The Hidden Costs of Poorly Maintained Façade Access Equipment

Related Resources:

The Importance of a Building Safety Case →

Glass Risk Assessment →

In the realm of modern architecture and building maintenance, the visual appeal and structural integrity of a building are paramount. However, amidst the focus on architectural design and functionality, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the maintenance of façade access equipment.

Primarily, permanent SAE is indispensable for ensuring routine cleaning and maintenance of building façades. Without reliable access equipment, several critical aspects suffer. Visual aesthetics deteriorate, jeopardising the building’s appeal and value as an asset. Moreover, compromised maintenance can impair the building’s performance and longevity, ultimately dissatisfying occupants and deterring potential tenants.

Wintech’s field engineers regularly encounter malfunctioning or unsafe SAE upon arrival on site, highlighting a recurrent problem. Early intervention could circumvent wastage of time, resources, and finances. When SAE fails, this can resort to temporary solutions such as; hiring of scaffolding or rope access services, incurring unforeseen costs, straining budgets, and causing project delays.

The duty holder is legally responsible for seeing that the equipment is:

• Safe and in good working condition
• Properly maintained and examined
• Used by competent and trained operatives

Unfortunately, all too often, at least one of the above criteria is not met, meaning the equipment should not be used. Not only does this result in a considerable loss of money for an abortive day’s work for the site engineers conducting the survey, but it can also result in extensive delays to the works programme and, in certain instances, programme delays of up to twelve months have been reported due to faulty SAE.

An often overlooked consequence of neglected SAE is its impact on façade warranties. Failure to maintain the façade can void warranties, potentially leading to legal disputes and additional expenses such as legal fees.

Another important factor is that SAE is essential for facilitating façade condition surveys which are now increasingly prevalent, if not a key requirement post Grenfell, for assessing the costs and maintenance of the building. SAE condition surveys and assessments involve recording any faults and deficiencies with the equipment, which are subsequently supported with reports providing photographic records and evidence which outline, in clear terms, the available options to rectify the faults which allows for informed decision making.

Finally, effective communication between all parties involved is imperative due to most equipment being acquired by one group, the owner of the development, but used by another company i.e., the contracted cleaners. If communication fails between the two parties, it can lead to basic safety measures being neglected and several key factors being overlooked. For the safe use of any SAE, communication and collaboration is required from all parties involved and the completion of the necessary risk assessments by the duty holder is mandatory.

At Wintech, our façade access specialists can provide audits and advice on existing façade access assets that are out of service or are not functioning as intended. This includes pre-planned maintenance advice for all types of equipment. Advice can also be provided to the owner/proprietor on the statutory requirements of and including:

• Copies of certification: Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) Certificate; plus, surveys, maintenance, and testing records of the equipment
• Emergency procedures and rescue plans
• Site-specific instructions to access the equipment
• Access to the operation and maintenance instructions for the equipment

Through proactive maintenance strategies and adherence to regulatory standards, we aim to mitigate the hidden costs and risks associated with poorly maintained façade access equipment, ensuring the longevity and performance of your building assets.

If you would like to discuss your project requirements and any challenge you may encounter, you can speak directly with Gabriel Grant, Wintech’s Head of Façade Access Consultancy.

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Related Resources:

The Importance of a Building Safety Case →

Glass Risk Assessment →