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Roofs are designed to be strong and sturdy. After all, they take a lot of wear and tear. Workers who access the roof for inspections, maintenance, and repair of the roof and building services equipment need strong and sturdy fall protection systems that are regulatory compliant. After all, the consequences of a slip and fall can be disastrous.
According to the National Work Injury Statistics Program (NWISP) of the Association of Workers’ Compensation Board of Canada, workplace falls to a lower level resulted in 56 fatalities and 13,613 lost-time claims in 2023. Knowledge of applicable regulations and appropriate mitigation measures will enable employers and building owners to take the necessary actions to safeguard these valued workers.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) states that an employer must provide or put in place fall protection if work is to be performed at a height of 3 metres (10 feet) or more (SOR/86-304, Sections 12.01 to 12.09). Regulations in all provinces and territories also cite 3m/10-ft as the standard. That covers just about every roof.
When a personal fall protection system (e.g., lifeline) is used, the requirements are set forth by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Series Z259 for components of a lifeline system (e.g., harnesses, lanyards, connectors, anchorages) and the design and selection of these active fall protection systems.
Guardrails are a preferred fall protection method because they provide a physical barrier between workers and the roof edge or other hazards. No special equipment or training is required. Modular railing systems constructed of robust, corrosion-resistant aluminum or galvanized steel feature PVC counterweight bases installed without penetrating the roof. Easy to assemble and adaptable to virtually any roof perimeter layout, they conform to CCOHS standards for guardrails:
Roof hatches are a common way to access commercial, institutional, and industrial rooftops, but they present a significant fall hazard when left open or unattended. A roof hatch kit constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel railings and fitted with a self-closing safety gate surrounds the hatch with a non-penetrating system. The gate features a spring-loaded mechanism that closes automatically after the worker passes through. The system meets the required CCOHS and CSA standards for guardrails.
For areas where guardrails are not feasible or practical, horizontal lifeline systems provide alternative roof fall protection that meets CSA Z259.16 and CSA Z259.15 standards for active fall protection. They feature robust, corrosion-resistant components made of galvanized and stainless steel. Supporting up to three workers between 39-ft. anchorage spans, the system allows workers to move freely along a defined path while securely attached. They are suitable for rooftops with varying layouts and offer continuous travel restraint and fall arrest protection.
Designed to withstand the forces generated during a fall, a roof fall arrest anchor secures a worker to a lifeline and provides foundational stability and support for the system. CSA Z259.2 states that an anchorage (or other sustaining) system must sustain static loads applied in the directions permitted by the fall arrest system of at least: 22.2 kN (5,000 lbs.) for non-certified anchorages, or two times the maximum arresting force for certified anchorages.
Used on flat or low-sloped roofs, these non-penetrating, mobile anchors feature rubber-coated base weights with suction cups for optimum friction. A central pedestal provides a tie-off point or can be fitted with a bracket for a horizontal lifeline system.
For long-term fall protection, permanent rigid post anchors can be installed on a wide range of roof types and a base fix suitable for the roof (e.g., epoxy, shallow deck, cast-in, weld-on, wrap around, beam clamp, bolted). In 2024, updating a 2019 standard, annex D of CSA A23.3 for adhesive anchor installations clarified that only personnel professionally trained and qualified can perform the installation.
Uneven or wet, slippery surfaces and rooftop obstacles can increase the risk of trips and falls. A roof walkway system features anti-slip treads with openings for drainage set in corrosion-resistant metal frames for strength and stability. They can be fitted with guardrails or horizontal lifelines for added fall protection.
To navigate over ducts, pipes, conduits, cables, and other obstacles, a mini-stepover platform enables workers to traverse minor obstructions. In contrast, a crossover platform handles more considerable challenges and a change in roof level. Both feature anti-slip walkway treads and stable metal bases. Crossovers also have two-sided, compliant guardrails.
When tasks require workers to operate at height, especially reaching panels, instruments, filters, and other components of large building services equipment, roof platforms are more stable and efficient than ladders. They feature slip-resistant walkway treads for steps and platform decks, aluminum or galvanized steel frames and compliant guardrails.
Skylights can pose significant fall hazards if not properly protected. They are technically considered holes in the roof because they cannot necessarily support the weight of a worker. Galvanized or stainless steel skylight screens provide a mesh over a skylight that protects workers from falling through without blocking the sunshine. Skylight guardrails surround a skylight or roof dome and are installed without penetrating the roof. These solutions meet CSA Z259.2.1 fall protection standards and are available in assorted sizes and configurations to fit various skylight designs.
Comprehensive rooftop fall protection safeguards valued workers and enables organizations to comply with Canadian regulations. Employers should understand the hazards and safety standards to select appropriate solutions tailored to their specific rooftop environments. Guardrails, safety gates, lifelines and anchorages, safe access platforms, and skylight protection are systems designed to reduce the risk of falls and provide a safer working environment.
Kee Safety: Your Fall Protection Experts
Kee Safety is the world’s leading fall protection expert. We engineer, manufacture and install fall protection solutions that safely separate people from hazards. Our OH&S-compliant products and systems are third-party tested and trusted to ensure consistent performance at the highest level.