Roof Fall Protection Systems
One of the most important parts of any roofing project is the proper use of yellow safety railing systems. Without these, workers are at risk of falling, especially when working on low-sloped roofs. A roof fall protection system, or "guardrail," provides an extra layer of safety for workers working at heights up to six feet. Guardrails are either temporary or permanent, and they must meet specific standards to ensure workers' safety.
A roof fall protection kit is a mobile system that can be transported to and from a jobsite. Its modular design allows users to choose which parts they need for different jobs, including the fall arrest devices. This prevents the user from having to go back to the shop to get additional fall protection gear. In general, roof fall protection kits and mobile systems are best for small-sloped or apex roofs. Although these systems are meant for commercial projects, they can also be used for residential construction.
A permanent fall arrest system consists of fall protection anchor points and a cable horizontal lifeline system. These systems are typically built into new construction and aren't as prevalent on older jobsites. In general, residential roofing requires fall restraints and safety systems to be in place, while commercial roofing may be more accommodating of fall arrest systems. If these systems aren't available, consider installing them on the roof. Many newer builds include roof fall protection systems built into the structure.
In addition to the PFAs and other roof fall protection systems, workers should be outfitted with safety equipment to avoid the risk of falling. A mesh system is an important part of a roof fall protection system because it catches the fallen worker, reducing the risk of fatality. The PFA is often used with a warning line system, which is used in conjunction with other roof fall protection components. It prevents workers from entering unsafe spaces by signaling them with a warning line.
A freestanding fall restraint system is another option for a roof fall protection system. This type of system does not require penetration and is characterized by handrails and knee rails that are connected to long stand bases. Concrete counterweights provide stability and are suitable for virtually any roof construction. You should make sure that the lifelines are shorter than the distance to the fall hazard. Once you've installed a fall restraint system, you should ensure that the height of the anchor points matches the height of the roof.
Lastly, make sure to discuss your safety measures with your team. While safety is often overlooked, it's not something you should take for granted. Falling from a roof can hurt a person, their family, and the company. Without a body harness, a person can suffer serious injuries and potentially even die. While it may cost a little more to buy a body harness, the long-term benefits are worth it. This link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_rail sheds light into the topic-so check it out!