Jeremy Grimes, CSI, CDT, Strategic Roof Safety Specialist, FlashCo
Since 2012, OSHA has enacted a Fall Prevention Campaign to raise awareness among workers and employers about how falls from common hazards can be prevented. The campaign includes three basic tenants: Plan, Provide and Train. With proper planning, using correct equipment and training everyone on the proper use of safety equipment, fatal falls can be prevented.
Contractors are well versed in the need to safely protect their workers during jobs (OSHA 1926 Construction) but roofers can also help building owners maintain the safety of buildings by installing permanent fall protection during the construction process. Over the life of a roof, multiple trades will access the roof, performing various forms of preventative maintenance, from changing HVAC filters to debris removal, to maintaining rooftop equipment, to gutter cleaning and more. Fall protection systems installed after construction closeout, often well after, can result in multiple roof penetrations that will require the roofer to return to the jobsite to waterproof those penetrations. However, installing safety systems during construction saves considerable time and protects workers from day one.
Rooftop workers classify as OSHA 1910 (General Industry) workers and if a structure does not have a 42 inch parapet wall, the building owner is liable for workers within 6 to 15 foot from the roof edge. It is best practice for roofing contractors to include permanent fall protection for a building owner’s future use on projects where fall risk is possible. Permanent fall protection could include American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z-359 Horizontal Lifeline (HLL), single point tie-back anchors or guardrail. Installing fall protection during the construction process and approved by a manufacturer’s inspectors during warranty approval, can prevent future issues on installed roofs.
Fall protection is the use of controls designed to protect workers from falling or, in the event they do fall, to stop them without causing severe injury. Fall protection systems often involve one or more devices, components or methods for preventing or reducing injuries or fatalities resulting from a fall.
There are several types of fall protection in hierarchy from active to passive protection. Active protection includes the use of methods such as body support (harnesses), anchored connections (lanyards), anchor points and structural supports. Passive protection includes items such as guardrails.
Active protection horizontal lifelines are part of a personal fall arrest system. HLL systems are engineered to determine the loads for anchorage, associated sag angles and clearance required in event of a fall. Design decisions include: the number of users per line, length of line used, number of anchor points, materials used and the installed environment. In situations that might lead to falls, a HLL restraint system is preferred to prevent fatal falls. Critical considerations are made to prevent individuals from hitting the ground or a structure during a potential descent.
In certain situations, such as building façade maintenance or window cleaning, it will be necessary for workers to exit (fall off) the roof. In such circumstances, rooftop tie-back anchors are a proper method for providing safe anchorage points for building façade work. Tie-back anchors are installed into the structure of the building and provide a reliable fall arrest or fall restraint system. Anchors are designed to resist pull-out forces of 5,000 pounds that might be applied in any direction of an anchor. Tie-back anchors must meet ASME and OSHA safety standards.
Passive fall protection systems such as guardrails, gates, crossover stairs and hatches protect workers from falls. Common rail systems are modular, non-penetrating designs that are flexible to meet a wide range of requirements. Systems must meet OSHA regulations to ensure rooftops are safe and secure. A complete system that includes rails and guards enables workers to safely enter, move around and exit the roof. For architectural appeal, manufacturers offer guardrails in custom colors other than safety yellow. Colors such as gray or white blend into the environment and are less noticeable from ground level. Collapsible versions are available that could be hidden away when not being utilized.
HLL or tie-back anchor systems are typically installed by certified installers. These installers and their technicians have been certified in installation requirements for each system. However, after installation, it will be necessary for the roofer to go back and waterproof those areas in which fall protection has been installed. Fall protection systems that require fewer installation points can help roofers to waterproof those areas quickly and effectively.
In summary, permanent fall protection is a necessary component of making roofs safer for workers. Making permanent fall protection part of the construction process is a best practice for roofers. If fall protection is installed after project closeout, the guarantee of a roof warranty may be compromised by adding holes or creating potential leakage points and may result in unnecessary call backs. To avoid these issues, roofers should install permanent fall protection during construction. This is a standard that is not going away and safety is rarely value-engineered away from projects. Be at the forefront of these opportunities and know the most cost-effective fall prevention is fall protection.
Jeremy Grimes, CSI, CDT is the Strategic Roof Safety Specialist at FlashCo. He has a B.S. in Construction Management from Missouri State University, an MBA from Baker University and is CSI-CDT certified. Jeremy started his career in Local 20 as Union roofing laborer. He has over 10 years of experience in permanent safety fall protection, 25 years in building envelope construction and is well versed in all commercial waterproofing systems from below grade to architectural metal.
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