Height Safety Equipment Installation: Prevent Accidents at Work
Working on heights is not easy as it seems, it involves lots of risk of falling from the roof. You will not believe that many people have died after falling from the roof, just because the height safety equipment was not installed for them. You never know when accidents occur. Hence, prevention is always better than cure, therefore if your work is somehow related to working at height it is extremely important to get a height safety equipment installation.
Installation of height safety equipment or system should be approved and accredited by local authorities. The certification of the roof is also mandatory if you are planning to install such equipment. If the safety systems are not in place or not up to the required standards, then the business owners will be held liable. It is important to analyze the roof area of your building and accordingly plan the safety installation equipment.
5 Types of Height Safety Equipment:
There are different types of height safety products and based on the nature of the work a comprehensive system should be installed. Outlined below are few products which are specially designed by keeping the safety of the workers in mind:
#1. Static Lines
Static lines which are also called horizontal lifelines are fixed horizontally across the roof with the help of wire cables or ropes. A lanyard safety harness donned by the workers is attached to the static lines which protect them from a fall. The best thing about this system is that allows freedom of movement as the lanyard moves along with the worker. It becomes extremely important to get such important height safety equipment installation from certified and experienced companies.
#2. Roof Anchor Points
A roof anchor point is one of the most commonly used height safety equipment. Such type of safety product is rigged on the roof and it’s normally used along with a lanyard safety harness to prevent the workers from falling. There are basically two types of roof anchor points i.e. fall arrest system and rope access system. The fall arrest system literally ‘arrests’ the worker’s mid-air and prevents them from falling on the roof surface. It allows them to ascend, descend and, even pass through ropes while performing their job.
#3. Roof Access Hatches
Roof access hatches basic role is to provide safe entry to the roof by using a service stair or an interior ladder. They are available in two types i.e. hinged and sliding hatch systems which you can select based on your needs and requirements. The hatches provide safe panels that are mostly covered with transparent glass. This enables to access the roof region easily.
#4. Roof Guardrails
Roof guardrail’s basic role is to protect the workers from slipping and falling while traversing on a flat or a sloped roof. They are portable, sturdy and are basically available in two types i.e. guardrail system mounted on structures and ballasted guardrail systems. The structure mounted guard rail system is designed to be installed on various types of wall structures for the roofs. The ballasted guardrail system, on the other hand, is designed for existing buildings that are in need of edge protection on the roof.
#5. Roof walkway system
The roof of the building is a place where cooling units, solar panels, skylights are installed which means that your maintenance staff will use the system frequently for maintaining them. This is where a roof walkway system comes to use as it not only protects your roof from damages but also protects your maintenance staff from falling. Walking on a roof is a dangerous task as it can lead to slip or fall especially when it is sloped. Roof walkway system is manufactured using materials like various metals and rubber which are basically slip-resistant.
There are numerous companies providing height safety equipment installation, but it’s always recommended that you opt for a trusted name in the market as you don’t want to risk the safety of your workers. You should always keep the safety of these workers as your priority.