Falling Objects from Facades
Examples of falling façade materials/components/features
Life threatening falling objects (including materials, components or features) from building façades have been reported globally. It is imperative that all façades must be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure public safety. To this extent, periodic inspections and repairs on façades must be conducted. Aside from the ASTM Guide Book STP 1444: Building Façade Maintenance, Repair and Inspection, other relevant standards that cover methods and procedures for inspection, evaluation, and reporting for the periodic inspection of building façades for unsafe conditions include:
- ASTM E2270 — Standard Practice for Periodic Inspection of Building Façades for Unsafe Conditions: This standard practice establishes the minimum requirements for conducting periodic inspections of building façades to identify unsafe conditions that could cause harm to persons and property. It addresses the required content of the façade inspection report, in order to convey to the specifying authority, the condition of the façade, and to allow for comparisons against the façade’s condition at other times.
- ASTM E2841— Standard Guide for Conducting Inspections of Building Façades for Unsafe Conditions: This guide establishes the procedures and methodologies for conducting inspections of building façades — including those that meet the inspection criteria/comply with Practice E2270.
As in the case of falling window panels from a building, reference to the following design, construction and maintenance guidelines may prevent the occurrence of said defect:
- Design: Comply with the requirements for curtain wall construction (BS EN 13830+A1, SS 654+A1). Refer to SS 212 (BS 4873) for the minimum performance of aluminium alloy windows.
- Construction: Provide maintenance and replacement requirements for structural sealant glazing systems (ASTM C1401, BS EN 13022-1). Use stainless steel ironmongery in areas with a high risk of corrosion and degradation.
- Maintenance: Conduct continual maintenance of the exterior seals to maintain a weather-tight condition (ASTM C1401, BS EN 13022-1). Routinely check aluminium rivets, screws, hinges, sliding shoes and tracks. Lubricate bi-annually.
Periodic Facade Inspection
