Are You Meeting OSHA Requirements?
It may surprise you, but your roof is a critical part of your business. It usually holds important equipment such as HVAC units, skylights, vents, and more. The best way to prevent foot traffic damage to these essential units is to install a rooftop walkway system. However, not all rooftop walkway systems are the same. While these walkways may protect your building’s accessories, it is important to make sure they also protect the people that use them. Here are 5 signs your rooftop walkway system may not meet OSHA requirements.
5 Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Rooftop Walkway System
1. There are no guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall protection systems
If your walkway is more than 4 feet from the ground, you are required to install some sort of fall protection system. This could include guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). If it is not feasible or more dangerous to install one of these systems, you must develop some other fall protection plan that meets 29 CFR 1926.502(k) requirements and implement training that meets 29 CFR 1926.503(a) requirements.
2. There is no protection from falling through holes
Any holes, including skylights, that would result in a fall higher than 4 feet must be equipped with one of the following fall protections:
- Cover
- Guardrail system
- Travel restraint system
- Personal fall arrest system
The area around the hole should also be clear of any tripping hazards.
3. The runway is less than 18 inches wide
OSHA regulations dictate that all runways must be at least 18 inches wide and be equipped with a personal fall arrest system if they are more than 4 feet off the ground. Alternatively, you can install a guardrail system to prevent falls from runways.
4. Fixed ladders are not equipped with a personal fall arrest system
As of November 19, 2018, all fixed ladders that extend more than 24 feet must include a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or ladder safety system. These ladders no longer require cages. If you have an existing fixed ladder with a cage, you are not required to remove it unless it hinders the installation of a PFAS. To learn more about this change in OSHA standards, see our previous blog post.
5. There are no toeboards to prevent objects from falling
Rooftop walkway systems should also be designed to prevent falling objects, which can cause serious injuries. Erecting toeboards, screens, or guards around the bottom of the walkway can meet OSHA requirements to prevent this.
Invest in Your Safety With METALWALK®
With 40 years of experience as a metal building accessories supplier, we at Design Components Inc. believe in quality, safety and great customer service. Our METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System simultaneously protects your roof from foot traffic damage and protects your employees from slips, trips and falls by giving them a sturdy way to access your rooftop equipment. We maintain such high standards for our products that METALWALK® exceeds OSHA and IBC requirements.
Don’t compromise when it comes to rooftop safety. Contact us or give us a call at (800) 868-9910 to learn how we can help you.
