A rooftop METALWALK® system is the preferred solution for keeping workers safe on your roof. Roof access walkways in Houston, TX, provide the best protection on the roof, because they are designed to prevent a fall from happening in the first place.
This is much safer than using restraint mechanisms or equipment that is designed to catch someone after the fall.
Step Away from the Edge
The biggest hazard of working on the roof is obviously falling off the edge. Depending on what workers are required to do on the roof, it may be difficult to stay away from the edge. Fortunately, installing a rooftop walkway can make all the difference.
Rooftop walkways are usually built in straight lines along the roof, following vertical and horizontal directions. The walkway allows employees to get as close as possible to where they need to go without teetering on the edge of the roof at any point in time. It may be obvious, but staying away from the edge is the best way to prevent falls.
Watch Out for Skylights
OSHA considers a skylight to be a hole in the roof. Therefore, in order to protect your employees from stepping on and falling through a skylight, you may be required to add a skylight screen. Of course, installing a walkway that leads around your skylights would extend the same protection to your employees. You should check with your roofing contractor if the walkway is sufficient to satisfy current OHSA requirements without also encasing the skylight.
Hold on to the Railing
An ideal rooftop METALWALK® includes railings. The railing on the side of the roof edge is arguably the most important railing. However, to keep workers securely on the path of the walkway it’s a good idea to install railings on the other side as well. Having railings on both sides doesn’t just make people feel safer. In this case, the second railing will prevent workers from accidentally stepping onto the roof and harming themselves or your roof in the process.
Stay on the Path
Rooftops that have a roof access walkway make it easy for employees to stay on the path. You may even install toe boards to prevent employees from unintentionally leaving the walkway. This could be the case when employees are carrying something and not following the path with their eyes. Of course, walkways can’t replace the use of caution and common sense. Finally, it’s important that only properly trained workers are allowed to go up on your roof to perform required inspections, maintenance, or repair work.
