Nearly 40 percent of all deaths in the construction industry are due to falls. And, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, those deaths were preventable.
Improved safety features over the last few decades have caused a decrease in the number of worker deaths and serious injuries, but OSHA continues its push for increased safety practices, pressuring employers to take a proactive role in preventing deaths and injuries.
Challenges of a Metal Roof
For those workers who perform rooftop services, safety is a primary concern, and employers must follow OSHA guidelines to prevent falls and other types of injuries. Steep, flat and low-slope metal roofs can prove to be a challenging environment for workers, so the need for reliable safety measures for access to and exits from the roof are imperative.
In addition, safety devices should be in place to ensure a safe way for workers to move from one point on the roof to another safely. Environmental factors, such as rain or snow, can create additional hazards for workers who must walk across the surface to perform their duties. A trip-and-slip prevention system provides a less hazardous work environment on your roof. A roof access walkway system is a viable solution that meets safety requirements and addresses potential structural issues caused by employees walking across the roof.
Safety Options
Rooftop walkways systems not only provide a safe and secure work area for employees who perform duties on a metal roof, they protect the roof structure from seam distortion and roof panel stress. Look for a walkway that offers a non-skid surface, is OSHA compliant, and adheres to International Building Code (IBC) 2012 regulations. A reputable rooftop system company in Houston will understand compliance requirements and ensure your chosen system meets safety standards.
Planning a Walkway Layout
Before installing your metal building roof walkway system in Houston, TX, there are some additional things to consider with regard to its layout:
- How many times will the walkway cross roof ridges?
- How many directional changes will be required?
- Is there a need for a handrail?
- Will a toe board be required, and if so, will it be placed on one or both sides of the walkway?
- Are you planning to paint handrails or other components?
- Will caged ladders be required for access to and from roof, and will self-closing security gates be added?
Choose a company whose walkway system is constructed of quality materials, and does not damage the standing seam roof (SSR) of your metal building. Ask about potential rust problems, and any additional maintenance that is required, in addition to guarantees on the company’s workmanship.
