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]]>Rooftop GuardRail Systems
- Full compliance with consultant safety specifications
- Aluminum & GI modular options
- Low maintenance and long service life
- Clean, professional aesthetics
Rooftop Walkways
- Anti-slip walking surfaces
- Modular and scalable design
- Minimal roof penetration
- Suitable for all weather conditions
Rooftop Cross Over Platforms
- Custom-engineered for height and slope differences
- Anti-slip steps and safety handrails
- Eliminates unsafe climbing or step-up practices
- Improves maintenance efficiency and safety
Maintenance & Inspection Access Systems
- Engineering-driven access layouts
- Reduced risk during inspection activities
- Long-term, maintenance-free performance
- Consultant- and EHS-approved designs
Why Choose Chemey for Rooftop Access?
- Engineering-led safety solutions
- Modular, non-weld systems
- Proven execution across industrial rooftops
- Compliance-focused design approach
- Trusted by consultants, EPCs, and end users
Chemey Mechatronics LLP – Your Complete Rooftop & Access Safety SpecialistFor more information, call +91 9099033719 or send an e-mail to contact@chemey.com
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]]>The safety equipment industry is constantly evolving to meet the emerging trends and challenges in workplace safety.
Here are some points that need to be considered when you are evaluating safety equipment suppliers for revolutionizing workplace safety
- Is the supplier remain updated with emerging trends and challenges in the safety equipment industry?
- Is the supplier known for their innovative products and cutting-edge technologies?
- Is the supplier using cutting-edge technologies in safety gear manufacturing?
When searching for safety equipment / fall protection system suppliers, you can also check online blogs or industry-specific needs and standards. These resources can provide you with more options and information on suppliers’ capabilities and who may offer you the correct products and services to meet your specific safety needs.
Chemey always remains updated, guides the users for the changes, and incorporates those changes in their manufacturing so that they can offer products with emerging trends as per international requirements.
The following are new Norms in Guardrails and Safety Gates which one should be aware of when selecting Handrails and Safety Swing Gates for their workplace.
A) OSHA - COMPLIANCE of Guardrail (New Norms)
The section of the OSHA code that specifies most of the primary guardrail requirements and relates to safety railing is 1910.29. Specifically, the following sections are the most relevant to railing and guardrails for fall protection.
1910.29(b)(1)
The top edge height of top rails, or equivalent guardrail system members, are 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface. The top edge height may exceed 45 inches (114 cm), provided the guardrail system meets all other criteria of paragraph (b) of this section
1910.29(b)(2)
Mid rails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, or equivalent intermediate members are installed between the walking-working surface and the top edge of the guardrail system as follows when there is not a wall or parapet that is at least 21 inches (53 cm) high:
1910.29(b)(3)
Guardrail systems are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 200 pounds (890 N) applied in a downward or outward direction within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge, at any point along the top rail.
1910.29(b)(4)
When the 200-pound (890-N) test load is applied in a downward direction, the top rail of the guardrail system must not deflect to a height of less than 39 inches (99 cm) above the walking-working surface.
1910.29(b)(5)
Midrails, screens, mesh, intermediate vertical members, solid panels, and other equivalent intermediate members are capable of withstanding, without failure, a force of at least 150 pounds (667 N) applied in any downward or outward direction at any point along the intermediate member.
1910.29(b)(6)
Guardrail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing.
1910.29(b)(9)
Top rails and mid-rails must be at least 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter or thickness.
1910.29(f)(3)
Surfaces. Handrails and stair rail systems are smooth-surfaced to protect employees from injury, such as punctures or lacerations, and to prevent catching or snagging of clothing.
1910.29(k)(1)
A standard toe board shall be 3 1/2 inches in vertical height from the top edge to the bottom level of the floor, platform, runway, or ramp.
B) OSHA-COMPLIANCE of SAFETY GATES (New Norms)
OSHA’s new rule (November 2016) on walking-working surfaces and fall protection, OSHA states,
“OSHA believes that double chains do not fully protect workers from falls at hole entrances, and therefore, is adopting the existing and proposed requirements that entrances to ladderway floor and platform holes have a self-closing gate or be offset to prevent workers from falling.” Therefore, according to OSHA, a gate is required at the top of all ladders. Below is the new OSHA code reflecting this requirement:
1910.28(b)(3)(iv)
Each employee is protected from falling into a ladderway floor hole or ladderway platform hole by a guardrail system and toe boards erected on all exposed sides, except at the entrance to the hole, where a self-closing gate or an offset must be used.
1910.29(b)(13)
When guardrail systems are used around holes that serve as points of access (such as ladderways), the guardrail system opening:
1910.29(b)(13)(i)
Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid rail or equivalent intermediate member that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section.
Would you like to know more about emerging technologies and trending solutions for fall protection when work at heights? Or Do you need a custom quote?
For more information, call +91 9099033719 or send an e-mail to contact@chemey.com Follow us on Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | Twitter
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]]>The post Why do you need to protect skylights on a roof? appeared first on Chemey.
]]>
Material strength loss
Fall protection not only depends on the strength and durability of the skylight material itself but also on all aspects of the installation. Even if there is no loss of strength in the polycarbonate, the installation may have been compromised.
Degradation process
Polycarbonate and fiberglass sheets are extremely strong and durable but can experience premature failure with serious consequences. Plasticizers, contact with steel, or even sealants & tape can accelerate the degradation process and weaken the polycarbonate. Prolonged exposure to weather conditions, particularly UV radiation, also weakens the structure and accelerates the degradation process.
Industrial safety consultants and auditors will recommend long-term fall protection for skylights because there is not enough control over factors that influence the degradation process of polycarbonate and fiberglass skylight material, and its strength can be compromised.
More information on shielding skylights :
OSHA defines a rooftop skylight as a hole in the roof surface and a hazard to anyone working or walking on the rooftop. Having the right fall protection to guard skylights is critical to ensure that any work area or walking surface is safe. Thankfully, there are a couple options to provide the best skylight fall protection.
Advantages Of Skylight Screens
Variety: Skylight screens are available in galvanized or powder-coated weldmesh with many grid sizes. This can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, and other building materials. They also offer longer protection against falls and pass the test of time.
Safety: skylight screens are OSHA compliant and provide safety when necessary. These screens are easy to install and don’t penetrate the roof, thus maintaining their integrity. Moreover, skylights prevent falls and lacerations and risks for anyone below them.
Passive protection: skylight screens offer passive protection. This means your facility workers don’t need any training or certifications.
Skylight screens are durable, can last for years, and withstand harsh weather conditions. Moreover, they are easy to remove and install if maintenance is required.
Would you like to know more about shielding skylights or Roof Skylight Safety Covers? Or do you need a custom quote? For more information,
call +91 9099033719 or send an e-mail to contact@chemey.com Follow us on Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | Twitter
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]]>The post The Importance of Safety Gates in Enhancing Workplace Safety appeared first on Chemey.
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Importance of Safety Gates
Industrial swing gates are an effective and easy-to-install passive fall protection solution for a variety of industrial and commercial settings. Safety gates provide a barrier that prevents unauthorized access to restricted areas, machinery, and equipment. They can also help prevent falls from elevated areas and provide protection from hazardous materials. Safety gates are an essential component of any safety plan, as they can help prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and fatalities. They are also a cost-effective way to comply with safety regulations and standards. Here are some benefits you can expect from implementing industrial swing gates in your facility in different work areas:- ROOFTOP SAFETY
- WALK AREA PROTECTION
- MAKE LADDER OPENINGS SAFE
- GUARD YOUR ASSETS
- EXTRA PROTECTION FOR INDUSTRIAL ELEVATORS
TYPES OF SAFETY GATES
There are several types of safety gates available, each designed to fit specific applications and needs. Chemey provides a range of safety gates, including:
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY GATES
Industrial safety gates are designed for heavy-duty applications and can withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions. They can be custom-built to fit specific applications and can provide safe access to restricted areas, machinery, and equipment.
- Universal Safety Swing Gate
Safety swing gates are an excellent solution for providing safe access to elevated areas, machinery, and equipment. They can be installed on stairs and other elevated platforms and can swing on one side to provide a clear pathway for employees.EnduGate self-closing gates are designed to provide an extra layer of safety by automatically closing behind employees as they pass through. They can prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas and provide protection from falls or restrict approach to Hazardous situations. It is available in 25 mm Square pipe structure with the ability to fix on any type of post up to 50 mm size.
- Adjustable Torsion Spring Gate
This is similar to Universal Safety Spring Gate and is designed to provide an extra layer of safety by automatically closing behind employees as they pass through and having a mechanism for controlling the reversal speed. It is available in two pipe sizes – 33 and 42 mm OD pipes. The Spring is checked for 50000 cycles of repeated opening and closing operation as per BS 6375-2:2009.
PALLET SAFETY GATE
Pallet safety gates are designed to provide safe access to loading docks and other elevated areas where pallets are loaded and unloaded. They can prevent falls from elevated areas and protect hazardous materials.
ENHANCING WORKPLACE SAFETY
Safety gates are a crucial component of any workplace safety plan. They can help prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities by providing a barrier that prevents unauthorized access to restricted areas, machinery, and equipment. They can also protect hazardous materials and prevent falls from elevated areas. By investing in safety gates, businesses can ensure that their employees work in a safe and secure environment.
The benefits of safety gates will go further than just preventing accidents. It’s common for properly installed safety gates to actually increase productivity in the workplace. Employees who work in an environment that is properly equipped with safety gates have more freedom and confidence when completing tasks.
In conclusion, safety gates are an essential component of any workplace safety plan. Chemey provides a range of safety gates, including industrial safety gates & pallet safety gates, that can be customized to fit specific applications and needs. By investing in safety gates, businesses can enhance workplace safety, comply with safety regulations and standards, and improve productivity and efficiency.
Need help? Our team of professionals can guide you to find the ideal solution. We are there for you 24/7! Just call us on +91 79-26420786, +91 9099033711, +91 79-26427686 or email us: contact@chemey.com
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]]>The post Make Sure Your Workplace Is Up To OSHA Compliance on Fall Safety appeared first on Chemey.
]]>The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted every industry. Now that the economy has seen a significant rebound, manufacturing and oil & gas production are in full swing again. Safety measures are critical now more than ever, and particularly those pertaining to fall safety.
While addressing the danger of falls is critical in all workplaces, it’s a particular concern in chemical, oil/gas refinery, cement, and many other heavy manufacturing facilities. Continuous process facilities are bustling, structurally complex, and full of hazards subject to a variety of Safety regulatory requirements. There is dangerous equipment on-site, regular shipping and receiving through busy loading docks, and many elevated areas where fall risks are more present.
WHAT MAKES FALL SAFETY SO IMPORTANT?
Every accident has many consequences, the most important being that no employer wants to see workers hurt. Lack of safety compliance mean a potential work shutdown, and lost profits. Every slip, trip, and fall adds up to millions of lost workdays in a year. The independent survey estimates that about 20 percent of worker injuries in industry are due to slips, trips, and falls.
Proactively creating and supporting a culture of safety in your workforce is vital, but simply reminding workers to watch their step is not enough. Fall protection equipment, including specialized pieces such as an adjustable safety gate or swing gate, is essential for ensuring worker safety and keeping production moving. To help you to understand and implement proper fall protection, let’s examine the top fall risk areas in industry/refinery facilities, then consider if your company has fully addressed each of those risks.
AREAS OF FALL RISKS IN WORKPLACES
A Manufacturing industry/ Refinery includes several important areas which present fall hazards. Regulations do not always specify which equipment you are required to use in each situation. But OSHA guidelines provide requirements that the gates and other equipment you choose must meet in each area:
LADDERS
Ladders, either portable or affixed, are a common fall safety risk which OSHA addresses under 1910.23 – Walking-working Surfaces: Ladders.
Each employer must look at situations where ladders are being used and identify the fall hazard associated with it. For example, fall protection is usually not required for a step ladder, but it will be if that step ladder is used on an elevated platform or in an area adjacent to an unprotected edge. Fixed ladders, like those commonly used in oil refineries, also need fall protection, like guardrails fitted with an industrial safety swing gate to provide access control and fall safety.
ROOFTOPS AND ROOF ACCESS AREAS
Workers may need to access your rooftop for maintenance, cleaning, or to perform work on rooftop machinery. Skylights, roof edges, and even stairways require protection to properly manage rooftop access. The railing and safety swing gate that protect each of these areas must have a height of 1050mm (plus or minus 75 mm) from the walking/working surface that they’re installed on. They must be capable of withstanding 90 kg of downward force upon the top rail without failure. They also require a smooth-finished surface that can’t snag worker’s skin, clothing, or equipment. You should also look at options which are non-penetrating, allowing you to place well-anchored gates and railings without damaging the integrity of your rooftops.
LOADING DOCKS
Loading docks are another busy area in a manufacturing plants / oil & gas refinery, and thus, another fall safety hazard. Fall protection for a loading dock usually comes in the form of a self-closing, adjustable loading dock safety gate system and thorough training of personnel, ensuring risk mitigation at a busy dock. The height and strength requirements for railings and gates in loading dock areas are the same as those for rooftop areas (see above).
STAIRWAYS
When a door or a gate opens on a stairway, there is a platform and the gate’s swing doesn’t interfere with workers on the stairs. An outdoor or indoor swing gate is ideal for this situation. Stairs must also be kept well-lit, dry, and free of debris, allowing maximum safety to workers as they move between the levels of your manufacturing/processing areas.
MEZZANINES
The extra storage space created by these elevated platforms is extremely useful in many facilities, but they also present falling hazards. The same strong railing and safety gate requirements for roofs apply to mezzanines, and toe boards may also be required to help prevent small objects from falling into work areas below. Specialized pallet safety gate made for mezzanine use are your best option for access to these areas
MACHINERY GUARDING
Safety swing gates are a great tool for controlling access and preventing falls around or onto the potentially dangerous machinery in your facility. They can also help keep unauthorized personnel out of restricted processing areas, improving plant security and protecting trade secrets.
WHY SAFETY GATES MATTER
The right safety gates will help employees, visitors, and contractors within your facilities to perform their function without fall and safely access the areas they need to.
As outlined above, your facility has many areas with potential fall hazards, and the right Industrial safety gate choice can make the difference between being ready for a return to full production without struggling with safety problems.
WHY SAFETY GATES ARE SUCH AN IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATION
Simply put, Safety Swing Gates are the simplest, most effectively way to safely control access to the many areas in your facility, and to protect personnel from the fall risks they may encounter in each area. OSHA compliant safety gates keep workers safe on elevated areas and at the openings of stairways, ladders, mezzanines, and loading docks. There are many different types of OSHA-compliant gates with a specific purpose.
Self-closing safety gates are passive fall protection, designed to automatically close every time the gate swings open. There is no risk of a worker forgetting to close the gate behind them. The equipment offers nearly continuous protection from leading edges. These gates are easy to mount in various positions and on handrails of all sizes.
CHOOSING A GOOD SAFETY PARTNER
Your worker safety requires the right choices in selecting and installing fall protection equipment, particularly safety gates. Therefore, it’s so important to pick a qualified supplier.
CHEMEY is a trusted leader in fall safety solutions for the refining and manufacturing industry. Our dedicated team is here to help you tackle all areas where fall protection equipment can assist in making your workplace safer. We provide the highest level of quality and reliability in both products and guidance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can positively impact safety in your industry.
Need help? Our team of professionals can guide you to find the ideal solution. We are there for you 24/7! Just call us on +91 79-26420786, +91 9099033711, +91 79-26427686 or email us: contact@chemey.com
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]]>The post How to Make the Right Choice When Buying or Installing Guardrail? appeared first on Chemey.
]]>What do you do when you need something? You Google it right!
When you need a guardrail, selecting the suitable barrier requires more involvement than initially expected. It can be overwhelming with so many options. You find out that there are so many options available. GI, SS, FRP Aluminum, Welded, Non-penetrating, … The possibilities go on. With all of this in front of you, how do you make the right choice?
You should consider many points and features available while you make this decision.
1. What is the application of the guardrail?
2. Where do you need the guardrail?
3. how long do you need the guardrail to last?
4. What codes apply to your guardrails?
5. How fast do you need the guardrail to install?
6. How do you want the guardrail to look?
We'll review each area you should consider while making this decision.
1. What is the application of the guardrail?
It’s a simple question but an important one. There are a few factors that will change the type of guardrail that you need.
If you need the industrial guardrail for protection, then you need to make sure that the guardrail meets the standards applicable to you, like BIS, OSHA, or EN. The type of protection you need would also change the guardrail you want. We suggest using a 40 NB Structural Fittings based modular pipe guardrail for fall protection. However, the size and code will change if you want a more robust barrier system to protect people from forklift traffic. If you need to use it as a warning line, then the requirements are easier to manage by light duty handrail.
Then it would help if you considered whether the guardrail would be temporary or permanent. For example, if you plan on taking the guardrail down when the work is done, then you want to focus on temporary guardrails like a parapet clamp guardrail or temporary guardrail. On the other hand, if you wish for the guardrail to remain in place so that the working or walking surface is always protected, then you want a system designed to stay in place.
2. Where is the guardrail going?
The most common locations that we see are STP, ETP, WTP, Industrial Buildings perimeter, Solar rooftop, and machine guarding. Other potential sites include a mezzanine, a dock, or inside a warehouse. Each location has its own set of considerations that would change the guardrail you choose.
Weather plays a role in the system that you choose. Saline and water-rich areas, corrosive gas fumes, snow, and heavy rain will corrode the material if you don’t choose carefully. If you live in a windy area, you’ll want to ensure that any system is designed to meet your local requirements. Ensure that you take this into account so that you don’t have a guardrail flying off your structure, damaging equipment, or, more importantly, putting lives at risk.
The roof material will influence how you want to mount a guardrail. If you have a roof warranty, you don’t want to lose it by poking holes in the roof. If you don’t have a roof warranty, then you don’t want to exasperate potential roof leaks by poking holes in the roof. A complete modular aluminum lightweight guardrail constructed from tube clamp fittings is an ideal solution.
3. How long do you need the guardrail to last?
You may think this is a meaningless question, but I see the answer to this is ignored more often than you realize. A cheaper short-term solution will cost less initially, but when you consider money, energy, and time spent on maintenance and replacing that mean stuff, it becomes more costly. Guardrail is not immune to this problem. Some options are temporary and used for permanent solutions because they are cheaper. However, those savings come at a cost. Powder-coated steel will not last as long as galvanized steel, and you will have to replace the railing sooner than you expect. Welding has pros and cons as well. The weld points will be an area of accelerated corrosion despite galvanization. Aluminum and SS 316 do not rust and provide a better life in a humid and corrosive environment.
If you only need it for a year or two, then buying a lower-quality option may make sense. However, if you want something that will protect people long, you need to stop and ask yourself if the option you’re considering will do just that.
4. What codes apply to your guardrail?
We found a lack of understanding, most often in this area. We noticed in India IS 4912 code is ancient and needs updating as per OSHA or EN code. They talk about a lot and set the minimum safety standard that employers must provide. For rooftops, we do not have any set standards. Edge protection and safety in roof work require an area of consideration. Check your local regulations and company standard to select the correct guardrail.
You might have a presumption that welded railing only offers good strength. Still, proven evidence is that EnduRail built from Structural Fittings and slip-on pipe fittings, has surpassed the load requirement of OSHA and EN standards if configured correctly.
5. How fast do you need the guardrail to install?
Installing guardrails is part of project management. Procurement and execution both involve proper detailing. Mild steel welded guardrail needs site welding, grinding, and post-fabrication sandblasting and painting. All are time-consuming and skilled staff requirement jobs. Prefabricated GI railing management is not easy. You have to consider volume management and transit damages. If a small part needs modification or procurement, the handover process will get delayed and, in turn, project.
A modular aluminum guardrail system is easy to procure, manage and install without a skilled workforce. Procure structural fittings and pipes in pre-coated finish and start the installation as the project progresses. On-site modification and dismantling are also easy if required.
6. How do you want the guardrail to look?
Why does the look of the guardrail matter if safety is the only important thing? Of course, ensuring that the guardrail you choose is appropriate to your location and maintains the correct safety parameters is vital. However, compliance is not the only element of a proper solution.
In the Industrial area, during regular operations, guardrails are the first visible barrier when visitors enter the premises. Branding is also essential to a company’s success; for instance, yellow is often connected to construction, and it can give off that feel to visitors to your facility. Industrial modular Aluminum looks to become more popular over the years. Likewise, making a gray and silver finish combination more appealing in water treatment facilities. If you have a professional building with glass windows and a bright yellow guardrail on the roof, you tend to send mixed signals on what’s important to you. Often the color of the guardrail will set the tone of the environment.
Color isn’t the only aesthetic. Do you like the welded look? Welding has pros and cons; you’ll have to consider that when choosing. For example, many construction rails are sold in panels, which will have gaps and show a less cohesive system. Maybe you like that. Or perhaps you prefer to have a guardrail that looks like one solid and continuous piece. Selection of appearance with available options and finish with durability make sense in selection.
Whatever the reasons, make sure that you consider this as you make your choice.
Choosing the right guardrail can be more involved than the project may initially expect. However, you now know some essential things to consider as you pursue a safe and healthy work environment.
Need help? We have a team of professionals that can help you sort through each of these questions to find the right solution for you.
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]]>The post Roof Safety: Solar Rooftop Walkway | Chemey appeared first on Chemey.
]]>Roof safety is a system of preventive and safety measures when performing work and repairs on rooftops. Roof safety should be practiced while on the job to avoid personal injuries and structural damage. Performing roof work exposes workers to risks such as falls, which are the leading cause of death in industry.
As rooftop solar installations grow, so grows the need to access the roof safely. Part of passive fall protection product for roof top safety is having a proper rooftop railing installed. On a metal roof there are other safety concerns also. The metal roof may not be designed for people to be walking on any part other than the seam or purlins.Additionally, the metal ribs/crestcan cause a significant trip hazard.
EnduPlank/EnduGrate rooftop walkway is a solar rooftop walkway solution that is primarily designed to attach to metal roofs. It connects to the standing seam or corrugated industrial troughed roof top using clamps and screws. These sections can easily be laid down to form a walkway around rooftop solar panel installations.
With a variety of mounting methods available, Endu Plank works on virtually any roof surface. Endu Grate can be installed on almost every profile of metal roof with our variety of mounting options.
Our rooftop walkway can be paired with an integrated railing and crossover work platform and stairs to completely protect your workers as they access your roof. Chemey’s Solar Rooftop Walkway System “EnduPlank” can be installed with OSHA compliant guardrail. That both together protects workers from slips as well as roof edges and other hazards.
The EnduPlank solar roof top walkway system is fully compatible with all horizontal lifeline systems to yield free standing walkways. Additionally, it is easy to cross Roof Skylight Safety Cover when it comes along the way and provide additional safety over that area.
Features:
- Works on Industrial troughed profile and standing seam metal roofs
- Provides a non-slip, level surface for workers to safely access rooftop equipment
- Can be leveled to any flat or sloping roofs
- Pair with OSHA compliant guardrail or lifeline for 360° protection on any roof
- OSHA 1910.28(b)(13) Compliant
Other Roofing Safety Tips:
- Discuss common hazards & assess the condition of the work area. Confirm that proper permits have been secured, and encourage the team to verbalize the safety tips to follow
- Work only during good weather conditions and avoid extreme heat/cold
- Approach ladders should be stable and properly secured or tied off
- Wear proper PPE
- Carefully position ropes and extension cords used for maintenance tools & equipment so they’re not underfoot
- Use rooftop guardrails whenever possible
- Skylights should be covered &guarded appropriately
Signage should be visible in your work area - Clean up the roof before and after work and make sure it is clear of dirt and debris
Installing permanent rooftop walkway is a wise choice when making your industry a better and safer place to work for your employees. If you are confused that which standard to follow and what walkway is safe to install on your rooftop, that makes your employees, workers, inspectors, and managers safe, get in touch with us for Endu Plank Solar Rooftop walkway inquiries.
Need help? We have a team of professionals that can help you sort through each of these questions to find the right solution for you.
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]]>The post Basics of Fall Protection Rules appeared first on Chemey.
]]>With falls being one of the most common causes of workplace injuries and deaths, workers who work at heights must understand the basics of fall protection. Being proactive by implementing compliant methods of fall protection and fall prevention can save lives and prevent injuries. Consequently, it is important to be aware of basic fall protection rules and facts. Here are some basic fall protection facts to consider.
(1) Identify Fall Hazards
Falls occur due to various reasons including losing balance, tripping, losing a grip on support, stepping backward, strong winds or dangerous weather, stepping into a hole, support moving or breaking, and irregular or damaged work surfaces. Employers can be proactive in reducing workplace injuries and deaths by identifying and eliminating fall hazards and installing fall protection systems. Further, employers can educate workers to follow safe practices, properly use equipment, and be proactive and aware of fall hazards.
(2) Utilize Fall Protection Systems
Three categories of fall protection systems include fall prevention, fall restraint, and Fall arrest.
Fall Prevention
A fall prevention system aims to prevent falls from occurring by using guardrails and barriers. Consider guardrail systems such as non-penetrating guardrail systems, permanent rail systems, and customized guardrail solutions. Barrier considerations include industrial safety gates, skylights, and warning lines.
Fall Restraint
A fall restraint system stops workers from falling by using a tether that restrains a worker’s range of motion. The worker is not allowed to move far enough to reach a leading edge.
Fall Arrest
A general fall arrest system is a net or cushion system beneath a working area. A personal fall arrest system is composed of an anchorage connector, body wear, and connecting device. Such a system allows a worker to fall a short distance before stopping their fall.
(3) Comply with OSHA Guidelines
OSHA provides information about how to protect workers from falls, such as using guardrails, safety gates, personal fall protection systems,mobile work platforms, Aluminum mobile scaffolds, adopting safe work practices, and providing appropriate training. In some situations, protection is provided by “limiting the number of workers exposed” to falls by using warning lines, designated areas, and control zones.
Further, OSHA guidelines include the following fall safety practices:
- Protection is required for workers in construction sites when working above six feet above a lower level and for workers in the general industry when working above four feet above a lower level. Fall protection systems are required to prevent workers from falling into or onto hazardous machines or other equipment regardless of the fall distance.
- Providing workplace conditions free from known dangers and establishing fall protection systems before work begins.
- Providing personal protective equipment to workers at no cost to them.
- Training workers about workplace hazards in a language that they can understand.
- As you prepare for or review your fall protection program, keep these basic fall protection regulations in mind.
While the employer is responsible for ensuring a safe work environment, every worker should make it a priority to become knowledgeable about general fall protection rules.
Effective fall protection has two facets: human and equipment. Both make important contributions to worker safety.
Fall Protection Equipment
Every job site where workers are at heights exceeding six feet should have fall protection equipment in place to prevent falls of any kind. Guardrails must be 42” above walking level, while safety gates must be installed on all openings of approach ued for entry or exit of any working surface,
Personal fall arrest systems are used to stop a worker who is falling from a working level. Some of the most important rules to note include:
- Worker must not free fall more than six feet and must not contact any lower level
- The system must bring worker to a complete stop
- The system must be inspected before every use for wear, damage, or deterioration
- Body belts (safety belts) are prohibited for use as part of a fall arrest system
Every worker should have a solid understanding of how personal fall protection devices work. Devices like safety harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines can only work if they are used correctly.
Human Role in Fall Protection
In terms of the human aspect, workers must be vigilant when working at heights. Workers must be aware of their surroundings and immediately bring any concerns to the attention of a site supervisor. Potential hazards requiring fall protection include:
- Hoist areas
- Unguarded holes
- Ramps, runways, or walkways
- Excavations
- Dangerous equipment
- Wall openings
Workers who communicate effectively about their work environment and collaborate to mitigate hazards will lower their risk for falls and height-related incidents.
Employer and Employee Responsibilities for Fall Safety
Employers must provide training to all employees who work at heights. Employees must take responsibility for participating fully in this training and be sure to ask questions to clarify rules and safety guidelines.
Fall protection is a key part of workplace safety, and it’s a team effort. Don’t make the mistake of placing the responsibility solely on your employer—take your safety into your own hands by becoming knowledgeable about OSHA’s fall protection standards, understanding how to safely use fall protection devices, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings at all times.
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]]>Whenever our customers ask us to recommend a rooftop safety solution, we always follow hierarchy of hazard control to recommend the most appropriate form of fall protection.
- Avoid working a height or
- Eliminate hazard by redesigning work practice
- Prevent falls using collective equipment
- Restraint falls using personal protective equipment
- Arrest Fall using personal protective equipment
If the hazard cannot be eliminated by redesigning the danger or through changing working practices, then the preferred option is to use collective measures by installing guardrails to protect people working on or accessing workplace roof.
But when you start looking at the different types of guardrails and what standards they need to conform to, the decision is not as straight forward as you might assume.
What type of rooftop guardrail is best?
If you want to protect people working on your rooftop, then you will need a permanent guardrail, as access to the roof will be required several times a year.
Many permanent guardrails are fixed directly into the roof structure, and while this will provide suitable protection, these systems do have their drawbacks. For example, drilling holes into the roof to fix the system could void your roof warranty or cause costly water damage if proper care is not take at time of installation.
Properly designed and installed guardrail provides strength, stability and safety, and does not require the roof membrane to be penetrated during installation in case of standing seam roof.
Which standards should your roof guardrail comply with?
It is always preferable to have standards for most fall protection systems.However, when it came to permanent guardrails there was a lot of confusion, especially as existing standards were open to individual interpretation.
Roof edge protection was typically designed to comply with one of the following standards:
- EN 14122-3 standard, which is intended for guardrails around plant and machinery
- OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.29
- International Building Code Section 1607.8
- EN 13374 2004 Temporary edge protection systems
- BS 13700:2021 , which is for permanent counter weighted guardrail systems that are not fixed directly to the roof’s structure
Installing permanent rooftop guardrail is a wise choice when making your industry a better and safer place to work for your employees. If you are confused that which standard to follow and what railing is safe to install on your rooftop, that makes your employees, workers, inspectors, and managers safe, get in touch with us for Endurail Rooftop Guardrail inquiries.
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]]>What does OSHA say on the topic of safety gates? Are they required?
On jobsites, the railing is erected to protect workers from falling – on roofs, on scaffolds, on all types of elevated work areas – without any mechanism to protect those same workers at the edge or floor opening from which they are accessing that work area. Why? How can railings be effective if they don’t offer complete protection? What good does a perimeter railing do if a worker can fall through the hole in which their ladder is situated?
Safety gates have been around for a long time, but for a variety of reasons, they are often not used. Sometimes it’s a lack of planning, other times it is lack of knowledge of product availability, and other times maybe it’s cost (though, if you’re spending the money to build or purchase a rail, the addition of a gate is minimal cost-wise). Whatever the reason, workers are being left unprotected and, worse yet, being given a false sense of security.
So what does OSHA say on the topic of safety gates? Are they required?
OSHA’s walking-working surfaces standard has been revised and published. Whether you call them swing gates, safety gates, ladder-way gates, drop bars, or chains, the new OSHA standard is in effect and it’s time to address the changes.
- (13)(i) Has a self-closing gate that slides or swings away from the hole, and is equipped with a top rail and mid-rail, or equivalent intermediate member, that meets the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section; or (13)(ii) is offset to prevent an employee from walking or falling into the hole.
- (2)(i) Mid-rails are installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking-working surface.
- (2)(iv) Other equivalent intermediate members, such as additional mid-rails and architectural panels, are installed so that the openings are not more than 48 centimeters wide.
To provide even more insight, below is a simplified list of some key areas to focus on when evaluating your current conditions. These can be used to help you determine the appropriate course of action in and around any holes, openings, or current access points with or without safety gates.
OSHA’s standard requires that a safety gate:
- Must be self-closing.
- Must either slide or swing away from the hole.
- Must be equipped with top rails and mid-rails, or equivalent intermediate members, that meet the requirements in final paragraph (b)(13)(i).
- Must have a top rail height of 1070 mm, plus/minus 75 mm.
- May not contain an opening greater than 480mm in the least dimension.
- Must be able to withstand a 90 kg load (top rail) and 68 kg load (mid-rail). So what exactly do the new revisions mean regarding the use of safety gates? What should you look for when reviewing your current safe access/fall protection configuration?
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