Design Components Inc., The Only Provider of The METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System, Offers Tips For Accessing Your Commercial Building Roof Safely
Safety is a top priority for any company. When it comes to rooftop access for repairs or HVAC servicing, it’s essential to take the proper safety measures to protect employees. Rooftop access can be dangerous and poses many risks to workers’ safety. Therefore, all company owners with steel commercial buildings must act to ensure their employees have a safe working environment preferably with a rooftop walkway system.
“What is the OSHA 4ft rule?”
The employer must ensure each employee on a runway or similar walkway is protected from falling 4 feet (1.2 m) or more to a lower level by a guardrail system.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has put together guidelines for safe roof access, which include several crucial measures. These include providing safe ladders, personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), roof access hatches, and rooftop walkways.
Here are some safety measures that all company owners must adhere to:
Safe Ladder Systems
Safe Ladder SystemsThe first step in rooftop safety is providing a safe ladder system. A ladder should be inspected regularly by a company safety professional to ensure its sturdy and can hold the weight of the employees using it. Additionally, ladders must be OSHA-compliant, meaning they must have slip-resistant rungs, rails, and feet.
Roof Access Hatches and Exit
Roof access hatches provide safe and easy access to the roof of any building. They should be made with durable, high-quality materials that offer protection against harsh elements.
Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS)
Employees who work on rooftops are exposed to the risk of falls. Hence, installing Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS) that should be OSHA-certified to reduce fatalities or significant injuries is crucial.
Rooftop Walkways
Walking on the rooftop can be risky if there isn’t a safe and secure walkway in place. Rooftop walkways should be designed to include a barrier and a nonslip surface. In addition, rooftop walkway systems should consist of a guardrail system.
Design Components Offers The METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System and a wide range of OSHA Compliant Rooftop Access Safety Products
Design Components, Inc. provides robust solutions for safer rooftop access to employees. One of our flagship products is the METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System, which is manufactured from high-grade material that is durable and weather-resistant. Our walkway system is installed above the roof surface, allowing employees to walk safely. Furthermore, with the use of METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway, the roof surface is protected against damage caused by foot traffic.
Design Components Inc. also offers roof hatches designed to allow safe and secure access to the roof of the building. Our hatches are made from high-quality materials that provide extra protection to the employee while carrying out any activity.
In addition, Design Components, Inc. also offers OSHA-compliant ladders that are suitable for use on rooftops. Our ladders are available in different sizes, and they feature slip-resistant rungs, rails, and feet, ensuring that employees can climb safely.
“When Is A PFAS Required?”
Under the new regulations, a ladder over 24′ foot high “will” require a personal fall arrest system or ladder safety system.
Personal Fall Arrest (PFAS) OSHA now encourages using a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) or ladder safety system. These come in three primary types which are:
- Bolt-on cable systems (with a cable grab fall arrester)
- Track systems (with a climbing trolley)
- Top-mounted self-retracting lifelines
Safety should be a top priority for all company and commercial building owners, especially where rooftop access is concerned. Employers must ensure they take the necessary measures to protect their employees from potential accidents or injuries related to falls.
Design Components, Inc. has a range of products to help with safer rooftop access, including the METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System, roof hatches, OSHA-compliant ladders, and PFAS. Contact us today for more information on products to make your rooftop access safer.
