Temporary roof anchors are useful for creating a fall protection system where one is needed only for a brief time, such as the installation of solar power systems.
Among all the possible options that exist for temporary fall protection, when it comes to installing solar panel systems a temporary roof anchor is likely to be the most convenient one to use. But in doing that, workers need to ensure they are installing them appropriately.
This means making sure their location is one that will both protect them against the risks of a fall but also function correctly should a fall occur.
Common roof materials
House roofs generally use one of two main materials – metal or tile. In commercial, industrial and apartment settings concrete is also often used in roof construction.
The temporary height safety solution chosen will largely be dependent on which type of material the roof is made from.
Accessing the roof
Before even considering the installation of a temporary fall protection system, there needs to be a way to safely access the roof.
In most house construction, this will be undertaken using a portable ladder. When doing so, it is important to ensure the ladder is setup correctly to maintain stability and safety for those using it.
To aid in maintaining a safe-to-use portable ladder, a temporary ladder bracket can be placed over the gutter of the building. This provides a fixing point for securing the top of the ladder. These brackets also limit the ability of the ladder to slide off or away from the building.
Temporary anchors for metal roofs
Installation of any temporary roof anchor should be completed in accordance with the instructions provided. Typically, this will involve removing roof screws, placement of the anchor then insertion of new screws of a larger gauge. Doing this removes the need for additional penetrations to be made into the roof material, which removes the risk the roof degrading and leaking.
When placing a temporary anchor on a roof care should be taken to check that the location will allow the worker to remain free of fall risks. This could be made more complicated if the anchor requires being placed on the opposite side of the roof to where work is being done.
Anchors should be positioned such that the area the worker will need to access is within the safe working area provided by the anchor. As moving outside that area may leave the worker in a position where an error in using fall restraint technique could expose them to the risk of a fall.

Temporary anchorages for tile roofs
When installing solar panels on a tile roof, a temporary surface-mounted anchor point may not be needed. Instead, workers can slide or remove a tile from the roof to expose the underlying structure. An anchorage strap can be looped around the beam or baton and connected to from there.

Partners in protecting people
Height Safety Engineers have been in the business of protecting people for over two decades. Our team are the experts in safe access and fall protection systems.
Whether it be for solar panel installation, HVAC maintenance, or something else HSE has the experience and know-how to design and install a compliant, effective and easy to use safety system.
Start your safety journey by calling 1300 884 978, dropping an email to enquiries@heightsafety.net or just fill out the form at back at the top of this page.