Building maintenance units

BMUs are permanently installed units for maintenance workers to safely access all areas of a building’s façade for window cleaning, regular maintenance and minor repair works.

BMUs can be manual, semi- powered or fully powered and are generally installed onto a tracked runway system that is in turn fixed back to the roof structure.  Depending on the design of the BMU either a dedicated cradle or a separate cradle set can be suspended from the jib.  Other types of BMU include trackless, pedestal mounted and freely laid track. 

 

 

All systems should comply with BS6037 & EN1808 and should be maintained in accordance with these regulations and manufacturers’ recommendations.

Tracked systems – the BMU is fixed to a twin runway track that generally follows the perimeter of a building, allowing full coverage of the façade. Older versions of tracked systems comprise of a single rear track with a concrete or steel bearing surface for the front wheel to bear upon.

 

 

Trackless systems – trackless systems run directly on specially constructed roof surfaces and are fully counterweighted to prevent any uplift or overturning. There is generally a guide around the extents of the roof area in which it is to be operated.

Pedestal-mounted systems – A pedestal-mounted system is fixed directly to the roof structure and pivots through 360 degrees.  This type of system is generally designed with either a telescopic or folding jib, which allows access to all extents of the building.

Freely laid track system – this system is a mixture of a tracked system and a trackless system.  The BMU is fixed to a twin runway track that is fixed to pedestals, which are in turn positioned on top of the roof finishes.  The BMU is fully counterweighted to prevent any uplift or overturning.