Rooftop Rigging Innovation

The late Steve Jobs was once quoted as saying, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower”.  The items described below represent a couple of recent innovations that have been developed in partnership with some of the great scaffolding supply companies in the market, to creatively help them solve a problem and satisfy a need. Quite often, these needs and challenges manifest themselves into an idea, which with a little kneading, shaping and massaging can turn into a new product introduction. Oftentimes, these new products have the potential to also benefit others in the industry who may encounter similar challenges or face similar needs.

Outrigger Davit
The Outrigger Davit was developed for those cases in which rigging is needed to clear a tall parapet wall or other obstacle. Perhaps there is a feature raised above the rooftop surface, such as a penthouse wall face, decorative façade, or a sign that needs to be accessed.

The conventional approach in these situations is to use either conventional scaffolding or tall stands to elevate the rooftop outrigger beams.

Some of the challenges associated with this are the amount of additional equipment that is needed to be lugged up to the rooftop (materials & labour), as well as the difficulty in dealing with rear beam counterweights for an outrigger beam that is 5, 6, 7 or more feet off of the rooftop surface.

With a pivoting mast, the Outrigger Davit can be set up and rigged from rooftop level. Once in position, the mast and boom are tilted up and locked into place. Suspension wire rope can then be lowered over the edge, completing the installation (conventional counterweight and tie-back requirements apply).

The Outrigger Davit can clear an 8 ft parapet and provide up to 4 ft of reach. It is built as an add-on to modular outrigger beam components that you already have. Counterweights remain at a more manageable rooftop level, as they would with a conventional basic outrigger beam.

It’s a pretty simple installation, with a minimal amount of equipment.

Counterweight Column
The Counterweight Column integrates the functions of a rear beam stand and counterweight holders into one.

Using standard modular outrigger beam counterweight holders for saddle style counterweights (available separately), the stand can accommodate three rows of counterweights. The counterweights are mounted low for convenience and stability.

The upper portion of the counterweight column provides mounting for the rear of the outrigger beam. Four height positions are available, ranging from 39 to 60 inches, in 7 inch increments.

The Counterweight Column provides installation flexibility and convenience, while once again minimizing the amount of equipment that is needed to be brought to the work site.

For additional information, contact WINSAFE at (905) 474-9340. Check WINSAFE out online at www.winsafe.com.

WINSAFE Corp. is an innovative manufacturer and supplier of safe, reliable engineered suspended access and fall protection solutions, specializing in the development of temporary and permanently installed equipment for the building maintenance, restoration, construction, power generation and industrial markets.