Roof safety systems Melbourne are made to protect employees from trips, slips and falls while working on the rooftop. These solutions prevent falls with arrest and restrain systems, or even eliminate the need for employees to be at heights at all where possible. We will help you understand the different types of safety systems and how they can benefit you.
Fall elimination
The most desired solution is to eliminate the need to work at heights. Moving air conditioning units or plant machinery to the ground for easy maintenance is the safest way to control falling from heights. The sad part is that it isn’t always possible to get rid of the need to work at heights. This makes it important to follow the hierarchy of control and determine what safety systems should be installed.
Types of safety systems
There are three types of safety systems that can be installed within your roof safety system. These include arrest, prevention and elimination.
· Preventing falls
Fall prevention safety systems include multiple pieces of equipment, both collective and personal.
· Guardrails
These systems come in freestanding and fixed options and provide employees with a barrier between them and potential falls or slips.
· Fall Restraint
This is a type of fall prevention system that requires PPE and training. It prevents users from reaching the edge of the rooftop, hence eliminating the fall hazard. This system provides safe access to people working on the surface equipment such as maintenance of air conditioning units and solar panels.
· Harness
Safety harnesses are crucial pieces of roof safety systems. They prevent falls from heights by attaching the user to the anchor point via lanyards.
· Man anchors
Anchors such as beam anchors, eyebolts or freestanding anchors provide a secure connection point for users.
· Horizontal lifelines
These are a very effective form of fall protection. They provide a continuous connection point fixed to the anchor along an elevated surface. This allows the employees to move unrestricted while being securely connected.
Fall arrest systems
A fall arrest system includes full body harnesses attached to either lifelines or anchors but with few differences. They are designed for users who need access to the edge of the rooftop to do their duties such as facia and gutter cleaning and maintenance. These systems enable them to extend over the edge of the rooftop or anywhere high above the ground.
Fall arrest systems are designed to withstand the forces of a falling employee and safely catch them before impact in case of a fall. This means using quality shock-absorbing anchors with a harness and lifeline.
Recertifying your equipment
You have to comply with the latest standards in your fall equipment to avoid serious injuries or death. Noncompliance can also impact your business in terms of fines. People will also fear doing business with you if you are non-compliant. Ensuring your roof space meets the requirements for safe access before they are used is very important.
Conclusion
Make sure you work with a reputable company to provide roof safety systems Melbourne to ensure you get value for your money. You will also need to invest in regular inspections to ensure your systems are in good working condition.