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    Building Maintenance Unit

    A Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) is a permanently installed mechanical system designed to provide safe efficient access to the exterior façades of a building. Primarily used for window cleaning, façade maintenance, inspection and repair work these specialized machines are usually mounted on the roof allowing operators to move systematically over the structure to perform scheduled, unscheduled and even emergency maintenance via a suspended platform.

    Mandatory for buildings whose height is greater than 150 m (492 ft), Building Maintenance Units are also required when unique architectural features such as; sloped/peaked roofs, overhangs or other façade obstructions make traditional maintenance procedures difficult, timely or expensive. On complicated building designs, a BMU can and provide a sophisticated, efficient and safer façade access solution. They are often mounted centrally at roof level, and provide full lateral, horizontal and vertical movement of the working platform, in order to access all surfaces of a building. Alternatively a BMU can be mounted on a track running the perimeter of the roof edge allowing the operator to ‘drive’ the BMU to each working position eliminating the need to remove and relocate temporary access equipment.

    BMUs with luffing, telescoping, and rotational capabilities can be parked out of sight on the roof. This helps keep them largely invisible from the ground and preserves the architect’s intended building appearance.

    All BMU Systems are designed around scheduled façade maintenance e.g. window washing & external cleaning. With additional equipment offered to perform unscheduled maintenance e.g. replacement of glass/façade panels and other repairs.

    ATLAS, in partnership with Atechbcn—a leading manufacturer of BMUs with over 800 machines and a presence in 35 countries—offers the highest-quality and most technologically advanced Building

    Maintenance Units (BMUs).

    ATLAS is a true EPC (engineering, procurement & construction) contractor offering the following in-house services on every BMU scope:


    • The safest, most reliable and economical solutions for any building design or façade shape;
    • Consulting, planning and design right through to install and commissioning.
    • Post construction service, annual/pre-wash inspections and contractor BMU orientations;
    • Facade access solutions in close cooperation with architects or building owners;
    • Years of international experience with a strong tradition of product development;
    • Fast, reliable, and practical planning and design using the latest computer-aided modelling software and calculation techniques;
    • Every BMU is tailored and specifically designed for the building in which it is installed.

    BMU HOIST

    There are two types of hoist systems on the BMU market: drum and traction.

    Atlas in alliance with our partners uses drum technology, the most popular on permanent systems used on most of the world’s tallest buildings. The drum technology is good for heavy duty, high safety lifting equipment like crane, elevator etc. On the contrary, the traction type (friction technology) is good for self-powered basket. Its good mobility and light weight are ideal for temporary use but not for permanent system on high-rises.

    BMU TYPES

    Wherever the building’s geometry allows, these proven and economical building maintenance systems are deployed on buildings without major protrusions or recesses. They are usually installed on horizontal track systems on roofs, vertical track systems along roof parapets or run on concrete runways. Its advantages are:

    BMU Type 1
    BMU Type 1 Schematic

    – Simple and safe to operate. It can be operated in narrow spaces.

    – Maintenance-friendly. Hoist will operate for long periods of time without need for overhaul.

    – Hardly visible on buildings from ground level when implemented with retractable jibs.

    – Entrance and exit of the cradle (platform) can be situated at front or rear of the machine, according to preference and local conditions.

    – Almost unlimited possibilities of combinations and installations based on continuous development.

    These crane type machines are composed and modified from a comprehensive modular design to suit each building’s geometry and height. They can run on concrete runways, be installed on track systems or be directly connected to the building structure.

    Crane type machines are compact in design with a central, overhead slewing jib and slewing head. Espe-cially suitable where medium reach is necessary due to building terraces, recesses, protrusions or obsta-cles on the roof.
    With the slewing head located on the jib point, the cradle can always be positioned parallel to the building façade.
    With its stationary powerhouse and slender architecture it is particularly suitable for narrow passageways and small track gauges.

    BMU Type 4
    BMU Type 4 Schematic

    These machines are mainly deployed in situations in which large projections are required due to building terracing or obstacles on the roof.
    The crane type machines with standard proportionate projections of up to 40 meters also bypass substantial building terraces. At the same time, efficient performance is guaranteed through the functionality built into each machine.

    These crane type machines are characterised by a long jib with a slewing head. In practice, a single unit of this type, positioned correctly on the building, can service the entire building complex including all its terraces and annexes.
    Typically, the machines either run on horizontally laid tracks or they are anchored to the building in a sta-tionary position. They are also often made to telescope vertically to an operating position that clears all roof obstructions, while parking below and between the obstructions in order to be hidden from sight when not in use.
    These products are maintenance friendly and built to last. This is a fundamental and valuable component, as access is often hindered by scaffolding systems, gantries and so on.

    BMU Type 6
    BMU Type 6 Schematic

    BMU Standards

    Canada：

    CAN/CSA Z271.10 – Safety Code for Suspended Platform

    USA：

    ANSI/UL 508A (electrical), 1322 (platform) and 1323 (hoist)

    ANSI/ASME 120.1(2008) – Safety requirements for power platforms and travel

    ladders and gantries for building maintenance

    OSHA 1910.66 – Powered Platform for Building Maintenance

    Europe：
    2006/42/EC – European directive of machinery and BMUs
    EN 1808 – Safety requirements on suspended equipment

    China：
    GB19154.2003

    Projects Using a Building Maintenance Unit (BMU)