All You Need to Know About Flat Roof Railing for Your Business
As per OSHA safety requirements, businesses need to have a fall protection system for every walking or working surface at least six feet above the ground. OSHA’s newest data suggests falling from a height will remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities. Hence, businesses need to follow OSHA specifications when installing a Flat Roof Railing.
Here is the list of features you need to look for.
Non-Penetrating
The primary function of the roof is to keep the weather out. If you have to punch a hole while installing a flat roof railing, you would be required to use a patcher that might not prevent future leaks.
The flat roof railing you install should not penetrate the roof surface. The flat roof railing should sit on the roof surface with zero penetrations. It should have some counterbalancing system as a permanent solution to keep the flat roof rail upright.
Must be OSHA Compliant
OSHA 1926 mentions the system requirements for roof railing systems to prevent fall accidents.
- Guardrail Height Requirements – The top edge height of the roof rails should be 42 inches plus or minus three above the walking surface. However, if the conditions allow the top height of the roof rails can exceed 45-inch height provided it meets other requirements mentioned in OSHA 1926 document.
- Guardrail Load Requirements – As per OSHA 1910.29(b)(3), the guard rail system should be strong enough to withstand a force of 200 pounds within 2 inches of the top edge without failure. The force could be in any direction- outward or downward at any point along the top edge.
Corrosion-Resistant Connectors
The connectors of the flat roof railing system should have a corrosion-resistant finish. Also, the edges and surfaces of the connectors should be smooth to ensure it does not damage the system’s interfaces while installing and uninstalling.
Navigate Around Roof Obstacles
Most flat roofs on commercial buildings are not designed with flat roof railing in mind. Hence, the rooftop may have many obstacles to make the installation difficult. For example, mechanical equipment, roof hatches, and roof parapets are problems when installing a flat roof railing. Therefore, the roof railing should have a modular design and standard pipe to navigate obstacles easily.
You would like to read-
The Railing Has to Look Good
Aesthetics and safety should not be mutually exclusive. The roof rail system should be both aesthetics and safe. In other words, it should be a good-looking solution that does not compromise security. Here are some options you can consider.
Galvanized fittings and pipes do not rust easily and blend well with their surroundings. The roof railing can be angled away from the roof edge, which will make it less visible from the ground. The railings can be powder coated to ensure it combines perfectly with the building aesthetics.
The railing stays OSHA compliant but has a small visual footprint when viewed from the bottom. The roof railing should be continuous, which will make it look pleasing and help it integrate well into the surrounding environment.
Quick Installation
The roof railing should be available in modular components that can be assembled easily without the need for welding or drilling holes. The roof anchor points should also be non-penetrating, which will increase the safety of the workers during installation.
So, these are some aspects that you need to ensure while installing a flat roof railing on your commercial premises.
