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PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION OF

SUSPENDED ACCESS EQUIPMENT

(WINDOW CRADLE / BMU)

Prepared By : Jawahir Roshan

Reviewed By & Authorized By : Muhammad Hamza

Procedure Ref #.: SW/TIP-WC/001 Rev.2 Revised Date: 12/06/2018

This is an official document of South West. Printed copies without the original seal of the company is “Uncontrolled Copy”.
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Intent: -
To define and outline the responsibilities, sequence and procedural requirements for windows cradle
inspection in accordance with below standards in accordance with BS EN 1808:2015

Duties & Responsibilities: -

 The inspector assigned for the job has to be a competent person with sufficient
experience and knowledge in the inspection/testing of equipment
 Lifting head is responsible for review of the procedure.
 Lifting head is responsible for preparation and revision of this procedure
 The dept manager is responsible for the review of the procedure and general manager is
responsible for the approval.

References: -
Sr.
Applicable Standards Title Identifier
No
Safety requirements on suspended access equipment.
1 BS EN 1808:2015 Design calculations, stability criteria, construction. Tests

Cranes -- Wire ropes -- Care and maintenance, inspection

2 ISO 4309:2017
and discard.
UAE Federal Ministry of Law Federal Ministry of Law and Social Affairs, 10.1.73-M.O.
3 10.1.83 No:32-Article 20
Section 13 - Load Rope Hooks and Bottom blocks. Power
4 LEEA Handbook 1994
Operated Blocks
5 LEEA Handbook 1994 Section 17 - Inspection of Wire Ropes for Lifting Purposes
6 LEEA Handbook 1994 Section 19 - Winches Used for Lifting Purposes

Note: -
1. Also, considerations and reference to the standard /code to which the equipment has been
built has to be given due attention.

2. Related reference standard may also be referred during inspection / test.

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The objectives of the inspection are as follows: -

1. To ensure that the equipment is in compliance with the appropriate regulations &
standards.
2. To ensure the safety of persons & objects against the risk of accidents associated with the
general & emergency operation of the window cradle.
3. To verify the integrity of the complete window cradle system and identify areas that needs
improvement.

The Documentations to be reviewed: -

 Record of pre-use &in-service check lists

 Previous reports of Thorough Examination
 Repair or Modification Record
 Wire Rope / Hoist certificate (if replaced)
 Operator Certificate
 User manual/ Manufacturer instructions

(i) All documents relevant like inspection records, current proof load test and examination
certificates or inspection report if available shall be obtained and examined for verification.
(ii) Certificates should be checked against the manufacture’s recommendations.

Preparations: -

A) Site Condition:
 Meet with HSE Responsible Person before Entering Work Place to know about Hazards.
 Discuss about the Risk Assessment & Emergency Rescue Plan of the site
 Check the manufacturer’s prescribed maximum wind speed. If not Available then Max
Allowable speed is 14m/s for Non-Guided Platform, 20 m/s for Restrained Platforms.
 Affected work area should be provided with appropriate warning signs and must be
barricaded to prevent any falling materials from hitting any structure/personnel directly
below the work area.
 There should be no obstructions in the direction of travel such as windows opening
outwards, satellite dishes, etc. The building owners must understand they should not
open the windows when cleaning activities is being carried out.
 Cradles shall only be used by suitably trained and competent workers (or) maintenance
team. They should know emergency and evacuation procedures to enable them to do
what is necessary when the platform fails or fire breaks out in the building being worked
on.

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B) Test Weights: -
Test weights used should be:
 Weights of proven accuracy to within ±2 %
 Weights proven on calibrated weighing scale

C) PPEs &Tools: -
 The Inspector should ensure that personal safety equipment’s that is appropriate for the
conditions of the location is available, such as helmets, safety spectacles, fall
protectionequipment’s, safety boots, ear defenders and life jackets or other buoyancy
aids.
 The inspector should inspect before and after use and maintained in good condition.
 All Equipment’s used during inspection/test i.e.Vernier caliper, measuring tape,
AngleMeter, Earthing (or) Grounding Tester, Clamp Meter,etc. shall be in good condition
and shall be certified wherever applicable.

Schedule of Inspection Criteria:

As stated previously, the purpose of this type of inspection is to review the entire window cradle
installation and that includes measuring the operation of specific elements of the window cradle
system against standards which have been established either by national codes or engineering
practice common to the window cradle industry. The detailed scope of work is as follows.

1. Thorough Examination ofNewly Installed Window Cradles: -

a. Carry out the thorough visual inspection of the complete window cradle installation.
b. Undertake testing works in accordance with BS EN 1808:2015, this specification includes
but not limited to the following:

I. Electrical System: -
(i) Electrical System, Main power supply must be protected by Over current protective
devices and a 30-mA residual current device. A limit switch or other system must stop
the movement of the machine before electric cable completely unwound from the
electric cable realer. Exposed electric cable shall not be acceptable. On or near to
Control Panel direction and movement shall be clearly indicated. There shall be
Emergency stop button to stop operation in case of any emergency.

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II. Suspension System& Machinery: -

(i) Visually check & Inspect the suspension system i.e. Rig, Davit Pole System, Parapet
Clamp, Mono Rail System, Counter Weight Suspension Beam, Roof Mounted Powered
Machine, Secondary Wire Rope Anchor on rigid Structure, Rail Track, Guide Rail, etc.,
(ii) Visually check & inspect the Suspension Rig drive systems, Powered Drive system,
manual drive system, Telescopic jib wire rope system, Chain Drive System, Screw
Jacking System, Rack and pinion drive system, Hydraulic drive system or pneumatic
drive system.
(iii) Visually check and inspect the machinery unit including wire rope hoist drum, over
speed protection device, counterweight termination, slewing ring condition, traversing
motors, wire rope deflector pulley, wire rope end termination, over speed protection &
braking system.
Note:
i. Permanent suspension rigs either it can be on rail or Special made Track way. That can be manually &
powered operated. Visually examined condition of track & wheels in case of powered operated
traversing speed should not exceed than 0.3m/s measured at the trolley unit.
ii. From all of mentioned drive system whichever is used should be inspected visually & there must be
secondary device to hold the platform in case of failure.
iii. Drive system should be mechanically and automatically stopped before reaching any dangerous position.
iv. All moving parts shall be guarded.

III. Suspension Wire Ropes & Secondary Wire Ropes: -

(i) Visually check & inspect the condition of main suspension wire ropes, secondary wire
ropes, wire rope tension, etc.,
(ii) Visually Check both ropes for kinks, broken wires, wear, fatigue, Birdcage, Waviness,
Reduction in Dia., Corrosion, Terminations etc.

Note:
i. Active Suspension Steel Wire Rope, Secondary Ropes, Minimum rope diameter should be 6 mm,
secondary rope shall be same or greater than suspension rope.
ii. Both ropes shall be galvanized or similar corrosion resistance type.
iii. U bolt aren’t allowed for the termination of wire rope other than it steel ferrule, wedge sockets, hand
spliced, metal filled socket can be used.,
iv. Max 10 broken wires on a length of 30xd is allowable.

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IV. Suspended Platform: -

(i) Visually check & inspect the platform including structure, guide rail, intermediate guard
rail, operation control station, emergency stop switch, over load safety device, anti-
collision devices, manual brake release operation, anchorpoint, traction drive motors,
wire rope winders & termination, fall protection device, etc.,

Note:
i. The decking of platform should have sound & slip free surface.
ii. Guard rail, Intermediate guard rail & Toe board should be in good condition. Minimum Allowable height
of Guard Rail is 1000 mm from Upside of Decking.
iii. Distance between guard rail, intermediate guard rail and Toe board should not exceed than 500 mm.
iv. Toe guard shall not less than 150 mm above the surface of platform decking.
v. Components do not have sharp edges that may cause injury.
vi. Access gate should open inward & should be interlocked to prevent operation until they are closed.
vii. In case of multi Deck platform minimum Height shall be 2 meters between both, Where the height is
more than 2.5 meters Protection hoops on access ladder shall start at 2 meters height from surface of
lower deck.

If the platform is working on an incline, following additional requirements shall be

applicable: -
(i) The platform shall be provided with rollers rolling on incline. By design the deck shall
remain with the tolerance of 80 in longitudinal & transversal planes when the platform
is rolling on an incline plane.
(ii) The hoisting system & wire rope winder shall be designed to avoid any slack in rope.
End of the incline shall be protected with limit switch Platform shall stop automatically
stop at required point.

a. Protective cushions/rollers to minimize the risk of damage to façade and the electrical connections
including panel board and cables. & to prevent platform from spinning and excessive swaying.
b. Check hoist type, verify marking with requirements, Wire rope guides &pulleys to prevent wire
0.
leaving their intended position. Maximum allowable fleet angle is 2
c. In Case of roof mounted traction hoist AWire,Rope Winder shall be used. The hoist shall stop
automatically if the winder isn’t working correctly e.g. slack of wire condition or wire coil on one
side of winder. The end of rope switch shall be automatically stop to prevent from conveyed
completely through the traction sheave and the hoist become de-reeved. Maximum fleet angle
0
shall not exceed than 5 angles.

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V. Secondary Device (or) Fall Arrestor Device: -

(i) Secondary Device shall be provided to avoid from falling platform in case of failure of
Suspension hoist/wire etc.
(ii) Secondary devices included fall arrest device, brakes, ropes, pulleys etc.
(iii) One of these secondary systems must be fulfilled
a. A single active rope suspension system shall be installed in conjunction with the
fall arrest device which will be able to hold the platform.
b. A double active rope suspension system in case of failure of one rope, second rope
will be able to stopping and hold platform.
Note:
i. Mechanical Anti Tilt with platform mounted hoists a solution by fall arrest devices which limit
0
automatically the incline of platform to 14 angles. These derives are self-sufficient and do not required
an electrical signal used in safety related parts of control system.

VI. Electric Safety Limit Switches: -

(i) Visual & functional check of electric safety limit switches including upper limit switches,
ultimate limit switches, travelling limit switch, slewing limit switch, luffing limit switch,
over load limit switch, anti-tilt safety device, lowering limit switch, lifting limiter, end of
wire rope limit switch, over speed protection electric safety switch, cable reeler limit
switch, winder failure sensor, etc.,
Note:
i. Over Load Detection Device shall fit with each hoist. It should be triggered at or before reaching
1.25times of Rated Load& if Once it triggered all the movements should be isolate except lowering until
overload has been removed. When the overload device is activated it must continuously warn with
visually or audibly.
ii. Cradles with roof mounted hoist should be provided with a No-load detection device which stops
lowering the platform as soon as no load situation occurs.
iii. End of Rope Switch for roof mounted hoists required to stop the platform when the at least 2 complete
turns of rope remaining on the drum before.
0
iv. Anti-Tilt Device should limit any inclination of platform to 14 from the horizontal. When triggered
electrical anti-tilt shall stop upper hoist on lifting & lower hoist on lowering.
v. Upper & Lower Limit Switches shall limit the movement of platform upward & downwards.
vi. Ultimate Limit Switch shall stop the platform before reaching the top of suspension rig.
vii. Anti-Collusion Device shall stop lowering platform when an obstruction is encountered.
viii. Suspension Rig drive limit switches shall Limit movement of Suspension Rig.
ix. 3 Phase monitoring Device is used to cut off main power contactor.

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VII. Visually & Functionally Check the Braking System &Operational Test: -
Note:
i. Check the hoist brakes which operate automatically in the event of Loss of main power supply or loss of
power supply to control circuit. The brake should be capable stopping platform travelling at rated speed
and with 1.25 times WLL within distance of 10 CM. Note that an irreversible gear box isn’t regarding as a
brake.
ii. Functionally & visually examined the attached hoist, for Electrically operated hoists should be able to lift
or lower the load at least 125% of its WLL.
iii. The hoist shall havemanually operated system which allows controlled descent system of platform in
caseof power failure. The manual descent shall have “Hold to Run” action system.
iv. If hoists are mounted on roof then descent power system shall be designed to the ensure that any
0
inclination of platform is limited to 14 angles.
v. If manually operated lever type or crank type hoist is used it should be able to lift or lower the load at
least 250% of its WLL.
vi. The rated speed shall not exceed than 0.3m/s.
vii. The lower obstacle detector bar, upper obstacle detector, device to prevent further movement of the
platform if it is unintentionally fitted more than 14° from the horizontal and device to prevent the
traversing or slewing of the platform whilst it is engaged in a restraint system.

VIII. Load Test:

(i) After the entire visual and operational test, the load test is to be conducted.
(ii) The load to be calculated according to the load capacity of the hoist motor and the
capacity of the platform then the test to be carry with that safe working load and the
platform will be raised from the ground or landing place.
(iii) When the total load is suspended the anchorage of the platform to its track system
shall be inspected for its full range of operations and any defects noted. The platform
will then be lowered to the ground or landing place.
(iv) According to BS EN 1808:2015, the Window cradle should be suspended from fixed
points without winches, a load of 1.5 times of the rated load (SWL) shall be applied
uniformly distributed over the equipment for static test and 1.25 times of the rated
load (SWL) shall be applied uniformly distributed over the equipment for dynamic test.

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2. Periodical Examination of Existing Suspended Access Equipment/Window

Cradle: -
(i) Periodic inspection of existing window cradle is a legal requirement and is a vital
requirement for the on-going safe operation of the window cradle and for the
owner of the equipment from a maintenance view point.

(ii) Suspended Access Equipment (or)Window Cradles are inspected at least twice per
year with the interval of 6 months as per DAC-REQ-18 Issue 1, rev 0 January 2016.
Periodic inspections schedule need not be a stringent as the testing requirement
for new window cradles but is dependent upon the nature of the original
commissioning tests that were undertaken such as:

i. Effective operation of all safety devices

ii. Brake performance in loaded & unloaded condition
iii. Inspection of drive elements for wear
iv. Platform structure, guard rails, control station
v. Suspension wire ropes, wire rope winder, termination
vi. Suspension rig system, machinery unit, termination
vii. Overspeed protection, braking system & tilting system
viii. Function of all operational movement & load test of SWL
ix. Electrical installation condition

3. Certification & Reporting of Suspended Access Equipment/Window Cradle: -

(i) When no deficiencies have been found, the inspector will complete and sign an
escalator inspection certificate. When deficiencies are found, do not detract from
operating safety, the inspection certificate may be completed prior to correction.
Deficiencies will be reported.
(ii) When deficiencies are directly affecting operating safety, the inspector will
immediately notify the client and the certificate will be withheld until corrective action
is taken. Deficiencies of this nature include, but are not limited to, deficiencies of the
safeties, limit switches, emergency switches or other safety devices and brakes and
supporting structures for machinery or equipment.
(iii) The certificate will be reinstated only after re-inspection and testing indicated that
corrections have been made in accordance with the inspection and testing
requirements.

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The following sections are containing the details of Certificate (or) Report of Suspended
Access Equipment/Window Cradle:

Section 1/Page 1: -

i. Details of document number, periodical record of inspection, client name, project name
and project location.
ii. Details of window cradle make, model, type of suspension rig. system, wire rope size, No.
of floors served, rated capacity, platform size, etc.,
iii. Details of testing conclusions(Safe to use / Unsafe to use), testing inspector & master
equipment ID.

Section 2/Page 2: -

i. Inspection checklist which contain scope of work and test result of inspected items.
ii. Brief details of Remarks & Recommendations according to the test result of section 2 (or)
page 2.
a. Remarks: Items which have to be rectified without delay during operational period. If items which will affect
the equipment (or) operational safety directly, those items will be highlighted on report and Re-inspection
required after rectification.
b. Recommendations: Items which have to be considered to implement during alternation (or) major
modernization.

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