Roof Anchors/Inspections
Soulard Multi Service specialises in installing roof anchors and providing roof anchor inspections. Roof anchors are the points that Suspended Access Systems attach to. Each building has its unique requirements to maintain the exterior and in many cases, interior, walls. The main types of suspended access systems are swing stages and boatswain’s chairs. These systems allow personnel to safely and effectively reach all areas of the building envelope. Window cleaning is the most common access requirement but other needs includes: window replacement, re-caulking, spandrel repairs, exterior wall repairs and cleaning.
Roof anchors are governed by various levels of government and authority. Bill C45 has made workplace health and safety a legal and criminal code responsibility. This legislation has changed the way that building maintenance is viewed. The old days of sub-par safety methods and untrained workers are over. From the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/billc45.html :
What is Bill C-45?
Bill C-45 is federal legislation that amends the Canadian Criminal Code. Bill C-45 became law on March 31, 2004 and is now the new Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code which reads:
“217.1 Everyone who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how another person does work or performs a task is under a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or any other person, arising from that work or task.”
The bill established new legal duties for workplace health and safety, and imposes serious penalties for violations that result in injuries or death. It also establishes rules for attributing criminal liability to organizations, including corporations, for the acts of their representatives and also creates a legal duty for all persons directing work to take “reasonable steps” to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
What are the main provisions of Bill C-45 (Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code)?
Bill C-45 (Section 217.1 in the Criminal Code):
- Created rules for establishing criminal liability to organizations for the acts of their representatives.
- Establishes a legal duty for all persons “directing the work of others” to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of workers and the public.
- Sets out the factors that courts must consider when sentencing an organization.
- Provides optional conditions of probation that a court may impose on an organization.
Who does this Criminal Code affect?
This Criminal Code affects all organizations and individuals who direct the work of others, anywhere in Canada. These organizations include federal, provincial and municipal governments, corporations, private companies, charities and non-governmental organizations.
There are many building codes that are now being monitored more closely by the various levels of government, including the Ministry of Labour. For example: it is mandated that all roof anchor systems be inspected annually and that some types of anchors be certified by an engineer every five years.
SOULARD Multi-Service has extensive experience consulting, inspecting and installing a wide variety of Suspended Access Systems. Roof anchors come in many forms and have different purposes. From anchor points that are invisible to the untrained eye for use on tenant balconies to monorail systems used for rooftop trolleys; we have experience with them all.
Contact us today to see how we can help keep you and your building safe
https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/fall/fall_protection_anchors.html