#AskCentiMark series: Raising the roof on safety accessories with Anne Serzz.

Hi! I am Anne Serzz, your commercial roof safety advocate. Fasten your harness and get ready to learn about the different accessories on the market that play a vital role in keeping your roofing projects compliant and safe at all times! In every work environment, unwavering dedication to roof safety is crucial to prevent injuries. From warning lines to fall prevention systems, there are multiple accessories that can help you comply with the stringent standards and regulations. Let’s discuss these different accessories: 

Safety guardrails:

These are railings that are installed around the perimeter of your roof as well as around any hazardous areas. Guardrails are used to provide fall protection for anyone on your roof.

Key advantages: 

• ✔ Provides a barrier system for your roof’s unprotected edges.

• ✔ Easy to install and can be permanent or temporary for a specific project.

• ✔ Helps your business comply with OSHA’s standards and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Fall Protection Code which ensures roof safety.

Positioning systems and safety lines:

This is a restraint solution in which plates are installed to the roof deck and then connected to a heavy-duty horizontal "lifeline”. Your team will connect their harnesses to that line for full tie-off.

Key advantages:

• ✔ Makes it safer for your team to work in elevated areas.

• ✔ Allows workers to work hands-free.

Perimeter warning lines:

These are visual tools that are made of rope, wire, chain or warning flags. They are installed at least six feet from a fall hazard to prevent roof traffic from accessing hazardous areas. 

Key advantages:

• ✔ They are highly noticeable to increase awareness of potential risks.

• ✔ Can be adjusted or moved to different areas on the roof, making them adaptable for the different areas of the roofing project.

Fixed ladders:

This type of ladder is securely fastened to a structure or building providing designated direct access to the roof. 

Key advantages:

✔ Permanent roof safety solution, saving time on the setup and breakdown of your roofing project.

✔ Can include a security door to lockdown roof access.  

Fall arrest systems for fixed ladders:

A cable trolley and a personal harness system with a lanyard that prevents falls from fixed ladders. 

Key advantages:

• ✔ Required by OSHA for fixed ladders 24 feet or taller and even 20 feet or taller in some states.

• ✔ Allows for smooth movement along the ladder, enabling workers to climb safely and efficiently.

Skylight screens:

These are wire mesh cage accessories that cover skylights to prevent falling through. 

Key advantages:

• ✔ Protect anyone working on the roof from injuring themselves by stepping on or falling through skylights.

• ✔ Installed into the top of the skylight curb not penetrating the roof assembly. 

Walkway systems:

Designated paths on your rooftop that are particularly useful for high-traffic areas such as HVAC units. 

Key advantages:

✔ Helps direct traffic on your roof safely and effectively. 

✔ Protects the roof membrane and surface.

✔ Helps to prevent slips or falls on the roof. 

Choosing the proper safety accessories that fit your roof and project needs is key! Additionally, properly educating everyone on the proper use of these accessories can further minimize risks or injury-related accidents on commercial roofs. Properly installed safety accessories will also help with keeping your building and rooftop OSHA compliant.

Through comprehensive training, diligence and strict adherence to industry best practices, we prioritize roof safety on every project for you. Our commitment to maintaining exceptional Experience Modification Rate (EMR) and Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) scores ensures a safe environment for everyone and everything on the job site. But that is just part of it. Let's keep your roof safe together. Contact us today for a free roof inspection to determine the most optimized safety solutions for your facility’s needs:[link to contact page]. 

Learn more about the safety accessories that might be a fit for your roof: https://www.centimark.com/resources/commercial-roof-safety