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Schools are in the unique position of having a diverse group of people who may be accessing their rooftop. In addition to school district employees, contractors need access, as well as children of various ages. While it's easy to ensure school employees are properly trained, schools have little control over contractor or student safety training. Therefore, it's critical to install roof fall protection systems to protect all potential rooftop guests, as well as remain OSHA compliant.
The good news is that even older schools can easily be retrofitted to include modern fall protection devices. For example, safety guard rails are easy-to-install and many models use a non-penetrating design. That means no drilling into your existing roof, which is particularly important when dealing with a historic or older building.
Why is allowing rooftop access so important for schools? What hazards should schools be especially alert to and what roof safety systems are most effective? Make sure your district is up to speed with this deep dive into school roof fall protection.
Mitigating risk by cutting off access to the roof may sound like a logical solution, but it's simply not practical. At a minimum, rooftop access is needed to perform maintenance, such as roof repair, snow or ice removal, cleanup from trees and other debris, and various other issues that may arise.
However, roofs are very convenient places for mechanicals and safety equipment like vents, fans, and security cameras. For example, rooftops are where HVAC systems work most efficiently, reducing your energy costs. Since cold air naturally falls, rooftop HVAC units require less energy to perform their task than those at ground level. Having any of this equipment on your roof makes sense fiscally, structurally, and as a part of your safety plan, but it also means that someone will need to have access for routine inspection and repairs.
What’s more, in a school setting, rooftops can be used to for new learning experiences. Many urban schools use the rooftop as an open classroom to STEM activities—particularly those that relate to agriculture, earth science, and astronomy. Others may use the space as an outdoor play area. Obviously, student safety is paramount in any setting, but on rooftops it’s of particular concern.
While rooftops provide a world of discovery and exploration for students and an efficient place for mechanical equipment, they also create many hazards. Effective roof fall protection requires promoting a culture of safety and establishing procedures. Discover areas of concern that are unique to your facility through this five-step process.
1. Educate yourself about OSHA's fall protection rules.
2. Identify hazards on your property.
3. Mitigate risk by eliminating these hazards and/or installing the proper roof safety systems.
4. Train your teachers and staff about proper safety protocol.
5. Monitor hazards on a regular basis, looking for new hazards and safety devices that may need repair.
We'll help get you started with identifying potential risks. Here are five top areas that need your attention.
● Leading edges are one of the most dangerous places on any rooftop.
● Roof openings, such as skylights and roof access points, present fall-through risk. They are not meant to be walked on, and smaller children especially do not understand this risk since the openings often blend in with the roof itself.
● Access ways, whether they are steps, walkways or ladders, present slip and fall hazards. This is especially true if ice or water is present and has made the surface slippery, or if debris creates a trip hazard.
● Uneven levels must be connected by ramps, ladders or step: all structures that must also meet OSHA safety standards. In addition, areas of the roof that simply transition from one type of material to another can present a trip hazard.
● Fixed ladders are the most common way of getting on and off a roof. However, they present many dangers in addition to slip and fall hazards. Worn out steps and other components can break, and there is also a risk someone could fall off the roof and hit a person on the ladder. Be sure to learn about OSHA requirements for both fixed and portable ladders.
● Equipment and machinery may not themselves be a fall risk, but they can be dangerous nonetheless if fallen into. These can easily be guarded with a metal guardrail and safety gate.
Safety guard rails are one of the most common roof safety systems. Why? Note what one facilities manager told Buildings magazine, "We choose guard rails as the best solution…minimal training, minimal upkeep, and equipment where workers can't use it incorrectly."
Guardrails are what the industry calls "passive fall protection" because they do not require any action on the part of the user. That's why they are perfect for scenarios when organizations can’t ensure that every person gaining roof access has been properly trained.
Safety guard rails work in a variety of situations. For example, they provide the needed protection for leading edges. Many schools use a metal guardrail around the entire perimeter of the roof top. They also provide protection for roof openings, skylights, machinery and ladder access protection. Safety guard rails around access points and machinery can be installed with self-closing safety gates and grab bars to reduce the risk of fall and to allow easy access for only authorized personnel.
Fortunately, these roof safety systems are simple to retrofit to an existing rooftop. They are easy-to-install, and many do not require drilling into the rooftop’s membrane, making it a smart choice for buildings who’s engineering can’t accommodate such installations. This type of metal guardrail can be portable or permanent, and customizable, making it easy to accommodate changing class activities as well.
Remember, before you purchase your roof fall protection system, take a moment to review OSHA’s regulations. Standard 1620 requires that "(1) A top rail not less than 42 inches or more than 45 inches in height measured from the upper surface of the top rail to the floor, platform, runway or ramp.(2) A mid-rail shall be halfway between the top rail and the floor, platform, runway or ramp when there is no wall or parapet wall at least 21 inches high." Of course, any system you ultimately purchase must meet or exceed these requirements.
Safety is a priority for today's educational institutions. However, rooftop safety is not always top of mind. Ensure your staff, students and contractors are safe and your rooftop access is OSHA-compliant. Our safety guard rails, and other roof safety systems meet or exceed OSHA standards. Contact us for more information about your customized fall protection strategy.