Modern architecture is very diverse. And it has to fulfil numerous criteria. After all, the facades in particular play an important role in creating and maintaining the visual identity of a cityscape.
And in addition, not only are the functionality and aesthetics of the facades and buildings of great significance, but the effects of the construction project and of the final building on the environment are also becoming ever more important. In their work, architects should therefore pay increasing attention to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Regardless of the facade type, the topic of safety is always of decisive importance. Especially for intelligent facades which adapt to different weather conditions and to the actual position of the sun, regular servicing and cleaning is always necessary.
Furthermore, a fall protection system must not impair the functioning of the facade. The Tutzing project provides a reference which demonstrates these problems and challenges very well. Discover how it was protected here.
The points mentioned above frequently present architects with a significant challenge. The necessary safety must be ensured onsite, in order that there is continuous protection of movement in this application area for industrial and facade climbers, as facade cleaning and service staff are known in the specialist jargon. And another important point is that the Ssafety solution must not detract from the aesthetics of the facade.
In other words: The fall protection system must be integrated into the facade structures so that it is almost invisible. In addition, it must be possible to complete the cleaning and servicing tasks safely and effectively at all points on the building, in order to maintain the full functionality of the “smart” facade elements at any time. This is decisive in making the internal environment and the use of the spaces as pleasant as possible.
Fall protection systems for facades
The various fall protection options and systems installed to protect servicing and cleaning personnel are just as versatile as the facades themselves. Here are the most popular solutions:
- Restraint systems, such as guardrails, balustrades and handrails
- Lifeline systems + personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Rail systems + personal protective equipment (PPE)
Below, we concentrate on the rail system.
The TAURUS rail system in detail
TAURUS is a modern system which fulfils the most demanding safety standards. As well as its stability and robustness, which withstand the forces of a potential fall under any circumstances, the versatile deployment options and the flexibility of the system also make it a favourite with architects. The TAURUS rail system can easily be attached to almost all facade types and substructures, without this impairing the aesthetics of the building.
The rail protection system also makes it possible for the servicing and cleaning staff to be continuously protected after attaching into the system just once. This is because there is no problem in installing the TAURUS rails across all possible transitions between vertical and horizontal planes, or around corners and edges.
The result is that the facade and industrial climbers can concentrate fully on their work, because they do not have to repeatedly detach/re-attach from/to the system. This is a significant benefit, because every single detaching/re-attaching action is associated with significant risks!
A slight error or a brief moment of inattention can have fatal consequences. Not with TAURUS. Because this system completely obviates such detaching/re-attaching manoeuvres.
The benefits of TAURUS at a glance
- Adaptability to the facade
The TAURUS rail is characterised by its remarkable adaptability. As early as the planning stage, the rails are adapted to the building structure. Substructures, facade type, etc. are considered very closely, in order to achieve an optimum result.
Radii, curves and facade forms present no problem to TAURUS, and therefore even unconventional facade structures can be protected. This creates maximum flexibility, combined at the same time with reliable protection which blends harmoniously with the architecture.
- Visual integration
A major feature of the TAURUS rail protection is its visual integration with the facade. The anodising, i.e. the colour adaptation of the aluminium rails, in combination with the special rail cross-section ensure coherent integration into the overall appearance of the facade.
For example, the system can also be attached behind the facade cladding, and this in turn contributes positively to the building’s overall effect. The ability to attach the rails to facade elements also has a positive effect on the visual appearance and aesthetics.
- Versatile positioning
With the TAURUS rail system workers can position themselves flexibly on the facade, anywhere along the safety system. This positioning option, also known as rope access technology in the specialist jargon, allows the facade to be serviced and cleaned, even at difficult-to-access locations.
- Combinability with other systems
If required, the TAURUS fall protection system can also be combined easily with other systems from INNOTECH. For example, it can also be attached to our posts if direct installation on the substructure is not possible, as was the case at the University of Wuppertal.
- Bending onsite using BEND-10
The TAURUS-BEND-10 allows the TAURUS rails to be bent onsite. This flexibility in installation and mounting ensures that the fall protection system can be adapted exactly to the onsite circumstances.
- Maximum quality
TAURUS and the rails of this fall protection system consist of high-quality, very robust aluminium, and thus provide maximum quality. And the system is also of very high visual quality. It blends into the facade in an elegant and modern way.
Summary
Modern facades on all types of building must be cleaned and serviced regularly. It is essential to select the optimum fall protection system for these dangerous activities in these exposed working locations. This must neither impede the functionality of the individual elements, nor the overall aesthetics of the facade. It must be almost invisible, yet able to withstand enormous forces in the event of a fall.
This is a balancing act in which we have succeeded perfectly with the TAURUS rail system. The rails are robust and resistant, and they adapt very flexibly to all current facade forms and types, without changing the overall appearance of the building.
If you are indeed seeking a professional fall protection system for the facade of your next construction project, then simply contact us now. Our experts find the best solution for every challenge.
In our guideline for safe facades there is also even more information on this topic.
