The Ever-Growing Hazards Of The Commercial Rooftop

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Today, I saw this in operation on top of a mixed-use, multiple story commercial office building. In Austin, a large number of businesses are installing solar and wind devices on their roofs or property for "green power" and alternative energy.

I am in no way against this, and I find it important that alternative energy sources are used. However, this is the first time I've seen this type of device, and wished to share it here as it can be a hazard to firefighters during rooftop operations or while laddering the building.

http://www.buildingturbines.com

(Video and photo by me, Seth Granville, 2-14-11)

[FiftyOnePride 100]

You should submit this to Vent Enter Search.

Commercial roofs can pose such interesting challenges or issues that need to be known to all crews on the fire ground from this to this, that, and this.

"The building is your enemy, know your enemy," Francis L. Brannigan.

I wonder what kind of additional weight load that puts on the roof top and support system for it..

(Edit: the system weights around 1000lbs, half a ton.)

Edited February 14, 2011 by FiftyOnePride

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You should submit this to Vent Enter Search.

I love that blog....didn't even think to submit it there. Submitted. Thanks!