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Your employees are at risk whenever they are working at height. This is especially true when they're working on your facility's rooftop. Whether workers are performing regular maintenance activities, making repairs, or cleaning, they face a number of fall hazards as well as weather issues. You know that it is your obligation under OSHA 1910.28 to have fall protection and falling object protection to keep workers safe.
While guardrails are the most common form of OSHA-compliant rooftop fall protection, they aren't the only way to keep people safe at height. A roof safety system that consists of a lifeline, harness, lanyard, and anchor point may also be used for roof fall protection. But what happens when there's no place to tie off? Mobile anchor points may be the solution. The following FAQs will help you determine if they're right for you:
Think of a roof anchor as a secure connection point for an active fall protection system. It's imperative that you choose the right type of anchor point for the work and that you have it installed correctly. Anchor points may be permanent parts of the building or temporary equipment. They may consist of a simple D-ring attachment or a harness, lanyard, and lifeline system.
On rooftops and other structures where there are no adequate tie-off points, you can't just stop work. But you also need to come up with a solution that keeps workers safe no matter what the situation is. That's where mobile roof anchor points come in handy. Made of several weighted sections, mobile anchors are strong enough to stop a worker from falling to the level below. A mobile roof anchor is also very convenient since they're easily dismantled and transported for use elsewhere.
There's no safe way for employees to approach the edge of your industrial rooftop, roof opening, hatch, elevated surface, or skylight without adequate roof safety systems in place. OSHA doesn't specify what type of fall protection system you have to use in any particular situation. If your roof is flat, that is the pitch is less than 4 degrees, mobile anchors are completely acceptable and should meet OSHA and ANSI standards.
Per OSHA 1926.502, fall protection systems criteria and practices, anchor points must meet certain standards to be considered OSHA-compliant. Keep in mind that all anchor points must be able to withstand twice the potential impact load of an employee, or 3600 3,0600 lbs. (13.3kN), whichever is higher. Anchor points must also be used solely for attachment to a personal fall arrest system.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using a mobile anchor point on your rooftop is that when used in addition to the right fall protection system, they provide OSHA-compliant fall protection. The second is convenience. Since they aren't permanently attached, you can move them anywhere they're needed with ease. Don't need them? You can always pack up your anchor points and store them away until they're needed again.
Ideally, you'll use a mobile roof anchor in conjunction with your other active roof safety systems. Most often, you'll find this type of fall protection system being used on a flat roof. In fact, that's what they're designed for. While they can be left on the rooftop, you may also want to consider using them for rooftop protection during work that's infrequent or temporary.
That's not what they're designed to do. For the most part, mobile anchors should not be used on any rooftop or other surface that slopes more than 4 degrees. When the slope is more than 4 degrees, but less than 18 degrees, you'll want to install guardrails with toeboards to meet OSHA standards. If your roof has a steeper slope, or your workers need additional fall protection, you'll need a permanent anchor point coupled with a lifeline and safety harness, or an alternative means of protecting them.
OSHA doesn't say you have to use mobile anchors with your roof safety systems, but they can be a good choice. Before you decide to use mobile rooftop anchor points, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified safety expert. After a thorough inspection of your roof to identify fall hazards, you'll be able to determine what type of roof fall protection devices and equipment are best suited for your application.
Installing fall protection equipment is imperative, but so is protecting the integrity of your roof. After all, it protects everyone and everything inside the facility from the elements. The last thing you want is for holes to be drilled into your roof. When you use non-penetrating mobile anchor points as part of your fall protection system, your roof will remain undamaged.
Absolutely! Don't let the word mobile confuse you. Despite the fact that a mobile anchor point can be easily dismantled and moved, they certainly don't have to be temporary. When installed as part of a complete OSHA-compliant rooftop fall protection system, mobile anchor points are as effective as permanent anchors. In fact, since they're constructed of such strong materials, they're quite durable and long-lasting.
Working at height is dangerous and it's your legal, moral, and ethical obligation to ensure your workers are always protected. That means installing adequate fall protection on your rooftop. This may include a guardrail system, skylight protection, and roof hatch protection. You might also need to use personal fall protection equipment connected to a solid anchor point for added safety.
Always consult a qualified safety expert before you make any decisions about fall protection. Not only will that simple step save you time and money, but it will also ensure you're always in compliance with the latest OSHA regulations. For OSHA-compliant mobile anchors and expert advice, contact the fall protection experts at BlueWater today. We will be happy to assist you in finding the right safety equipment for your facility.
