High-rise interventions on buildings and condominiums always involve some risk for maintenance professionals(glass washing,facades, brick joints),and of course caulking). However, hazards can be avoided by using protective and preventive measures. CNESST’s safety standards are set to optimize working conditions and workers’ comfort.
The gondola, a secure working tool
The gondola, also known as a lift pod,is a lifting device that allows you to work at height comfortably and safely. Thanks to this equipment, construction workers, including window caulkers,have easy access to their work area.
The pods are used for maintenance work, cleaning, opening caulking,painting, repairs or maintenance. A gondola can accommodate one or more people. All occupants are protected from falls by specific safety and protection devices (harness, helmet, safety shoe, barrier…)
Depending on the type of intervention, the choice is made between different types of equipment:
- Mobile and self-propelled gondola
- Temporary gondola (suspended or on mast)
- Permanent gondola – lift device on carrier
CNESST’s safety standards in Quebec
The pods used for high-rise interventions must comply with different standards and rules established by CNESST or (Occupational Health and Safety Commission).
For example, any lift with a gondola must meet csa C225 or ANSI A92.2 in terms of design, manufacture and assembly. This type of equipment must also be equipped with an emergency stop push button which must be easily accessible to the worker.
In all cases, the professional must be provided with stable equipment to avoid swinging the gondola and falling.
The objective of the standards is to establish design criteria, tested, inspections, facilities, maintenance, uses and conduct of gondola lifts as well as training operators to:
- Preventing personal injury and accidents
- Uniform nominal features
- And define the respective responsibilities of manufacturers, dealers, installers, maintenance personnel, operators, owners and users.
It should also be noted that any worker who uses a gondola lift must have specific training. All these standards and precautions have been put in place to ensure the comfort and safety of the workers. These professionals can work serenely without fearing for their lives while having the opportunity to perform properly the tasks entrusted to them.
Elite Caulking, is a company concerned with respect for the law and the safety of its workers. She uses her own pods; this allows for very rapid travel and implementation on the spot, without rental constraints, also resulting in profitability gains that our customers appreciate in their bill.
Read also