Navigating Icy Rooftops: A Guide to Safety and the Importance of Being Tied Off

Navigating Icy Rooftops

Winter brings with it picturesque snowfall and a serene blanket of white covering rooftops. However, icy conditions can turn rooftops into slippery, perilous surfaces significantly increasing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls.  Below are some must-dos when navigating working at heights in the fall/winter season.

1. Check the Weather Conditions

Always check the weather forecast. Icy conditions can be unpredictable, and being aware of the current and forecasted weather will help you plan accordingly. Avoid working on rooftops during icy storms or when freezing rain is expected.

2. Wear Proper Footwear

Invest in high-quality, slip-resistant footwear with excellent traction. Ice cleats or crampons can provide additional grip, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Proper footwear is your first line of defense against icy surfaces.

3. Use Fall Protection Equipment

When working on icy rooftops, fall protection equipment is non-negotiable. Always wear a safety harness and make sure it is securely attached to an anchor point. This precaution becomes especially crucial when approaching the edge of a building.

4. Stay Tied Off Near Edges

The importance of staying tied off cannot be overstated, especially when working near the edge of a building. A simple slip can lead to a dangerous situation. By remaining tied off, you create an additional layer of protection against potential falls.

5. Choose the Right Anchorage Points

ensure your safety lines are attached to certified anchor points or structural anchorage.  Weak anchor points can compromise your safety. Regularly inspect and maintain these points to guarantee their effectiveness.

6. Be Mindful of Ice Buildup

Icy conditions often result in the accumulation of snow and ice on rooftops. Be mindful of this buildup, as it can add extra weight and create uneven surfaces. Clear away excess snow and ice, but do so cautiously to avoid creating new hazards.

7. Refuse Unsafe Work

If the task at hand seems daunting or if you are uncertain about your ability to navigate icy conditions, call your supervisor to ensure the job can be done safely.

In conclusion, staying safe on icy rooftops involves a combination of preparation, awareness, and the use of proper safety equipment. Being tied off when approaching the edge of buildings is not just a recommended practice; it is a critical step in preventing potentially life-threatening falls. By prioritizing safety, individuals can enjoy the beauty of winter while minimizing the risks associated with working in icy conditions.

Pressure Washing Pitfalls Unveiled: Top 5 Failures that Highlight the Importance of Professional Help

Rope Power washing

In the building maintenance industry, pressure washing is a commonly used method to clean and maintain various surfaces. However, if not done properly, it can lead to some significant failures that can damage surfaces or cause other issues. Here are the top 5 pressure washing fails in the building maintenance industry:

  1. Surface Damage: One of the most common failures is surface damage caused by using excessive pressure or the wrong type of nozzle. If the pressure is too high or the nozzle is too close to the surface, it can cause cracks, chipping, or etching on delicate materials like wood, stucco, or painted surfaces.
  2. Water Intrusion: Pressure washing can inadvertently force water into areas where it shouldn’t be, such as cracks, crevices, or building openings. This can lead to water intrusion, resulting in damage to the building’s structure, including rot, mold growth, or electrical issues.
  3. Window Breakage: Improper pressure washing techniques near windows can lead to shattered glass. High-pressure water directed at a windowpane or the window frame from the wrong angle can cause the glass to break, posing a safety hazard and requiring costly repairs.
  4. Chemical Mishaps: Pressure washing often involves the use of cleaning chemicals to remove tough stains or dirt. However, using the wrong cleaning agents or applying them incorrectly can damage surfaces or harm the environment. Certain chemicals may react negatively with specific materials, leading to discolouration, corrosion, or even toxic fumes.
  5. Inadequate Preparation: Failing to prepare the area properly before pressure washing can result in additional problems. For example, not removing loose debris, such as leaves or dirt, can cause clogs in drainage systems or lead to the debris being forcefully sprayed onto nearby surfaces. Inadequate protection of nearby objects or landscaping can also result in accidental damage.

To avoid these pressure washing fails, it is crucial to hire experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the appropriate techniques, equipment, and cleaning agents for different surfaces. Proper training, careful planning, and attention to detail are essential to ensure a successful and damage-free pressure washing process.

Making Things Right – when roof anchors are an afterthought

af·ter·thought: /ˈaftərˌTHôt/ noun: an item or thing that is thought of or added later.

Unfortunately, this is sometimes the case with anchor or access systems on newly built properties. For all the flash and promise of life-changing lifestyle experience outlined in the fancy pre-sale brochure, something as simple as to how windows will be accessed and cleaned is often overlooked.

This was the case at The Flats, located on east Georgia, in Vancouver’s Chinatown. The new trendy modern 9 story structure was completed in 2014 and houses 29 condo units. 

We were initially approached by Tribe management in the fall of 2021, asked to provide a window cleaning and dryer vent quote for the property. We were warned that other companies had looked at the building and were unable to provide a quote, due to access issues. The building not only lacked roof anchors that could be used for rope access work, it also had power lines and other obstacles at ground level, which made elevated platform (boom lift) access impossible. 

After attending the site and making our initial assessment, we came to the conclusion that the only viable solution would be to install anchors at roof level. We engaged our construction services division to provide a deeper analysis and to provide a proposal detailing the number of anchors and locations proposed. Since some of the anchors would need to be located on the penthouse balcony, aesthetics needed to be considered and owners consulted in the process. 

In late winter, our proposal was accepted and the anchors were installed in spring of 2022, providing a safe, long-term solution for access to the exterior facade.

“I was so glad to find a company that could provide a quote for all the services we needed, AND also solve our access issues. I love that Black Tie is a one stop shop.” – Lara Carino, Community Manager, Tribe Management Inc.

It is important to note that our team is uniquely positioned to offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective solution when it comes to anchor system. Being intimately familiar with rope access regulation, we will provide a proposal that will ensure all areas of the building can be accessed safely, with the minimum number of anchors possible.

The Flats is one example of a problematic building, but we frequently come across similar issues, especially with 5 to 7 story wood frame buildings, that are too tall to be cleaned from the ground, and have no anchors that can be used for rope access or suspended work platforms. While we aim at educating developers and builders, we sometimes have to deal with what is clearly and afterthought. If you manage one of these problematic buildings, please contact us, and we will gladly help find the best solution for your property, working closely with owners or strata council to get to the best outcome.

Did you know that November is Fall Prevention Month?

At Black Tie Property Services, Fall protection is front of mind for all of the work-related activities that we do. In the window cleaning industry, a large percentage of injuries are a result of falls.

According to WCB-Alberta data, in 2015, 20.5% of Alberta’s workplace lost-time claims were the result of falls as follows:

1) 13.9 percent – fall on the same level;
2) 6.0 percent – fall to a lower level;
3) 0.6 percent – other falls.

The severity of falls is often underestimated; serious injuries or death can result from falls of as little as one metre. Unsafe ladder use, particularly in construction and maintenance, causes falls, but even stairs present a hazard. That’s why Black Tie’s number one core value is SAFETY FIRST. We employ trained professionals who adhere to the highest standards in safety.

All of our technicians from high-rise rope access to ground crews working with step ladders are trained in fall protection. We do not use subcontractors.

Here are some things we do at Black Tie to minimize the risks of falling:

  • Weekly toolbox talks
  • Monthly company-wide safety meetings
  • Created a Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee
  • Appointed Kyle Egeland as our National Safety Coordinator. In this role, he oversees the overall safety program in place within all companies operating under the Black Tie umbrella
  • WCB + Worksafe

Hope you all stay safe out there! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our safety first protocol at Black Tie.