Your Rooftop Fall Protection Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Keeping your rooftop fall protection equipment clean and well-maintained is one of the best ways to extend its life while keeping your employees safe. Whether there are employees on your roof on a regular basis or not, it's up to you as a safety manager to keep your fall protection equipment clean and fully functional. Below is a look at some key maintenance issues with rooftop equipment and some specific steps you can take to keep your fall protection systems in good working order all year long.

Why does rooftop fall protection equipment require special maintenance?

Roof safety railings and guardrail systems, along with gates, warning lines, hatch coverings, and personal fall protection, are subject to normal wear and tear just like any other equipment in your building. However, their exposure to outdoor elements makes them more susceptible to premature deterioration. Here are three key reasons why keeping rooftop equipment clean and well maintained is more important than ever:

1. Harsh weather: Repeated exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and the sun's harsh rays can compromise equipment durability.
2. Poor visibility: Fog, rain, and snow can interfere with the ability to readily notice corroded lifeline systems or anchor points.
3. COVID-19: While it’s currently though that the virus does not spread easily from touching surfaces, it's important to keep equipment clean and sanitized if in use.

What types of fall protection equipment require cleaning and maintenance?

All rooftop fall protection equipment should be regularly cleaned and maintained. But some items are handled and exposed to the elements more frequently than others. Here is a summary of equipment that you should regularly clean and maintain:

• Guardrail systems that provide a fall protection barrier around your roof's edge
• Lifeline systems used to facilitate hands-free rooftop travel and fall protection where railings are infeasible
• Anchor points that are installed to secure fall protection equipment in place

What are some best practices for keeping equipment clean?

While the exact cleaning procedures you take will vary with equipment type, there are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind as you clean your rooftop equipment. Here are four best practices for keeping your safety rails and lifeline equipment clean:

1) Always start by following manufacturer instructions

Keep multiple copies of each set of instructions on hand in a central location. It's also a good idea to create an online library. Using cleaning agents or methods other than those specified by the manufacturer could nullify your warranty and lead to premature deterioration.

2) Remove any accumulated debris prior to cleaning

Dust, dirt, and paint can quickly accumulate on your rooftop fall protection equipment. Before cleaning safety rails, guardrails, or anchor points, take some time to remove accumulated debris. This step will allow cleaning solutions to properly penetrate the surface.

3) Refrain from using harsh agents

You may be tempted to use rubbing alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide to wipe down or clean your equipment. And with lingering COVID concerns, you may also contemplate using hand sanitizer to clean safety devices. However, these agents may compromise the integrity of your equipment. Only use these substances if they are specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

4) Avoid sharing lanyards and harnesses

The process of transferring equipment from one person to another increases your risk of contracting COVID and other viruses. If your company is short on equipment and sharing is absolutely necessary, be sure to fully clean items before they are transferred from one employee to another.

Should you use the same approach to maintenance for every type of equipment?

No. While you technically could use the maintenance procedures with all of your products, you won't achieve the best results. For ideal results, you should tailor your maintenance schedule to reflect the type of equipment you have. Here are some leading fall protection devices along with suggested cleaning solutions:

• Guardrail systems: Check installation points to ensure that guardrails are securely positioned with anchor bolts; ensure there’s no corrosion; check for grease or other slippery or viscous substances.
• Lifeline systems: Inspect end anchors and intermediate supports to make sure they are intact and free of corrosion.
• Anchor points: Carefully examine all anchor points to ensure they are properly positioned and free of damage and rust.
• Harnesses: Periodically examine harnesses for signs of cracked fasteners, worn threads, or damaged grommets.

What can happen if you fail to clean or maintain your equipment?

Underestimating the importance of cleaning and maintenance can lead to a variety of safety risks and OSHA violations. Here are just a few of the consequences that may arise if you fail to maintain the fall protection equipment on your roof:

• Corrosion: Failure to clean and dry equipment can lead to corrosion - the biggest cause of equipment breakdown in industrial facilities.
• Equipment failure: Corroded or worn anchor points can compromise the safe functionality of lifeline equipment, leading to falls.
• OSHA violations: When fall protection equipment does not work properly, you open your company up to OSHA violations.
• Financial penalties: You may face up to $13,494 per violation or $134,937 maximum for repeated violations.
• Spread of COVID-19: While the risk is low, there is still a chance that COVID-19 and other viruses can linger on surfaces.

What is the key to keeping fall protection equipment clean and functional?

By following the steps above, you can keep the fall protection equipment on your roof clean and well-maintained. However, the key to ensuring that you extend the life of your equipment is to seek the guidance of a manufacturer who specializes in fall protection equipment.

As a leading manufacturer of rooftop fall protection equipment, BlueWater Manufacturing designs high quality guardrail systems, roof safety rails, and lifeline systems that will withstand the harsh outdoor elements in addition to regular wear and tear. As part of BlueWater's commitment to providing top quality equipment, they deliver guidance for cleaning and maintenance for all of their products. We look forward to helping you choose fall protection systems that will stand the test of time. Contact us today to set up a consultation with one of our fall protection specialists.