and a lack of routine maintenance
- ATS services are compliant with 29 CFR OSHA 1910.66 and ASME A120.1-2014
About Applied Technical Services
Since our founding in 1967, Applied Technical Services has offered a variety of engineering capabilities to our esteemed clientele. Our past 50+ years in business have allowed us to grow immensely — no longer a group of three engineers aiding small businesses out of their office in our founder’s basement, ATS now constitutes a multidisciplinary organization that employs over 1,000 employees, including Professional Engineers, inspectors, technicians, scientists, metallurgists, trainers, calibrators, and forensic investigators to serve clients operating in countries across the globe.
Commercial Services
The ATS commercial services division helps clients keep their properties compliant with industry standards and OSHA regulations. This team of specialists operates out of several locations — Marietta, GA; Alexandria, VA; Houston, TX; and Denver, CO — but have travel capabilities to work in any of the 40+ states in which we maintain a Professional Engineering license.
Shaping Industry Standards
Members of the ATS commercial services division sit on the ASME A120 board, which helps shape industry standards for window washing systems and equipment. Their expertise serves property owners, managers, developers, architects, and real estate investors throughout the United States.
The following industries can benefit greatly from our fleet of services pertaining to window washing systems:
- Commercial Properties
- Residential Properties
- Industrial Properties
- Architects/New Construction
Our Commitment to Quality
ATS takes providing a positive customer experience quite seriously — so much so that we maintain a stringent quality management system to ensure the quality of our services. Our engineers provide accurate, detailed, and clear reporting to give clients the insight they need to make informed decisions about their window washing systems. Should a customer need clarification on either the status or the results of their assessment, we employ a team of customer service representatives to connect them to the most relevant staff member. These subject matter experts remain accessible, responsive, and engaged to ensure clients receive the help they need to solve their problems.
If your company needs Professional Engineering services to guarantee the safety of your window washing system, contact ATS today — We take a closer look.
