|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
Industrial rooftops are potentially dangerous places for employees. There are a number of fall hazards from the leading edge to roof openings like skylights. You know that it's your responsibility to make sure that you've got OSHA compliant safety systems in place to protect employees. But what roof fall protection system is right for you? Ultimately, that depends upon your facility and the systems you already have in place. Let’s consider the top roof safety systems for industrial use in 2021, including a variety of fall protection devices from safety harnesses to safety guard rails.
Your Duty to Provide Fall Protection
OSHA regulations for general industry require employers to ensure that employees are protected from falling anytime they're working at elevations of four feet or more. That means you need protection on overhead platforms, elevated work surfaces, and holes in the floor and walls. In addition, OSHA expects employers to provide fall protection whenever people are working over dangerous machinery and equipment regardless of the height. In 2021, the top roof safety and fall protection systems that are OSHA approved for industrial use include:
Safety guard rails are the most recognizable roof fall protection systems on the market due to their versatility, durability, and strength. They also come in a variety of colors to suit your application as well as modular, permanent, and portable options. 2021's safety guard rails are also non-penetrating so you don't have to worry about your rooftop being damaged or its membrane being compromised.
If you decide to install a metal guard rail, make sure that it meets the OSHA requirements for compliance. Your guard rails need to be 42" tall (plus or minus 3"), able to withstand a force of 200 lbs applied in an upward or downward manner, and be made of materials that are free of snags and other dangers that can harm employees. Guard rails on the rooftop protect uneven levels, the leading edge, roof openings like hatches, and machinery and equipment.
Accessing the roof may require workers to climb a ladder and emerge from a roof hatch. When the hatch is closed, it may be safe for people to walk on. However, when the roof hatch is open, it's a potential fall hazard. Surrounding a roof access point with a guard rail that meets the specifications listed above is a good start, but employees need access to the area, so you'll also want to use a safety gate in conjunction with the safety railing.
In most cases, when you're installing a metal guard rail system around roof hatches, you need to enclose three sides with the railings. The fourth side is used to access the hatch. However, it can't be left exposed, so you need to install a gate that has an off-set entry, so workers can safely enter and exit the hatch. And a self-closing safety gate may be preferable to one that requires action on the part of the worker to further enhance safety.
Employees need to access your rooftop to perform maintenance and repairs. Climbing a ladder to the roof is a dangerous proposition, but if you're following OSHA guidelines, your employees will be safe. It's unlikely that a portable ladder would be used for roof access. In most cases, a fixed ladder is used to access the roof, and that requires special safety equipment and procedures.
OSHA requires that you provide employees with a ladder safety system which can include a permanent system like a cable or rail system, for fixed ladders that are 24 foot or higher above the lower level. Alternatively, you may assign workers with personal fall protection devices that include a full body harness, and a system that will stop the fall and absorb the energy, keeping in mind clearance calculations. Regardless of which route you choose, it's vital that your people are thoroughly trained on how to properly use the safety systems you provide.
Rooftop openings like skylights need to be protected so employees don't accidentally walk on them and fall through. The most common, and least light-restrictive, way to do this is with a metal guard rail or other safety guard rails installed around the skylight perimeter. These railings need to be 43" (plus or minus 3") tall and be able to withstand 200 pounds of force the same as any other guard rail.
Another way to protect skylights is with a skylight screen that covers the skylight, preventing falls. Skylight screens, according to the newest OSHA regulations, have to be able to stand twice the intended load. That's a difficult number to quantify and you'll want to be extra careful when choosing skylight screens to be sure they're capable of handling the load.
In addition to guard rails and skylight screens, you may want to consider adding an additional roof fall protection system. One of the easiest to use is a warning line that lets workers know a fall hazard is present. The problem with using a warning line, however, is that there's nothing to hold the worker back if they fall. So, you can't just get by with a warning line, you need additional protection.
Fall arrest systems that require employees to use full body harnesses, anchorage, a horizontal lifeline, and personal fall protection devices are a good way to provide workers with fall protection when guard rail systems aren't feasible. Situations that may call for an alternative to guard rails include very steep roofs, or roofs that cannot accommodate a guard rail for other reasons.
Falls have long been a serious issue in industrial facilities and fall safety is a top priority for OSHA and business owners like yourself. When it comes to keeping your employees safe, you have to be sure that every piece of safety equipment involved in your roof fall protection system is OSHA compliant. That's not easy.
BlueWater is an industry leader for OSHA compliant roof safety systems and we're here to help you keep your facility safe. Contact us today to learn more about the best roof safety systems for 2021. We'll help you find the perfect fall protection system, whether that's a metal guard rail or personal fall protection devices like safety harnesses and horizontal lifelines.