When it comes to construction work and safety of the workers working at the sites, it is highly important for the fall protection systems to work effectively. These safety measures in the form of fall protection anchor points are used to prevent workers from accidentally falling off and this is done by installing it on the roofs and connecting the same with lanyards, lifelines and other forms of tie-off.
A fall protection anchor is only as good as its components and selecting an appropriate anchor point for your system is very essential. As a thumb rule, it is best to go for the strongest while choosing the fall protection anchor points. For this equipment, steel is the material usually preferred; however, wood can also be used temporarily if it is engineer certified. Also, it is important to know the anchor points which are unsuitable, and which should never be used for:
- Fans or Roof stacks
- Vents, Ductwork or Pipe Vents
- Wiring Harness
- Conduit or Plumbing
- Light fixtures
- Ladders
- Lanyards, etc.
There are many single point anchors which are designed as per the requirement of an individual. These can be installed in most building and construction places. Some of them are:
- Conventional Eyebolts: These traditional eyebolts now come in 3 different finishes like galvanized steel, stainless steel and white as steel. Eyebolts can be used on inclined roofs for allowing easy work positions. Eyebolts are also suitable for most applications like brickwork, concrete, steel and cavity walls.
- Push-lock: These are used as alternatives to conventional eyebolts. However, push lock safety eyebolts are more discreet and highly effective in comparison. Even though the conventional eyebolts pass the safety requirements, they are visually not that great as they impair the visual characteristics of any room in which it is installed. Also, push lock fall protection anchor points can be installed permanently into the structure so that it can be used whenever required.
- Free Standing Weighed Anchors: These anchors provide a temporary access to flat roofs or structures where it is not possible to install any other traditional fall protection anchor. They can be used on concrete, single ply membrane, asphalt-stone chipped, bitumen membrane, asphalt-sanded and steel profile roofs.
Also, there is a legislative requirement that these anchor points must be tested every year and be certified for use.
Also Read:
- Learning the Main Factors Behind Occupational Health and Safety Audit
- Workplace Safety Inspection Guidelines And Procedures
- 4 Technologies That Will Change the Construction Industry Safety Game
Fall Protection Anchor Points Can Be Used On 3 Types of Roofs:
- Commercial Roof anchors: Commercial roofs need a specific kind of roof anchor and in most cases; people use a non-penetrating fall protection anchor like weighted anchor point or a parapet clamp. However, if you are installing for a long term and want a permanent anchor point, the CB anchor posts have a good tie-off connection for single-user or lifeline scenarios.
- Residential Roof Anchors: These anchors come in permanent as well as throw away fall protection anchor points varieties for connecting to the wood sheathing of a residential roof. Some examples are Temper Reusable Anchor, Halo Residential Roof Anchor, Guardian Skyhook Roof Anchor, Adjustable Skyhook, etc.
- Standing Seam Roof Anchors: For non-penetrating anchor points, standing seam roof anchor points are ideal. By using a clamping mechanism, one can connect the most standing seam roofs to the anchor point. The anchor points in the section can be used for single-person tie-off. Some of the anchor points available in the market are Standing Seam Roof Clamp, Two Way Standing Seam Anchor, etc.
When it comes to fall prevention, fall protection anchor points are very effective in providing protection to the workers if used correctly. The only disadvantage, however, is that, with anchor points, only a single person can use it and can be dangerous if used by multiple people. The fewer the people, the more feasible fall protection anchor points are going to be.
