Rope access is a method used to reach high or difficult-to-access areas via a rope and harness system. It is commonly used to conduct a variety of work including glazing, cleaning, installation, restoration, repair, waterproofing, and painting.
What are the Benefits of Rope Access?
Rope access is the access method of choice for many building owners, property managers, strata managers, and facility managers. This is because it presents many benefits over alternative methods of access. Some of these benefits include:
- Efficiency: Rope access equipment can be assembled and disassembled very quickly. This reduces time requirements, allowing for a more efficient service.
- Safety: Rope Access Technicians must undergo extensive training in order to conduct rope access work.
- Versatility: Rope access allows workers to access areas that would not be accessible using other methods. It does not restrict mobility and can be used in an abundance of areas ranging from confined spaces to large-scale high-rise buildings.
- Environmentally Friendly: As rope access does not require the transportation of large, heavy equipment through the supply chain and on-site, it releases much fewer emissions than alternative access methods.
- Minimises Disruption: Compared to alternative height access methods, such as scaffolding, rope access has minimal disruption on a building and the building’s occupants.
If you require any work for your high-rise building or other hard-to-access structure, get in touch with Magic Glass. Our certified Rope Access Division offers a variety of services for both commercial and residential clients. These services include:
- External window and facade cleaning
- Height safety installation
- Make safe services
- Facade inspection and reporting
- Facade remedial repair
- Safety and debris netting
- Bird proofing and pest control
- Rust removal
- Facade painting and waterproofing
- Signage installation and removal
And more!
Contact Magic Glass for more information.
As a provider of rope access services, Magic Glass is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of our projects. One key element of this is the use of anchor points, which are used to securely attach ropes and other safety gear to a structure or surface. Anchor points play a vital role in rope access work, and it's important to choose the right ones for each project.
To find out more about anchor points and why they are so important, read on!
What are Anchor Points?
Anchor points are fixed points on a structure or surface that are used to attach ropes, harnesses, and other safety gear. They are designed to withstand a specific load, and they are typically rated by a professional engineer or other qualified individual. There are many different types of anchor points, including:
- Natural anchor points: These are existing points on a structure or surface that can be used as anchor points, such as beams, columns, or other structural elements.
- Temporary anchor points: These are anchor points that are installed specifically for a rope access or fall arrest project and are removed when the project is complete. They may be made of materials such as steel or concrete, and they are typically installed by a qualified professional.
- Permanent anchor points: These are anchor points that are permanently installed on a structure or surface and are used for ongoing rope access work. They may be made of materials such as stainless steel or aluminium, and they are typically installed by a qualified professional.
Why are Anchor Points Important?
Anchor points are an essential component of rope access and fall arrest work, as they provide a secure attachment point for ropes and other safety gear. Without proper anchor points, rope access work would not be possible, as there would be no way to safely attach the ropes and harnesses.
In addition to being necessary for the work itself, anchor points also play a critical role in ensuring the safety of workers. Rope access work involves working at height and using specialised equipment, and anchor points help to ensure that the ropes and harnesses are securely attached and able to hold the weight of the worker.
How to Choose the Right Anchor Points
Choosing the right anchor points is essential for the safety and stability of rope access work. Here are some factors to consider when selecting anchor points:
- Load rating: It's important to choose anchor points that are rated for the specific load that they will be subjected to. This will depend on the type of work being done and the number of workers that will be using the anchor point.
- Compatibility with the structure: Anchor points should be compatible with the structure or surface to which they are being attached. This may involve considering the material of the structure, the size and shape of the anchor point, and any other factors that may affect its stability.
- Location: The location of the anchor point is also important, as it should be in a position that is easily accessible for the workers, doesn’t put workers in danger and doesn’t interfere with other elements of the structure.
Anchor points are an essential component of rope access and fall arrest work, and choosing the right ones is crucial for the safety and stability of the project. In order to ensure your anchor points are installed correctly and meet all relevant Australian safety standards, we recommend you get in touch with Magic Glass.
Our dedicated Rope Access Technicians are highly experienced in installing, inspecting and certifying anchor points of all different types for all different buildings.
For more information, or to get a free quote, call Magic Glass today!
Construction projects can generate a significant amount of debris, including materials such as wood, metal, concrete, and drywall. This debris can pose a safety hazard for workers and the general public, as well as a potential liability for the construction company.
Debris netting is a versatile solution for containing and managing construction debris, and it has a number of benefits.
Read on for Magic Glass’ guide to debris netting in the construction industry.
What is Debris Netting?
Debris netting is a type of netting made from durable, high-strength materials, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. It is typically used to contain and manage debris during construction, demolition, or renovation projects. Debris netting is available in a range of sizes and colours, and it can be custom-cut to fit the specific needs of a project.
Benefits of Debris Netting
There are several benefits to using debris netting on construction sites:
- Safety: Debris netting can help prevent accidents and injuries by containing debris and preventing it from falling or blowing onto workers or the general public.
- Liability reduction: Debris netting can help reduce the liability of construction companies by preventing debris from escaping the construction site and causing damage or injuries to nearby properties or individuals.
- Visual appeal: Debris netting is available in a range of colours, and it can be used to cover unsightly areas or construction equipment. This can improve the visual appeal of the site, particularly if it is located in a highly visible area.
- Cost-effective: Debris netting is a cost-effective solution for managing construction debris, as it requires minimal installation and maintenance. It is also reusable, which can further reduce costs.
- Damage prevention: Debris netting catches falling debris, preventing it from falling onto other parts of the building and causing damage.
Debris netting is a versatile and cost-effective solution for containing and managing construction debris. It can help improve safety, reduce liability, prevent damage, and improve the visual appeal of a construction site. It can, however, be challenging to install, especially at heights.
Fortunately, Magic Glass is here to help! Our dedicated Rope Access Division is highly experienced at installing, inspecting, and maintaining debris netting-regardless of the size or height of the building.
For more information, or to get a free quote, call Magic Glass today!
When it comes to preventing falls on worksites, there are a number of height safety options you can consider. One of these options is edge protection.
What is Edge Protection?
Edge protection is a type of height safety system that involves physical guardrails around the edges of rooftops and fragile at-height surfaces, including skylights and polycarbonate sheeting. These physical barriers can be permanent or temporary.
Edge Protection Requirements
Each edge protection system must satisfy a number of criteria to be considered safe and compliant. They must be provided at every open edge of a work platform and be strong enough to withstand the force of someone falling.
Edge protection systems must also be comprised of a handrail, mid-rail, and toe-board, or a handrail and brick guard.
The specific requirements of your edge protection system will differ depending on factors such as roof pitch, surface, and length. Below are some general components all edge protection systems must include.
- Top, mid and bottom rails or toe-boards with gaps not exceeding 450 mm. Where toe-boards are used in place of bottom rails they should be able to withstand the likely impact loads.
- Toe-boards or mesh infill to prevent tools, materials or debris falling from the roof, unless exclusion zones that prevent all personal access below the roof edge are in place.
- No gap between the roof edge, including the gutter, and a guardrail located outside the roof line exceeding 100 mm.
- A clear distance between the roof cladding and the bottom rail of no less than 150 mm and no greater than 275 mm.
- A guardrail height above the roof surface of no less than 900 mm (for roofs with a pitch over 10 degrees, the effective height should be measured from a point 300 mm inside the roof edge).
- Infill panels are used where the pitch of the roof exceeds 26 degrees.
Cladding systems are external wall systems that can be applied to the outside of buildings. They are used on both residential and commercial buildings, and offer numerous benefits including additional structural protection, noise and heat insulation, and improved aesthetics.
There are several different types of cladding, all of which have various pros and cons. Read on to find out about 6 of the most common types of cladding.
Vinyl Cladding
Due to its high durability, visual appeal, and low-cost, vinyl cladding is very popular in and around Sydney.
Made of a mix of PVC and other materials, vinyl cladding typically comes in the form of horizontally-placed panels. These panels can also be fitted with additional layers of insulation, allowing for greater thermal control within the building.
Compared to alternative cladding options, vinyl is considerably more lightweight, allowing panels to be completely flexible when covering a building. They are also available in countless colours, allowing for greater design versatility.
Timber Cladding
Timber is another popular material choice for cladding. It allows for an aesthetically pleasing finish as well as improved thermal insulation. Timber cladding is also eco-friendly and a great way for building owners to reduce their carbon footprint.
Timber cladding can, however, be costly and tricky to maintain. You’ll likely need to re-paint or re-stain your timber cladding every 3-5 years and take extra care to protect it from pests and rotting.
Stone Cladding
Stone cladding is more common for residential buildings rather than commercial buildings. It provides an elegant, luxurious finish for homes and is easy to maintain and highly effective in preventing moisture from getting in.
The main drawback of stone cladding is that it can be extremely expensive. Both material costs and labour/installation costs are very high.
Metal Cladding
Metal cladding, particularly aluminium cladding, is another very popular choice in Sydney. It provides a shiny and contemporary look for both residential and commercial buildings.
Metal cladding is popular because it’s versatile, easy to work with, lightweight, low-maintenance, cost-effective, and energy efficient. It is, however, susceptible to denting and is a poor sound insulator.
Brick Cladding
Brick cladding is another great option for adding a stylish touch to your building’s exterior. It is highly versatile when it comes to design, allowing for colour and textural customisation.
As brick is a very sturdy material, it provides a high level of protection against the elements and is very easy to maintain.
The installation of brick cladding can incur high labour costs, however, so it is one of the more expensive cladding options.
Glass Cladding
Last but not least, we have glass cladding. This type of cladding is most commonly used on commercial buildings to boost aesthetics and provide a modern and unique feel. It is also a great thermal insulator, requires little maintenance, and is capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
Glass cladding can, however, be expensive to install and clean, and is unsuitable for earthquake-prone areas.
For all your cladding installation, replacement, and maintenance needs, get in touch with Magic Glass. Our dedicated Rope Access Division can offer cost-effective and discrete cladding services for all buildings of all heights.
An integrated management system (IMS) is a single system that combines two or more management systems, such as a quality management system (QMS) and an environmental management system (EMS). The goal of an IMS is to integrate the various management systems and processes within an organisation into a single, cohesive system. This can improve efficiency, reduce duplication of effort, and provide a more holistic view of the organisation's operations.
At Magic Glass, our integrated management system has been established in line with the following international standards:
- ISO 9001 Quality Management System
- ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
- ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 9001 outlines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS). This standard is based on several quality management principles, including a strong customer focus, the motivation and implication of top management, the process approach, and continual improvement.
By implementing a QMS established in line with this standard, Magic Glass has been able to improve our efficiency, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction by ensuring our clients get consistent, good-quality glazing and rope access products and services.
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
ISO 14001 outlines the requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). This standard is used by organisations to help minimise their environmental impacts and ensure compliance with associated regulations.
By implementing an EMS established in line with this standard, Magic Glass has been able to maximise the sustainability of our activities and reduce practices that are potentially harmful to the environment.
ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
ISO 45001 outlines the requirements for an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS). It helps organisations mitigate the risk of injuries and illness in the workplace.
By implementing an OHSMS based on ISO 45001, Magic Glass has been able to minimise the occurrence of injuries and illnesses in our workplaces, improve our health and safety performance, and ensure compliance with related regulations.
ISO Certification
In order to become certified in the above international standards, Magic Glass has undergone thorough certification processes and regular audits by ISO representatives. This ensures that we are consistently meeting the requirements of each standard, allowing us to offer top quality, safe, and environmentally-friendly products and services for our customers.
If you own or manage a high-rise building, it’s your responsibility to ensure that it is safe for all residents, visitors, workers, and passer-byers. If your building is deemed unsafe and injury occurs, you can be held liable.
One of the best ways to avoid this is to familiarise yourself with common defects that can occur and how to best deal with them. Read our blog on common building defects for more information on how to identify them. Otherwise, read on to find out how to best deal with high-rise defects.
Handling Building Defects
Different buildings will encounter different defects. The process of dealing with these defects can be generalised, however. Here are some top tips:
Remember that ignorance is not always bliss.
As we’ve previously stressed, if you own or manage a building, any defects that occur are your responsibility. Because of this, you want to be aware of how to identify any potential issues and have a basic idea of how to remedy them.
Be safe, not sorry.
Thorough and regular building inspections by accredited professionals, such as Magic Glass, are a must! They will identify any potential issues before you notice them. Not only will this ensure safety in your building, but it will also save you money as repairing damage in its early stages is much less expensive than repairing it a few months in.
In NSW, for minor defects, you have two years to start the process of getting the builder or developer to fix the defect. For major defects, you have six years. If your building is outside the warranty period, you may have to fund rectification yourself.
Sharing is caring.
Make sure you report defects to people who need to know. This will include your owners corporation, but also your insurer(s) and Fair Trading (especially if the defect is major). You will also need to inform residents and other building occupants if necessary.
Keeping good records is also important. Records are needed in case there are disputes and to demonstrate to future buyers that the building is well-maintained and safe.
Handling building defects can be stressful. Fortunately, Magic Glass is here to help. We offer fast, thorough, and cost-effective facade inspection, repair, and replacement services. Our experienced Rope Access Division allows us to carry out these services discreetly for all buildings, regardless of height or size.
Contact us today for more information!
Whether you own a house or manage a commercial property, making sure its facade is sufficiently waterproofed is a must.
What is Waterproofing?
Waterproofing is the process of applying a physical barrier or waterproof membrane to the exterior of a building to prevent moisture penetration.
Why is Waterproofing Important?
Waterproofing helps prevent a number of structural and health issues associated with moisture ingress. These include:
- Steel corrosion
- Concrete cancer
- Fungal growths
- Mould and mildew
- Water logging.
How Do You Identify Waterproofing Issues?
There are a number of tell-tale signs that indicate waterproofing. These include:
- Blistering and/or peeling paint
- Bubbles in the paint that hold water
- Mould, mildew, and fungal growths
- Rust stains
- Cracked walls
- Dampness.
If your commercial or residential building needs waterproofing, get in touch with the Magic Glass team today. Our dedicated Rope Access Division can offer discrete, cost-effective, and efficient waterproofing services for all buildings, of all sizes.
Contact us today for a free quote.
If you own or manage a high-rise building, it is your responsibility to make sure it is inspected thoroughly and regularly. This will ensure your building is safe for all inhabitants and passer-byers, and prevent the need for expensive restoration and repair work as a result of unnoticed and untreated structural maladies.
Failure to get your high-rise building inspected regularly can result in severe structural complications that can inflict injury, cause mortalities, and leave Building Managers and Owners liable for negligence.
Read on to learn more about what building inspections are and why they are important.
What are High-Rise Building Inspections?
A building inspection is a routine inspection of the property. It is carried out by an accredited professional to identify any existing or potential issues with the structural stability of the building. Most inspections will include an assessment of the building’s foundation and roofing, exterior walls and facade, and height safety installations.
Why Do High-Rise Buildings Need Regular Inspections?
High-rise buildings are particularly susceptible to safety breaches. Ensuring your building is inspected regularly will therefore give you the best chance of making sure your building is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations. It will also prevent the occurrence of catastrophic building defects that can be hazardous to residents, workers, and the general public alike.
In addition, regular high-rise inspections can help identify and treat any minor issues before they become serious. This can prevent any major disruptions and expenses associated with major structural repairs and restorations, and increase the value of your property.
How Often Should High-Rise Buildings Be Inspected?
How often your building should be inspected is dependent upon a number of factors such as its age and environment.
In order to get an accurate idea of how often you should be having your building inspected, we recommended you get in touch with the Magic Glass team. We’ll be able to advise you on when you should get your building inspected, as well as provide you with a free quote.
Our Magic Glass Rope Access Division can carry-out thorough external building inspections quickly and with minimal-disruption. We can also perform high-rise window and facade cleaning, height safety installations, remedial repair works, and facade painting and waterproofing services.
Contact us today for more information.
Rope access is a relatively new form of access method that more and more businesses are beginning to employ. Because it’s so new and often perceived as ‘scary’, many people have questions surrounding rope access and its uses.
Fortunately, Magic Glass is here to answer some frequently asked questions about rope access.
What is Rope Access?
Rope access is a form of work positioning that allows workers to access difficult - to - reach areas without the need of scaffolding or aerial work platforms . It involves the use of ropes and harnesses to support the worker as they complete the required job.
Why Use Rope Access?
There are a multitude of reasons why rope access is becoming more commonly used. These include:
- Increased safety
- Increased versatility
- Less disruption to the building
- Increased efficiency
- More cost - effective
What are the Applications of Rope Access?
Rope access is most commonly used in the construction industry. It can be used for:
- Structural inspections of buildings
- Height safety insta llations
- High - rise window and facade cleaning
- Concrete repair
- Painting and waterproofing
- Glass repair and replacement
- Signage installation and removal
Can Anyone Become a Rope Access Technician?
In order to become a Rope Access Technician you must undergo mandatory IRATA training to become certified.
Magic Glass Rope Access Division
Our Rope Access Division can offer a number of services such as:
- External window and facade cleaning
- Height safety installation
- Make safe services
- Facade inspection and reporting
- Facade remedial repair
- Safety and debris netting
- Bird proofing and pest control
- Rust removal
- Facade painting and waterproofing
- Signage installation and removal
And more!
To get a free quote on your rope access job, contact Magic Glass today.
Concrete spalling can occur on a wide variety of structures including concrete buildings, car parks, bridges, jetties, and tanks. It can have disastrous effects on the structural integrity and asset value of buildings and can pose serious threats to the health and well-being of occupants.
Having a basic understanding of what concrete spalling is and how it is treated will help you identify and remedy any spalling that may occur in or around your building.
What is Concrete Spalling?
Concrete spalling is the deterioration of steel reinforced concrete. It can be caused by a number of things including excessive exposure to moisture, oxygen and salts, freeze thaw cycling, and exposure to fire. The most common cause of spalling, however, is corrosion of the steel reinforcement bars.
Factors such as age, maintenance, concrete quality, depth of concrete coverage, and local environmental conditions have significant effects on the likelihood of concrete spalling occurring. For example, older buildings, buildings located by the sea, and buildings that are not maintained sufficiently are much more susceptible to concrete spalling.
What are the Effects of Concrete Spalling?
Concrete spalling can have a number of detrimental effects on the aesthetics, structural integrity, and safety of your building. It is an eyesore and can make your building appear poorly maintained and insufficiently cared for. This can deter potential buyers and renters for residential buildings and can impact business reputations for commercial buildings.
Spalling can also be harmful for workers, building occupants, and passer - byers. Mild concrete spalling can lead to falling debris and tripping hazards, whilst more severe cases can cause structural instability which can be even more dangerous.
From a commercial perspective, concrete spalling can also greatly reduce the asset value of your building. Maintenance costs increase as spalling becomes more widespread, so the longer you leave concrete spalling untreated, the more expensive remediation will be and the more your building will diminish in value.
How Do You Identify Concrete Spalling?
The tell-tale sign of concrete spalling is the flaking and chipping of concrete surfaces. If you notice large chunks of concrete missing or falling off any of your building’s surfaces, it can be safe to assume your building is experiencing spalling.
How Can You Prevent Concrete Spalling?
There are some measures that can be taken to prevent the occurrence of concrete spalling. These include:
- Proper management of concrete during pouring to ensure adequate coverage and sufficient concrete curing techniques
- Prevention of excess water in the concrete mixture
- Use of an effective anti-carbonation and chloride ion resistant coating system
- Application of water sealant to concrete surfaces to prevent water from getting into the concrete.
How Can Concrete Spalling Be Repaired?
If your building has succumbed to concrete spalling, there are a number of ways you can go about repair and restoration. For mild spalling, you may be able to repair the concrete with patching and coating, for more severe cases, however, you may need to have your concrete resurfaced or completely replaced.
If you do notice any signs of concrete spalling, you should get in contact with a professional.
At Magic Glass, we offer building remediation services at-heights and in hard-to-access areas. Our experienced Technicians will be able to inspect and repair your concrete spalling issues regardless of where they are occurring.
Get in contact with our team for more information.
If you’re a property owner or strata manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your building is kept in good condition. This not only ensures that your building is looking good, but also ensures that it is safe for its occupants and the general public, alike.
An important step in doing this is getting regular facade inspections.
Regular facade inspections are critical in maintaining the safety and visual appeal of buildings. They can identify potential issues before they become major structural complications, in turn, saving you money and drastically reducing the risk of injury and mortality. Regular inspections can also improve the aesthetics and value of your property.
Facade inspections regularly pick up issues that cannot be seen from the ground and could be potentially dangerous if not fixed, such as cracked render and concrete.
It is generally recommended that building owners and managers get their property’s facade inspected every 5 years if their building is in excellent condition. If it is in fair condition, it should be inspected every 2-3 years, and if it is in poor condition, it should be inspected yearly.
If you notice any physical signs of deterioration, such as cracks, rust stains, deterioration around balconies, and displacement of stone, concrete blocks or bricks, you should get your building inspected immediately.
For facade inspections of both commercial and residential buildings, contact the Magic Glass team. Our experienced Rope Access Technicians can conduct thorough and efficient external property inspections for high-rise buildings of all sizes.
Call us today for a free quote.