Working at height on fragile roofs - proper edge protection or harness?

acm_removal_andy

SubbHubb member

1y ago

For the asbestos removal phase you'll have a licensed contractor on site anyway and they'll have their own WAH plan as part of the RAMS. For the metal deck installation, horizontal lifeline systems are popular on commercial reroofing, lets you move along the ridge line without constantly re-anchoring.

roofer_robbie_midlands

Roofer

1y ago

Good point on the horizontal lifeline, hadn't considered that. Will price it into the job. How are you anchoring the stanchions if the steel structure is exposed?

acm_removal_andy

SubbHubb member

1y ago

If the steel frame is exposed you can clamp onto the purlins. Companies like Latchways or Kee Safety do purpose made clamp anchors for RSJ and hollow sections. Get your supplier to specify the right anchor for your purlin size.

wah_specialist_wendy

SubbHubb member

1y ago

For fragile roofs you ideally need a combination approach: edge protection where you can fix it to the structure (not the fragile sheets), crawl boards to distribute your weight, AND a harness as backup. Inertia reels work but you need a structural anchor point, not just fixed to the sheets. Get a full method statement done and ideally have a PASMA/WAH at height specialist review the plan before you start.