Fall protection Suggestions
Hello, we have a small business inquiring on fall protection options. They will be cleaning the gutters of this apartment building. They state they cannot install anchors on the roof. What options may be available? I have highlighted one area as a reference.
Comments (5)
There's a few different options here:
(1) Use a mobile anchor point (e.g., XSERIES mobile grabber from Malta Dynamics) that has an articulating arm and extends over top of them to tie off to. You can rent these for a day or purchase them if you'll need it a lot.
(2) Use an aerial lift to get up there, then just tie off to the anchor points in the basket. It will require training on how to operate the aerial lift if they don't have it already.
(3) Not sure of the reason they can't use a roof anchor, but they do make single-use roof anchors to use.
(4) Install a horizontal lifeline across the ridge of the roof, then tie off to that. This will need to be installed by a qualified person.
(5) Use a vertical lifeline with a rope grab. This will need to be anchored to something at the top of the roof, so may not be an option.
If possible, use a fall restraint application rather than fall arrest. This reduces the strength requirements for the anchor point(s) you use, reduces the amount of training needed, and eliminates the need for a documented rescue plan.
You could look into getting a freestanding anchor point. We were actually thinking about getting one for this exact application - there are a bunch on the market
Assuming they can not install
Anchors due to owners not wanting their finished rood punctured.
That said, a man lift or aerial lift will be your fastest and safest option.