Performing maintenance on the exteriors of high-rise buildings is a complex and daunting task that requires steel nerves and steel cables! These brave workers trust their lives to roof anchor points that are used to connect the lanyards, lifelines, and other tie-offs that keep them safe from falling. A roof anchor might consist of a simple D-ring connection or a complicated complete lifeline system. Some anchor points are permanently installed on a roof while others are affixed only temporarily.
The most critical concern for working with roof anchor points – Workplace Access & Safety. Only certified roof anchors that meet the relevant height safety standards can be used. All roof anchors must undergo mandatory routine inspections and anchor testing conducted by qualified installers and certifiers before being used. Safety is paramount, so let’s learn more about how to achieve it.
Use The Right Roof Anchor – There are many different styles of roof anchors to match different situations. These anchors range from simple eye bolts to complex static lines, or rigid roof safety rail systems. It is absolutely necessary to have the right kind of roof anchor in place for the intended task. When experts in the field are making a selection they need to understand:
- What is the height safety system’s design and what use is it intended for?
- Have the existing Anchor points been currently certified by routine inspection?
- What is the anchor’s maximum load rating?
- How are the primary and diversionary anchor points within the danger area, 2 metres from the live edge, accessed?
- Is the anchor meant to be used on its own, or is it a component of a more complex lifeline system?
- Will the task require the use of a temporary roof anchor, or a permanent roof anchor solution?
Use The Anchor Correctly – Safety begins with having the correct roof anchor for the task that has been inspected, tested and certified, but if the worker in question doesn’t know how to use the anchor correctly it’s still very much an unacceptable safety hazard. This is why proper training is required to instruct the worker on the correct usage of the height safety equipment.
Roof anchors provide the key safety point for highly specialised systems, they are the connection that literally forms a lifeline for the worker performing their tasks while hanging over the side of a building! Keeping your workers secure with proper training and the correct roof anchor system is a big responsibility, and safety must always be of the highest standard!
