Roof anchor points – How to work safely at heights

Roof anchor points – How to work safely at heights

If you've ever worked on a roof, you'll know that it can be a scary task. And the higher the roof, the scarier it gets! But, all it takes is one loose roof tile, a slippery surface, or even just a lapse of concentration, and you can be like Humpty Dumpty and have a great fall! Of course, you won't see all the king's horses or all the king's men, but you'll probably see a few doctors if you're lucky. Sorry for the humour; working at heights and height safety are no laughing matter.

So, if you or a tradie needs to work on your roof, how can you assure that no one will get hurt? Sometimes the most straightforward ideas are the best. In this case, the use of hazard and risk controls. For example, roof anchor points, ladder brackets and access hatches can save you from many problems.

So, let's look together at how you can make your roof a safe place now, soon or in the coming years.

Firstly, what main types of fall protection systems are there?

Hazard & Risk Controls - Fall Protection

There are three main types of fall protection systems used:

1. Work positioning

You need work positioning if you have to work at heights in a fixed position. For example, imagine climbing an electricity pole to connect a cable; you need to go up the ladder and secure yourself in place with a lanyard or pole strap. That way, you have two hands to work freely without the fear of falling.

Depending on the job and height, this type of system is often used in conjunction with other fall protection systems. However, we won't go into detail on work positioning as this type of fall protection system because it isn't so commonly used in home maintenance. Instead, it is mainly used for rope access systems, something best left to professionals.

We will say one more thing about work positioning; it is commonly used with our next fall protection system…

2. Fall-arrest

If you have to work on the edge or right next to it, for example, on a ladder, you'll need a fall arrest system. So if worse comes to worst, and you fall, fall-arrest systems are the last hope for you not to hit the floor. So, if a worker somehow falls, they better have a fall-arrest system!

Fall-arrest systems usually consist of an anchor point, harness and lanyard. There are more advanced systems, like self-retracting lifelines, but these are more often for commercial or industrial settings.

All fall-arrest systems include a full-body harness and a fall arrest line. But maybe the most important thing about a fall-arrest system is that it has some shock-absorbing features, for example, energy-absorbing roof anchor points. If not, when the fall-arrest system catches you, there's nothing to cushion the fall. So while you won't hit the floor, you can still have a nasty jolt.

3. Fall restraint

If you're working, for example, on a roof, where you don't need to be near the edge, then a fall restraint is the best option. It stops you from getting close enough to an edge to be able to fall.

Fall restraint systems include, among other things, anchor points and lanyards, static restraint lines, overhear rail systems, guardrails and walkway systems.

Anchor points for your home

You'll have noticed that anchor points are one of the central fall protection systems used. Why? Because they are the perfect solution for most cases. They can be installed on any roof type and used with fall-arrest and fall restraint systems.

So, let's look at the anchor point questions:

How many anchor points do I need on my roof?

Sadly this isn't a simple question. There are many deciding factors. For example, you'll need one near a ladder bracket or roof access hatch, and anchor points shouldn't be further than 2 meters away from each other. But other than each and every roof is an entirely different setup. For example, you need to consider factors like skylights and the number of people working on the roof. But the list of things to take into consideration is long. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer or calculator out there.

What are the types of anchor points?

There are many types on the market and many brands.

To know what type of anchor point you need, you must make the following choices:

Temporary roof anchor points or permanent ones? It's recommendable to install permanent roof anchor points when possible. That way, the anchor points will already be there the next time you or a tradie needs to go up on the roof.

Next, what type of roof do you have? For example, there are plywood roofs, timber rafters, steel rafters, concrete roofs, metal roofs, and tiled.

Then there are options. For one person or multiple? Multi-directional? Energy Absorbing?

When you know the answers to these questions, you can narrow down your choices till you have the perfect type or types of anchor points needed.

How strong do anchor points need to be?

According to the Working At Heights Association, AS/NZS 5532m, AS/NZS 1891 roof safety anchor points need to be rated at 15kN for one person and 21kN for two-person.

Can I install roof anchor points myself?

Finally, a simple question! Well, here at HomeSafe, we love the idea of DIY projects. But sadly, under Australian law, all safety access systems, including roof access points, must be installed and certified by certified installers. So, no, you can't install your roof anchor points.

But before you run out to find a roof anchor point installer, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the installer qualified and insured to install roof anchors?

• Do the installer and the materials they use comply with AS/NZS1891.4 standards?

• Is your roof anchor rated to withstand at least 15kN?

• Do the safety access systems come with correct documentation? (eg. Installation guide, testing results, product sheets)

• Will the installation allow access to the entire roof space? Or are all areas of the roof unprotected?

• Will the installer provide a service of yearly inspections as per Australian and New Zealand Standards by a qualified inspector?

• Do they use quality brands like Safetylink?

Make sure any installer complies with the above questions. It will stop you from being ripped off and make sure your installation is 100% safe.

Conclusion

If you have any work done to your roof or gutters, ensure a fall protection system is in place. But also ensure those who will use them know how to use them. Even with these safety systems in place, there are still dangers, such as suspension trauma.

Please be careful; remember that falls while working heights are the #1 reason for deaths in home maintenance projects in Australia!