30 May How Do Roofers Not Fall?
Roofing is vital work. It can also be dangerous work. That is why regulatory standards have been created in Australia. At Australian Height and Safety Services, we will help you to meet these requirements and reduce the risk of falls. Our experienced team will inspect your site and assess what fall prevention systems are required. We use high quality products that have been engineered and manufactured in Australia, and we are skilled in quality installations. One crucial element that can be used to assist in keeping roofers from falling are roof anchor points.
Our team at AHSS have installed thousands of systems to prevent falls since our foundation in 2001. Our Victorian business has become a national operator because we know what we are doing, and we do it well.
What Roof Anchor Points Are Available?
The roofs of home and buildings are generally designed to stop rain and debris collecting and causing issues to the structure. They are usually not developed to be walked upon. However, when they need to be built, repaired, or redesigned, that is exactly what occurs. Roofers are subsequently at risk of falling, so finding the most suitable methods to reduce this risk is paramount.
That is where roof anchor points come in. These can enable roofers to move around and carry out the jobs required of them. It is important to use trust-worthy, well-made equipment that is installed correctly. ‘Home-made’ creations are not appropriate. At AHSS, we can help you to find suitable options for you. Some options include the following:
Roof Brackets
These metal devices, also known as roof jacks, can be used to create a scaffold of any size that is required on the roof. Wooden boards are placed on top of these brackets, enabling roofers to stand as they work.
To use these brackets, nails or screws are inserted into the roof. They must be established correctly by an experienced installer. They must also be removed when no longer needed to prevent detriment to the roof.
Toe Boards
This type of anchor point involves a long wooden board being nailed into the roof. These are generally a standard 2×4 board. This creates a walkway for roofers to work on, especially in staging situations. This must be done correctly to reduce the risk of them becoming loose. Like roof brackets, removal of these boards must be done properly so the nails do not cause damage.
What Else Is Important for Roof Safety?
Alongside roof anchor points, safety harnesses and roofing ladders can be used. The former can provide extra protection alongside toe boards or roof brackets in higher risk situations. Safety harnesses are clipped to a trustworthy point on the roof and the worker wears them as they move about. Ladders may seem obvious additions to roofing jobs, but they require special consideration to increase safety. There are specific ladders for use with roofs – not just any ladder will do. They must be the correct height and fastening them to the roof is strongly recommended. The angle they are used at is also crucial to understand.
Anchor points and equipment are fundamental elements in preventing falls, but they must be paired with knowledge. All employees should undertake relevant training regarding roof work, equipment use, and emergency response. This also extends to the people providing the equipment and installations, and we do not take this lightly. Our team are trained and experienced and are regularly updating our knowledge and skills.
AHSS Can Help to Prevent Falls
Fall risk is part and parcel of a roofer’s job and can result in serious injuries. It can also decrease a roofer’s ability to carry out the work well, slowing down a project. In Australia, there are safety regulations that must be met. At Australian Height and Safety Services, we dedicate ourselves to helping you reach these standards and will work with you to reduce the fall risk on your work sites.
Call us to discuss and we will come out to assess your project and identify what you need.
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