Transitioning from a roof access system to the roof itself presents a fall risk that is often not fully considered.
While fall protection systems for those working on roofs are relatively well understood, there is one aspect of height safety that can all too often go unrecognised. And that is the risk of a fall existing while a worker transitions from an access system (commonly ladder) to the roof itself.
In these moments, a worker is at great risk of a fall as they are moving their body between two different places.
Depending on the method of roof access that exists within a particular building, risks can continue to exist after the worker has safely made their way onto the roof.
Self-closing gates and guardrails
In most cases, the best practice solution for maintaining safety around access areas is to install guardrail and a self-closing gate. These types of systems can often be found where a fixed external ladder or hatch is used to gain access to the roof.
Depending on the design of the system and type of roof it is being installed on, this combination can allow for harness-free access to the roof. A self-closing gate works by having a sprung hinge that returns the gate automatically to closed position once a worker has passed through it.
They are also designed to only open outwards, away from the access system. This means that should a worker towards the gate from the roof, the gate will function as though it is part of the guardrail. It becomes a physical barrier between the worker and the fall risk.
One aspect of this system that may require consideration is the visual impact. Depending on the location of the access point, it is entirely possible that a guardrail and self-closing gate system may be visible from street level. While visuals like this should always play second, or even third fiddle, when it comes to determining what safety system you need it may still be worth some consideration.
Anchor point and strop cable
When accessing a roof from a portable ladder affixed to a ladder bracket, an anchor point with connected strop (first-man up) cable is often provided to use as fall protection.
Alternately, if an anchor point is placed close enough, that may be enough for a worker to connect to prior to stepping from the ladder to the roof.
A strop cable (sometimes referred to as a first-man up – FMU – cable) is a length of wire rope that is attached to an anchor point on the roof and has a loop onto which a worker can connect their harness. This creates a fall arrest system while the worker steps off the ladder and onto the roof.
The appeal of strop and anchor point protection like this is that they are incredibly easy to install, have only the two components and, unlike guardrail and gates, keep a very low visual impact on the building.
These systems are useful in situations where the worker, once on the roof, will be using a series of permanent roof anchor points to traverse to where they need to access. The worker will already be wearing a harness, have a personal shock absorber and carabiners. No additional equipment is required on the worker’s part to safely connect to the strop while moving between the ladder and roof.
Start your safety journey today
Height Safety Engineers are your partners in protecting people. Our team have the experience and know-how to provide compliant, easy to use safe access and fall protection that are best suited to your needs. No two buildings are alike, no two safety systems are either.
Talk to the team at HSE to get started on improving height safety at your site. Call us on 1300 884 978, email us at enquiries@heightsafety.net or contact us via the enquiry form at the top of this page.
