Ladders Consultants

Independent system-level evaluation, failure analysis, and lifecycle assessment of fall protection and access systems (design, manufacturing, installation, and operation)

Summary

Rauch Safety & Engineering operates as an independent engineering authority focused on fall protection systems, façade access systems (including Building Maintenance Units – BMUs), and permanent access infrastructure.

Engagements occur in complex, high-consequence environments where system performance, lifecycle conditions, and alignment between design, manufacturing, installation, and operational use directly impact safety, liability, and asset integrity.

RSE is engaged to evaluate system conditions, discrepancies, and performance across the full lifecycle, particularly where misalignment exists between design intent and real-world execution.

Scope includes:

• Design intent and engineering integration 
• Manufacturing constraints and system configuration 
• Installation and commissioning conditions 
• Operational performance and lifecycle exposure

RSE does not perform construction, installation, maintenance, or operational services, and does not act as a contractor or project manager. All work is conducted as an independent, non-operational authority focused on system-level evaluation.

Engagement is typically driven by complexity, ambiguity, or conditions where standard project delivery does not resolve system-level risk.

Principal Areas of Specialization:

• Fall Protection Systems — system performance, configuration, and failure conditions
• Façade Access Systems (BMU) — design alignment, installation conditions, operational performance
•  Suspended Access Systems — system behavior and lifecycle conditions
• Permanent Access Infrastructure — anchors, lifelines, integrated access systems
• Design vs. Installation Discrepancy Analysis
• System Failure & Performance Analysis
• Commissioning Condition Review (non-operational)
• Lifecycle Condition Evaluation
• OSHA / ANSI / IWCA Standards Interpretation
• Independent System Review across full lifecycle

System-Specific Focus :

Building Maintenance Units (BMU) & Facade Access Systems

• Design intent vs. building integration
• Installation alignment with system specifications
• Commissioning conditions and readiness
• Discrepancies between manufactured and installed systems
• Operational and lifecycle performance conditions

Custom & Specialized Access Systems

• Non-standard or project-specific system configurations
• Design integration and manufacturing constraints
• Installation alignment and system behavior in operation

Lifeline & Anchor Systems

• System configuration and structural integration
• Installation conditions relative to design and standards
• Performance, loading conditions, and lifecycle exposure

Infrastructure Environments 

RSE engages across infrastructure environments where fall protection and access systems are critical to ongoing operation and asset integrity:

• High-rise and commercial buildings
•  Airports and transportation infrastructure
• Industrial facilities and processing plants
• Power generation and transmission infrastructure
• Bridges and specialized structural systems
• Mining and heavy industrial environments
• Marine and shipping infrastructure
• Towers and vertical access structures

Former Professional Associations

• Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC)
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
• Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME)
• Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
• National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP ASE)
• National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)

View Rauch Safety and Engineering's Expert Witness Profile.

Kristopher J. Seluga, PE, is a Mechanical Engineering, Accident Reconstruction, Biomechanics, and Safety Expert with over 20 years of experience. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT where he worked on the development of novel three-dimensional printing technologies.

Mr. Seluga is also a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and Connecticut, and has served as a member of the ANSI engineering committee for the Z130.1 and Z135 standards for golf cars and PTV’s. His research interests and peer reviewed publications span the topics of Motor Vehicle Dynamics, Product Safety, and Biomechanics.

Litigation Support - Mr. Seluga has been working as a forensic engineer at Technology Associates since 2001. He has investigated 100s of accidents for both plaintiffs and defendants. Mr. Seluga has been qualified to testify as an expert in state and federal court and is experienced in testifying in depositions and trials. He has successfully defeated Daubert / Frye challenges and can prepare and explain compelling exhibits at trial.

Areas of Expertise:

Ronald Tyson is a Building and Premises Expert in the construction business for over 45 years.  He has years of hands on experience in the individual trades as a tradesman, subcontractor and general contractor.  

Mr. Tyson has been a Michigan licensed builder since 1967 and has functioned as a general contractor and provided supervisory tasks for Tyson Enterprises, Incorporated and other contractors on all types of industrial, public, commercial and residential construction projects since 1963. He is a member of numerous building code and standard authorities, including but not limited to IBC [BOCA, UBC] NFPA, IAEI, NAHB, etc.

Mr. Tyson's experience and expertise can help clients with contracts, safety, and other obligations as they may affect project control of contractors and/or project managers.  He can advise on the duties in new and remodeling construction and maintenance required by the premises owner.

Litigation Support - Mr. Tyson has served the legal community as a Construction Expert Witness for 35 years. He has worked for both plaintiff and defendant attorneys. He is available to perform onsite inspections, research, review litigation matters, makes drawings, interview litigants, and provides evidence for court, including correct building code and life safety statutes and standards as they may affect personal injury claims, construction, contracts, etc. and causation.  Mr. Tyson has never been disqualified in over 200 times in court.

Areas of Expertise: