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Industrial rooftops are potentially dangerous places with a number of fall hazards that need to be identified and addressed with some form of fall protection equipment. And when it comes to rooftop fall protection, guardrails and safety rails are probably the most recognized forms of protection. They are widely used in a variety of settings including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, and other industrial buildings. They are versatile, effective, and provide workers with adequate fall protection as long as they meet OSHA standards. Because guardrails and safety railings are so prevalent, it's wise to learn as much as you can, so you can make sure you're making the right fall safety decisions for your employees and your facility. Below are some of the most frequent questions fall protection experts receive concerning guardrails:
Since your industrial rooftop is most certainly higher than 4 feet off the ground, you are obligated under OSHA regulations to provide fall protection for anyone who gets on the roof. This is the case whether workers are frequently working on or maintain equipment on the roof, or even if it's a rare occasion for anyone to be up there. OSHA does not, however, specify the type of rooftop fall protection devices you must use. It's up to you to decide if safety railing systems are the right solution for you.
Take a look at your rooftop, and you'll soon see that there are many possible fall hazards. The outer perimeter and leading edge of the roof are the most obvious and seemingly most significant fall hazards. But these are hardly the only places you should be looking. The truth is, every inch of your rooftop is a potentially dangerous location for workers. Roof hatches, ladder entries, skylights, uneven surfaces, rooftop equipment, and even small holes in the roofing material need to be surrounded with a guardrail or other device to protect workers from falls.
OSHA rarely requires a specific piece of equipment as a solution, and you shouldn't be thinking that way either. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for fall protection because every industrial rooftop is unique. If your roof has a steep slope, for example, railings may not be a good fit. You may need to provide personal fall protection equipment like a harness and lanyard for some roof workers in addition to passive fall protection. That decision should be based on input from your safety expert, employees, and OSHA guidelines.
In order for safety railings to provide maximum fall protection for workers, they need to meet OSHA's standards. Railings need to be made of smooth, durable material that won't snag workers skin or clothing. They have to be 42 inches tall, plus or minus 3 inches from the walking/working surface. Rails have to withstand 200 pounds of downward pressure on the top rail, and 150 pounds of pressure on the midrail. Keep in mind that it's up to you to determine whether a safety rail is the right option for your application.
Well, that depends on your parapet. There is no specific OSHA rule that fully addresses parapets, however, it is possible for a parapet to be considered adequate fall protection. To be an adequate alternative to guardrails, a parapet has to meet OSHA standards for those same rails. That means it needs to be the proper height and provide the same stable protection as OSHA-compliant safety railing systems. If your parapet stands up to these standards, then you may well be compliant. As always, consult with an expert to be sure.
As with most things, OSHA doesn't have a specific requirement for safety rail materials. The most common material is steel because it's extremely strong, durable, and cost-effective. Fiberglass is another popular option for rooftop railings. Which one is right for your rooftop? That's a tough question because there are so many variables, from your industry to the climate and weather your facility will have to endure. You should have a qualified individual inspect your roof and help you decide which safety rail system material is best.
Although high-contrast yellow safety railings are perfect for warning workers of a fall hazard, they may not meet your aesthetic needs. The good news is that safety railing systems can be completely customized to complement your building and your brand. Whether you like the bare metal look, or a specific color, it's up to you. Instead of detracting from your facility's architecture, your railings can enhance the building and build on your brand imaging with a complimentary color and finish.
The actual process of installing a guardrail system for rooftop fall protection will be determined by the type of guardrail you choose. We recommend a system that is easy to set up with one or two employees, with few or no tools required. However, it's not a good idea to just start installing railings without some advice from a safety expert. After all, improper installation can create a dangerous situation for your employees and a potential compliance issue for you.
Your rooftop keeps all the machinery, equipment, inventory, and people inside your facility protected from the elements. The last thing you need or want is for your roof to be damaged in any way. It's understandable that you'd be concerned about attaching anything to the roof, but you can relax. Installing a guardrail system doesn't have to cause damage. In fact, non-penetrating guardrail systems provide the protection you need but won't harm your roof's surface.
If you've determined that a safety railing system is right for your industrial rooftop, please feel free to browse our selection of guardrails and other industrial safety solutions and consult with our expert advisors. Our products are rigorously tested and designed to meet or exceed OSHA standards for safety. If you're not sure whether a guardrail is the right rooftop fall protection solution for you, we'll be happy to help. Just contact us at BlueWater and one of our safety experts will assist you.