Remember the ABCD's of Fall Arrest Systems!

Fall/Travel Restraint systems utilize a combination of an anchorage, anchorage connector, and lanyard.

This system eliminates the possibility of an employee going over the edge of a walking-working surface.

•    Anchorage
•    Body Support
•    Connectors
•    Deceleration Devices

All components of your fall protection system should be thoroughly inspected before use. Other fall protection systems include ladders, guardrails, and industrial rope access.

Ladders come in two varieties - portable and fixed. There are two major guidelines to follow when using a portable ladder: you must keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times, and your belt buckle should never be extended past the side rails of the ladder.

Portable ladders should be kept at 75 degrees (a 4-to-1 ratio) and the side rails should extend at least 3 feet above the upper level. Ensure that the ladder is secured at top and bottom, and that it is placed on a stable surface. Always follow manufacturer recommendations, and inspect your equipment before use.

Guardrails are required to be 42 inches tall, plus or minus 3 inches. A toe board should be present at the bottom of the rail, at least 3.5 inches tall, to prevent items from being kicked off onto people or property below.

Industrial Rope Access is a use form of positioning that allows inspection of hard-to-reach locations without the need for scaffolding, cradles, or an aerial work platform.

Read the full article on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc. Can Provide Efficient Fall Protection

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, and to provide OSHA Competent Person Training. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Are You Following Fall Protection Best Practices?

In order to provide a safe workplace, Building Owners, Property Managers, Architects, Planners, and Engineers shall incorporate safe design measures to eliminate, prevent, or otherwise control fall hazards in the design phase.

There are many options for reduction of fall hazards, but the ultimate goal should be total elimination of hazards wherever possible. One such method of fall hazard elimination is the incorporation of ground support equipment into the mechanical design of the building, eliminating the need to go on the roof to inspect or maintain the equipment.

Fall Protection systems that are classified as "warnings" do offer some protection, but at the end of the day rely purely on human diligence. A warning line can be used, or a designated safety monitor who actively overlooks working conditions and can warn other workers when they are approaching a fall hazard.

Read the full article about fall protection and steps you must take on our website!

Innovative Engineering Inc. is a trusted Structural Engineering resource of facility owners and managers of all sizes, including some of those with the nation’s largest real estate portfolios. We strive to be a true partner to our clients, providing them with honest assessments, and more importantly, sound solutions.

“Innovative Engineering Inc. (IEI) has been a trusted resource for our structural and parking garage repair and restoration needs for several years. I have personally worked with the firm as long ago as 2001. We have found IEI to be very responsive and easy to work with. Their work has been accurate, thorough, on time, and within budget. We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.” – Sarah Peek, Emory University Hospital Midtown

Contact us today for our expert advice and knowledge about fall protection, and to provide OSHA Competent Person Training. Our experts are standing by to help you!

Save Money on Costly Roof Repairs

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done.

Neglect tends to be the most common cause of roof failure, as most significant problems can be prevented. It is easy to assume that a roof is invincible, but unfortunately that is not the case, as they are prone to many issues such as ponding water, debris accumulation, exposure, and cracking.

Other common issues include:

• Organic growth: Weed and plant roots can actually penetrate into the roof, which can cause damage.
• Heat absorption: Components of the roof that have absorbed water will cool off more slowly. This leads to dusk being the best time to thermally examine a roof, as the “hot spots” have not cooled down as much as other areas.
• Ponding: The result of poor drainage, ponding is standing water that remains on a roof after 48 hours. The water can find its way into imperfections in the roof, and degrades the materials inside.
• Parapets: Can be a problematic source of water intrusion. Materials that have been exposed to moisture, sunlight, and UV exposure can crack and split, allowing water an easy path into the inside of the building envelope.
• Rusted supports: Can contribute to damage or falling pieces of your building envelope. Lightning strikes have been known to hit sensitive areas of a roof or facade and cause massive chunks to fall to the ground below.

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Thermal Imaging for a Thorough Roof Inspection

Many facilities often go year after year without a proper, comprehensive roof inspection. Managers may assume that the roof is sound and even ignore obvious issues, which will only proceed to become more and more severe.

Symptoms such as cracking, ponding water, and accumulated debris can indicate a significant problem. Regular, proper inspections of your roof can head off a more expensive repair in the future.

The practice of thermal imaging has become increasingly more common in regards to roof inspection practices. By scanning various areas of the roof with thermal cameras, you can identify where hidden issues may be lurking.

Conditions such as moisture intrusion, mold, heat or cooling loss, and construction quality can easily be determined when using thermal imaging of a roof.

The advantages of thermal imaging are multi-faceted. For instance, the process is non-intrusive, allows detection of issues before damage occurs, and gives the inspector the ability to scan large areas quickly.

Repairs to an extensively damaged roof can be quite costly. This cost is highlighted further when compared against that of a regular inspection. Money can be saved in the long run by performing thorough and regular inspections of your roof, rather than waiting until the damage has already been done. 

Read the full article about roof inspection on our website!

Use the IEI Advantage to Protect Your Roof

A roof inspection is recommended twice a year – primarily right before and after winter. However, if your roof is subject to severe weather such as a hailstorm or hurricane, it may be prudent to schedule an inspection to assess any potential damage that may have been caused.

Innovative Engineering Inc.’s Certified Remote Pilots comply with FAA Part 107 Guidelines. They also hold a daylight operations waiver which allows them to fly at night, which is the best time to conduct thermal inspection.

The engineers at IEI have extensive experience with various methods of roof inspection. If you feel that it is time to address any problems (either potential or already confirmed) with the roof of your facility, give IEI a call today. Their engineers will be happy to provide you with a detailed report of any deficiencies that need to be addressed. Contact us today!

Waterproofing and Structural Condition Assessments

Understanding how the elements can affect a building or parking structure can dramatically decrease the likelihood that you’ll have a catastrophe at your property.

A Couple of Waterproofing Principles

• 90% of the water intrusion problems occur within 1% of the total building exterior. Usually at terminations and transitions. Most common where roof meets wall.
•  99% of water intrusion problems are attributable to human error including detailing, specifications, or installation.  Not material or system failures.
• Where installer doesn’t know what to do, use lots of sealants.
• Sealant may only last 2 years, 6-8, 8-12 years if everything is perfect.

Why are Structural Condition Assessments Performed?

• Code compliance (Laws and ordinances).
• Building user observations.
• Real estate Due Diligence surveys.
• Renovation.

According to International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), “the exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to public health, safety or welfare.”

There are currently 12 cities in the United States with ordinances that mandate periodic inspections of building façades, most of which are in the Midwest. However, across the country, many building owners and managers elect to partake in voluntary façade inspections for both safety and long-term financial reasons.

Did you know that a structured self-inspection of your building can prevent problems before they start and before anyone gets hurt? What may appear as an insignificant defect can turn into a big problem if ignored.

Read more about progressive collapse on our website.

Avoid Progressive Collapse at Your Property

Over the last few years, more catastrophic structural damage cases and progressive collapse cases have been in the news. Because of this, building owners are taking a closer look at their building and parking structures. While it could take years for the investigation to be completed, there are many clues included in previous inspection reports and photographs taken of the aftermath.

These clues point to typical causes of deterioration to any type of structural system including reinforced concrete, precast, masonry, structural steel, and wood framing.

Everyone can be involved in keeping a building in working order, including occupants, maintenance staff, managers, and owners. The best approach for keeping a building running is “if you see something, say something.”

Understanding how the elements can affect a building or parking structure can dramatically decrease the likelihood that you’ll have a catastrophe at your property. 

Read more about progressive collapse on our website!

Utilize the IEI Advantage for Your Building Inspection!

IEI’s state-of-the-art techniques provide a very thorough condition assessment. The time to know the true extent of any deficiencies is now, not after the restoration contractor has started work – which would lead to change orders and damaged reputations. Contact us today!

Why Do You Need an Expert Historic Restoration Contractor?

Restoring or remodeling older commercial properties presents special challenges - lead and other hazardous building materials used before 1978, non-standard building materials and methods, and building practices that no longer meet code.

Working on these types of projects requires special knowledge, expertise, skills, equipment and material sources that remodeling contractors working on newer homes don’t generally have.

How can you be sure you’re hiring a reputable historic restoration contractor?

First, if there’s a local preservation review board in your area, they might have suggestions of restoration engineers and contractors that will work respectfully with historic properties. Additionally, look at the scale and scope of work local contractors typically do and see if it’s consistent with what you need to have done.

If the renovation is extensive, the engineer will verify that the property will physically and operationally handle the changes ordered up by your restoration engineer. An engineer can also inspect the building envelope and advise you on reconfiguring spaces that aren’t ADA compliant, and help you adhere to local ordinances about changes in a historic district or historic properties.

Learn more about the do's and don'ts of restoring historic brick buildings on our website!

Learn about the IEI Advantage Today!

IEI’s expertise is trusted by owners and property managers of all sizes, including some of the nation’s largest property portfolios. In addition to answering the request for advice, consulting, and peer reviews, IEI is sought after for their expertise in the form of educational speaking events for national organizations as well as articles in major national publications.

Contact us today to get a quote and see how we can help you keep the historic value of your building alive.