The BiboBlock® is a permanent fall arrest system for people working on flat roofs.
On flat roofs, the zone within two and a half metres of the roof edge is generally considered to be unsafe. A good safety system is therefore necessary and a legal requirement. Zoontjens’ patented BiboBlock® fall arrest system makes it possible to create comfortable and safe working environments on all flat roofs.
BiboBlock®
The BiboBlock® fall arrest system is a permanent system for people working on flat roofs The basis of the system is the BiboBlock®, a 192-kg concrete slab, 900 x 900 x 110 mm, with an integrated 12-mm thick stainless steel ring. A BiboBlock® has four rubber slab supports, and optional bituminous adhesive pads, all of which is placed/bonded to a flat roof. A major advantage is that there is no need to penetrate through the waterproof membrane of the substructure.
Three systems
Three different systems can be used in combination with the BiboBlock®. The Bibo Anchor and the Bibo Lifeline are intended for occasional to medium-intensity use and the Bibo Cable for intensive use.
Bibo Octo
The Bibo Octo is the modular version of the BiboBlock. The Bibo Octo was developed specifically for those locations where cranes cannot be used to lift a BiboBlock onto the roof. The Bibo Octo consists of eight elements and is very easy and quick to assemble.
Fall protection without roof penetration
BiboBlock offers a permanent and durable fall arrest system. The major advantage of this system: the roof itself does not have to be penetrated and the roof membrane is not pierced.
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Frequently asked questions
For bitumen-based roof covering, you need a BiboBlock with adhesive pads (article number 192810) and for a plastic roof covering (EPDM/PVC/TPO/FPO) you need a BiboBlock with no adhesive pads (article number 508710).
The EN795 standard (personal protections against falling) has been revised. The current version is the EN795:2012. The BiboBlock has been tested according to the requirements of class A and satisfies all requirements imposed by this standard, on a class A product. Unfortunately, the product does not comply with the E-class of this new standard. Officially, the BiboBlock does not comply with the EN795:2012 standard itself, as a BiboBlock is considered as a building-specific provision. As yet there are no standards for building-specific provisions of this kind.
A BiboBlock is perfectly suitable for reuse in the event of renovation of the roof covering. In the case of a bitumen roof membrane, the BiboBlock can be released by reheating the bitumen adhesive pads under the feet and reattaching it at a new location. In the case of a plastic roof covering, a BiboBlock can be cut free from the roof covering and then bonded to the new roof covering.
We recommend visual inspection of the BiboBlock once every 5 years. Any cable system attached and all PPEs must be inspected annually. BiboBlocks must always be inspected prior to the next use, if a fall has occurred.
A requirement of the Dutch 2012 Building Decree for new-build and renovation projects is that the way in which maintenance on and around buildings can be done safely must be specified. If maintenance cannot be carried out safely without taking special measures, building-related devices must be provided. The BiboBlock fall arrest system is such a building-related device.
The BiboBlock fall arrest system has been enabling safe maintenance for more than 15 years. We have been testing it extensively, supervised by the relevant authorities, for many years and it fulfils all requirements. The BiboBlock system enables both individual and collective fall arrest safety to be achieved. The BiboBlock fall arrest system is extremely durable, requires little maintenance, other than an inspection of the cable and the 5 year review, does not lead to cold bridging and does not penetrate the roofing.
Anchor devices are not part of the European standard
European Standard EN 795 : 2012 (Personal fall protection equipment) describes the requirements for anchor devices for fall protection. When this standard was harmonised (approved by all countries and institutions) in late 2015, it was accompanied by the warning that building-related anchor facilities were no longer covered by the PPE directives. Since then, building-bound anchor devices have been incorporated into the building directives. However, no substitute standard has been issued as part of the building directives yet. Because of that, for want of a better option, these devices are tested to EN 795:2012 and to CEN TS 16415. The latter standard refers to the number of people who have to use the anchor device simultaneously, but this standard has not yet been harmonised.
Dynamic and static BiboBlock tests
Although there is no standard for building-related anchor devices, systems can be tested for their compliance with EN 795:2012 and CEN TS 16415. The British SATRA Technology Centre undertook this for the BiboBlock fall arrest system by attaching it to various types of roofing and carrying out static and dynamic tests. As always, the BiboBlock fall arrest system was found to comply with the standards in all situations.
Durable and sustainable fall arrest system
The BiboBlock is a durable and sustainable building product that is used as a building-related anchoring device for safe maintenance and demonstrably complies with the requirements of the Dutch Building Decree.