How to Spot Wear and Tear in Your Façade Access System

Façade access systems play a vital role in building maintenance and worker safety, but like any equipment, they are prone to wear and tear over time. Regular inspections and timely maintenance are critical to ensure their safe operation and compliance with safety standards. Here’s a guide to spotting common signs of wear and tear in your façade access system. At Façade Equipment Inspection Services (FEIS), we specialize in identifying these issues during our comprehensive inspections.

 

1. Examine Structural Integrity

  • Look for Corrosion: Check metal components like davits, anchor points, and frames for rust, discoloration, or pitting. Corrosion can weaken the structure and lead to failure.
  • Identify Cracks or Deformations: Inspect beams, joints, and brackets for any visible cracks, bending, or warping. These signs indicate structural stress that needs immediate attention.
  • Inspect Fasteners: Ensure bolts, screws, and rivets are secure and free from wear or damage. Missing or loose fasteners compromise stability.

These are checks that FEIS performs during our inspections to ensure the safety and reliability of your system.

Related Resource: Why Load Testing Should Be a Priority for Building Owners

 

An outrigger beam system left uncovered outside.  When exposed to the elements rust can appear and compromise the structural integrity of the system.

 


Close up of a pedestal left to soak in sitting water.  In this case the water had been sitting for years exposing the pedestal to significant structural damage.

2. Inspect Cables and Lifelines

  • Check for Fraying and Cuts: Examine steel cables and synthetic lifelines for broken strands, fraying, or sharp cuts. These issues reduce strength and reliability.
  • Assess for Rust or Stiffness: Rusty or rigid cables may indicate a lack of lubrication or aging materials.
  • Verify Connections: Ensure all attachment points are secure and show no signs of damage or excessive wear.

FEIS inspections include a detailed review of cables and lifelines to prevent failures that could jeopardize worker safety.

Related Resource: What is a façade access system?

 

Frayed wire rope.  Almost guaranteed to damage any hoist it’s fed into.

3. Monitor Moving Components

  • Test Hoists and Motors: Listen for unusual noises, monitor for sluggish performance, and watch for overheating during operation. These may indicate mechanical issues.
  • Inspect Pulleys: Ensure pulleys rotate smoothly and are free from cracks, grooves, or misalignment.
  • Check Brakes and Locks: Verify that braking systems and locks engage fully and hold under load.

Our team at FEIS thoroughly examines hoist components to identify and address mechanical issues during a swing stage inspection.

 

 

Internal components of a traction hoist taken from the FEIS workshop.  Hoist maintenance is conducted on every swing stage system during an Annual Inspection.

4. Evaluate Fall Protection Equipment

  • Inspect Harnesses and Lanyards: Look for tears, worn stitching, or signs of UV damage.
  • Check Anchors and Connectors: Ensure anchor points and connectors are properly rated and free from cracks or deformation.
  • Test Shock Absorbers: Make sure shock-absorbing devices are intact and have not been deployed.

FEIS inspections cover all aspects of fall protection equipment, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Related Resource: Why fall protection is crucial for façade access

 

5. Review Safety Signage and Labels

  • Verify Visibility and Legibility: Ensure all safety labels, rating plates, and operating instructions are legible and securely attached.
  • Update Information: Replace outdated or missing labels to maintain compliance with safety standards.

We verify that all necessary signage is clear and up-to-date as part of our inspection services.

Related Resource: FAQs on façade safety inspections

6. Perform Regular Inspections

  • Annual Inspections: Work with certified professionals to conduct thorough annual inspections as required by Cal-OSHA.
  • Pre-Use Checks: Train workers to perform quick visual inspections before each use to identify immediate hazards.

Partnering with FEIS for your annual inspections ensures your façade access system meets all safety requirements.

Related Resource: Schedule an inspection with FEIS

 

Why Early Detection is Crucial

Identifying wear and tear early can save lives, reduce costs, and prevent equipment downtime. Here’s why it matters:

  • Enhance Safety: Regular checks minimize the risk of accidents caused by equipment failure.
  • Prolong Equipment Lifespan: Addressing minor issues prevents major damage and extends the system’s usability.

Maintain Compliance: Routine inspections ensure adherence to Cal-OSHA regulations, avoiding fines and liabilities.

 

Above is a picture of a caster wheel from a swing stage left outside for years.  Below is what it should look like.

 

 

 

 

How FEIS Can Assist

At Façade Equipment Inspection Services (FEIS), we specialize in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing façade access systems. Our detailed inspection reports compile all findings into a comprehensive document, allowing clients to track wear and tear items over time and keep a record for compliance and maintenance planning. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive Inspections: Annual and periodic checks to ensure compliance and detect potential issues.
  • Maintenance Plans: Customized plans to address wear and tear and improve system longevity.
  • Repair and Upgrade Solutions: Expert recommendations and services to enhance your system’s performance and safety.
  • Related Resource: SIT Inspections

 

 

Additional Resources

For further reading and safety guidelines, explore the following external resources: