20 Jun What is a Roof Anchor Point and Why is it Important?
Working at height has always been dangerous for workers, from maintenance to construction and service providers. If the right safety measures have not been met, it can mean a fatal fall or life-long injuries. This is why having the right fall protection system is integral to the safety of workers everywhere. Regardless of what work is being done, all workers must have risks minimised where possible.
Roof anchors are part of a fall arrest system that catches workers if they have misstepped or been knocked off a roof, or over guardrails. Below, we’ll discuss the different types of fall protection systems available and what they can offer you.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Australian Height Safety Services today.
What are Roof Anchor Points?
Roof anchor points are the locations and equipment where your fall arrest system is secured for worker protection. The roof anchor system is a system of points where a harness is locked, or anchored, into place so workers can be safe while working or traversing a roof. If a worker falls while in a harness attached to an anchor point, they will be stopped by the anchor point holding onto the harness.
The roof anchor point needs to be strong and secure enough to take the weight of one or more workers at any given time. Because these systems are relied upon to prevent worker injuries or death, they must meet Australian work safety standards.
While anchor points can hold various equipment, they are generally used in two kinds of fall prevention methods: The fall arrest system, described above, and the rope access system.
The rope access system utilises ropes strung from anchor point to anchor point. With this, harnessed workers can move flexibly where their work requires. This system allows workers to climb up, down, or across to where they need to go with security. This system is often used to give workers access to building facades and windows, at heights that can be difficult to secure other safety systems.
Whatever system is used, roof anchor points are a great way for workers to safely work across rooftops, reducing the risk of falling incidents.
How are Roof Anchor Points Installed?
While most anchor points are easy and quick to install, you must make sure the roof in question has been assessed correctly. Hiring a professional to confirm that all roof anchor points have been applied correctly, and in the best locations for workers, is the best way to meet safety regulations.
If an anchor point is placed in the wrong location, the system could become dangerous. If the anchor point is too weak to hold the workers or equipment, they could come loose from the building during work, causing injuries or even death. If the anchor point is likewise in a poorly selected position, harnesses could become tangled or damaged, limiting movement and increasing worker risk.
Getting a professional to assess the roof in question, and determine the best anchor point locations, is integral to meeting the required safety standards.
You can also install inertia reels with your anchor points system which will automatically halt any falls almost immediately. By automatically activating a brake system once a fall occurs, workers experience much smaller falls, putting less strain on their bodies.
Safety Standards for Roof Anchor Points
It is required for most buildings to have roof anchor points installed, allowing maintenance workers access to the roof for their work. Likewise, construction companies must also meet this standard for any of the buildings they work on, to prioritise worker safety.
Anchor points should be tested to ensure they will be able to hold worker weights and other impacts. Workers should also be appropriately trained to handle roof anchor points and any other roof safety equipment before use.
To ensure that all safety requirements are met, companies should have a professional contractor assess their roofs and install the anchor points correctly.
Why Roof Anchor Points Matter
Roof anchor points are one of the best fall-arresting systems available today. By securing workers in a harness to the roof, a slip or fall while working can be stopped before they can hit the ground. Roof anchor point systems reduce fall risks for all workers, boosting worker confidence while meeting safety requirements.
If you are looking to ensure your building or construction site meets Australian safety standards, contact Australian Height Safety Services today. With years of experience, we offer expert advice and anchor point installation services for businesses and buildings of all kinds.
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