Working at height poses inherent risks, but you can significantly reduce these risks with the right fall protection systems. This can often be achieved by installing a guardrail system on the roof, or if this isn’t suitable, fall arrest such as a life line. But sometimes, these measures are not enough. That’s when a more holistic approach to safety is needed. This can include providing safe access to the roof with fixed access ladders, rooflight protection, eyebolts and abseil posts or portable anchorage systems.
A proactive approach to safety begins with assessing ALL the potential risks. Once assessed, you can select and install systems to safeguard workers from potential falls. It’s about ensuring a safer and more compliant work environment.
Fixed access ladders: A safe route to elevated areas
There’s no point in protecting people on your roof if they can’t safely access it. One of the core components of a comprehensive fall protection strategy is fixed access ladders. These ladders are permanent fixtures that provide secure access to rooftops and platforms. They are essential for facilities that require regular maintenance at height.
They improve safety and ensure compliance with the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Ladders also comply with the recommendations outlined in the HSE’s HSG33 Health and safety in roof work.
Whether for routine inspections or emergency repairs, having a fixed, reliable access point means workers can ascend and descend confidently and safely.
Rooflight fall protection: Safeguarding fragile surfaces
Rooflights are an excellent source of natural light and ventilation for industrial and commercial buildings. However, they can also present a significant fall hazard. You should never assume a rooflight is sturdy enough to walk on. Many, particularly older rooflights, can be made from fragile materials that cannot bear a person’s weight, increasing the risk of serious accidents if stepped on. This is where effective rooflight protection comes into play.
Installing rooflight protection systems such as mesh covers or barriers is a simple yet highly effective solution. These systems act as a physical safeguard, preventing workers from accidentally stepping on or falling through these vulnerable areas while working on the roof.
Eyebolts and abseil points: Secure anchoring for safe operations
Secure anchorage points are critical to worker safety when working at height, particularly for external tasks. That’s where eyebolts and abseil points come in. Eyebolts offer fixed anchor points for workers to attach to via suitable personal fall protection equipment, including a safety harness and lanyard to carry out work quickly & safely.
Eyebolts are typically embedded in walls, roofs or other structural elements and can be installed internally or externally.
Abseil points provide a more flexible solution for tasks requiring vertical external movement, such as window cleaning or façade maintenance.
Mobile man anchors: Versatile and portable fall protection
Mobile anchors provide a versatile solution when permanent fall protection solutions are not feasible, or you want short-term protection. These portable deadweight systems can be quickly positioned to offer temporary fall protection without needing to fix them to the roof structure or membrane. The unit can be used on its own, or several anchors can be linked with a life line to form a fall arrest and restraint system.
Mobile man anchors are ideal for temporary or large-scale projects requiring workers to work at different locations. The units are simple to assemble and disassemble, so they can be easily moved around the work site and provide robust protection, ensuring worker safety across various tasks and environments.
Prioritising height safety and ensuring fall protection
Comprehensive fall protection often involve a combination of solutions to protect workers across different roof areas. These systems can be tailored to fit the specific safety needs of the site, ensuring that fall hazards are managed effectively no matter the complexity of the project.
But remember, protecting individuals working at height is an ongoing commitment. Once you’ve invested in the right safety system, you must ensure it remains compliant through annual inspections and continually assess the risks at your site.
Height of Safety: Your partner in height safety
At Height of Safety, we pride ourselves on being independent fall protection experts. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including supply, installation, testing, and inspection of fall protection systems. Our experienced team will collaborate with you to assess your specific needs and design systems that offer the best safety solutions.
