Rooftop Walkway System Safety Is Vital  

Your company’s safety should be at the top of the priority list. Workers are climbing up and down steel ladders on an hourly basis. Safety measures then become more crucial to company success, but more importantly your employees. The question becomes “Is my current rooftop systems and other equipment providing optimal safety?” Design Components takes your workplace safety seriously and wants you to find the optimal safety solutions for your facility. That’s why we want to help you understand if your steel ladders and Rooftop Walkway System is working fully for you.  

Rooftop Walkway System and OSHA Updates 

As of November 19, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA implemented new requirements for fixed ladders on buildings. Understanding these new ladder regulations can be confusing, and you can spend a great deal of time referencing the standard interpretations pages on the OSHA website and still not find the answers you need.  That’s why Rooftop Walkway System professionals want to make it an easy transition.  

So what has OSHA changed? 

The first and primary change is the phasing out of cages on fixed ladders. Many see this as a step forward for ladder safety. The reality is that cages offer little in the way of fall protection. In fact, they can increase the risk of injury during a fall. 

OSHA now encourages using a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) or ladders safety system. These come in wide variety of designs. 

Three primary types are:  

• Bolt on cable systems (with a cable grab fall arrester) 
• Track systems (with a climbing trolley) 
• Top mounted self-retracting lifelines 

Of course, each type has their advantages and disadvantages, but each must meet the minimum OSHA Ladder Guidelines outlined in section 1926.502(d) of the OSHA codes. 

Rooftop Walkway System and
Safety Harnesses  

Under the new OSHA Ladder Guidelines, the modification of an existing ladder or replacement of a ladder section requires that the modified or replaced section be equipped with a fall arrest system. By November 18, 2036, all ladders 24 feet or higher must be retrofitted with a PFAS or ladder safety system. 

In addition, safety harness safety has taken a new path.  
850B-TS – Full body harness with center D-ring for VL systems 

• Tongue & grommet leg straps 
• Hip positioning D-rings 
• Waist pad & removable tool belt 

Upping Safety Measures with METALWALK Rooftop Walkway System 

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. In conjunction with our Safety Handrail System, the METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System does not penetrate any standing seam metal roof panels and is fully tested to be OSHA compliant (Meets and exceeds OSHA and IBC code requirements). 

The METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System can easily be paired with many of our other products, including Ladders, Stairs, Roof Hatches and more. Design Components Inc. wants to give your Building the access, safety and functionality that you deserve. Give us a call today and let us see how our products, including the premier METALWALK® Rooftop Walkway System, can work for you. 

DCI’s Rooftop Walkway System Is The Optimal Safety Choice 

With 40 years in the industry, Design Components believes in quality, safety and great customer service. Our team of visionaries and engineers work together to bring safe, economical, durable and practical accessories that will enhance your building’s functionality and productivity potential.   

To find out more about how we can help you provide optimal safety with our Rooftop Walkway System, call us today at (800) 868-9910 or contact us by email at sales@designcomponents.com.