Skylight panels are often a source of significant risk for workers on warehouse roofs.
Skylight panels are included in the design of just about every modern commercial and industrial warehouse. They come in a variety of types and can be made from a variety of materials.
For workers accessing plant and other equipment located on the roof of the building, these panels present a substantial risk of a fall. Unfortunately, this is a risk that goes all too often unrecognised.
Skylight panels cannot be walked on
The main reason why skylight panels represent such a significant risk to workers is that unlike the metal roof sheeting they are often intertwined with, skylight panels are not trafficable. That is, they cannot withstand the load generated when a person stands or steps onto one.
Should a skylight panel be stood on, it is very likely that the panel will fail, and the worker will fall through the roof of the building. Given that the roof of an industrial warehouse can be 10 or more metres above the floor, the potential consequences of a fall like are likely to be fatal.
Further to this, many skylight panels are manufactured so they match the profile of the metal roof sheets that make up the remainder of the roof. This can mean that a panel might go unnoticed as a worker moves across the roof. This is more likely if they are focussed on a particular part of their work, or just not being completely aware of their surroundings.
Roof mesh may not be enough
Most industrial warehouse buildings feature metal safety mesh that is installed between the roof sheet and the building structure. This mesh may also be used to hold insulation material in place against the roof sheets.
While many roof mesh products are designed to work as part of a fall protection system, they cannot be solely relied on.
Roof safety mesh must be installed correctly and in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions before it can withstand the loads generated by a worker falling. This involves drilling into the purlin, passing strands of the mesh through and tying it off.
Failure to do this will mean the mesh could come apart when placed under load, failing to arrest the worker and leading them to fall.
Unfortunately, there is no way for a worker to check this has been completed from the outside, when accessing the roof of a warehouse.
Improving skylight fall protection
As ever, the easiest way to prevent a fall from height occurring is to not require a worker to access an area where a fall risk exists in the first place. However, there are few situations where that is a possibility.
Non-slip fibre-reinforced plastic or aluminium walkways can assist in reducing the likelihood of a worker falling through a skylight panel. Walkways provide a safe, adhesive surface that guides workers safely to where they need to go.
An added bonus of using walkway like this is that the roof itself can be protected against the damage and dilapidation that can occur from workers repeatedly stepping on the roof sheets directly.
These can be used along with signage placed near skylight panels warning workers of the fall risk that exists if they exit the defined travel path.
A second solution is to place heavier, aluminium skylight mesh over the top of the skylight panels. These sheets are simple to install and provide a barrier between the worker and the skylight panel.
In many cases, both solutions are implemented to provide comprehensive protection for workers.
Partners in protecting people
Height Safety Engineers have been in the business of protecting people for more than 20 years. Our team of experts work tirelessly to provide cutting-edge, affordable and easy to use safety solutions for our clients across a broad range of industries.
The best time to start your safety journey is before your building leaves the drawing board. The second-best time is now. Contact HSE by calling 1300 884 978, sending an email to enquiries@heightsafety.net or jumping on the contact form you can find at the top of this page.
