Engineering a Complete Anchor System: Part 1

A fall arrest or rooftop fall protection system is primarily designed to protect workers from falls while working on or over the roof edge. These systems use permanent roof anchors, called tie-back anchors, and are laid out strategically to create an optimal fall protection solution.

While a clear understanding of codes, regulations, and standards is of the utmost importance, the first consideration (after safety) is a function when designing proper window washing, suspended maintenance, and fall protection systems. Buildings often install a system only to comply with building codes, Federal standards, and safety regulations. It is, however, essential to consider function to achieve and ensure the long-term success of any system.

Understanding Functionality

What is Function?

Firstly, you must consider what type of work is being completed while the system is in use:

• Window washing: a fall arrest anchorage system and a suspension system. If a rooftop fall protection system is needed (where the parapet is under 42 inches), the fall arrest anchors can sometimes be repurposed to suit both safety requirements.
• Exterior building maintenance (caulking, restoration, replacement, etc.): A fall arrest anchorage and suspension system must be installed.
• Fixing/servicing/replacing equipment (cooling tower, drains, mechanical units) on the roof: If the parapet is under 42 inches, a rooftop fall protection system needs to be installed. These systems consist of permanent roof anchors and/or wall anchors.

Secondly, you must consider whether the workers will think the system is convenient and easy to use. This, beyond anything else, is the first thing that will jeopardize a worker's safety. Like all professions, workers will bypass or modify elements of the system if they believe it is inefficient and slow down their pace.

Technical Audits

It is fortunate to note that building technical audits (for warranty programs) are becoming more concerned with inadequately designed and impractical suspended access & fall protection systems. The audits are bringing this to the building’s attention as a way of saying that the inconvenient system is just as dangerous as a poorly engineered system because no worker will use it.

The Design Process

If you want to ensure that a system (for suspended access or rooftop fall protection) is compliant and efficient, manufacturers like Pro-Bel will work closely with architects, construction managers, engineers, and general contractors to provide design services that encourage and initiate discussions regarding the design (at an early stage of the design process).

This process seeks to:

• Collect and analyze safe access and egress methods
• Determine unique building needs
• Establish functional and common relationships in equipment locations
• Establish maintenance goals
• State conventional rigging problems and methods
• Uncover test methods and inspection practices

Read Roof Anchor Design and Installation for detailed information on the design and installation of roof anchors.

Budget

This process also looks to balance budget, compliance, and function. It must be stressed that caution should be used when the budget is the main consideration for any design (as functionality is the first factor to go).

The design process discussions significantly impact the design of the system (and even the building) as various perspectives are included in the conversation. It is almost a way of conducting thorough due diligence and quality assurance.

To create a cost-effective system, the designer will prioritize creating a lay out with the least amount of permanent roof anchors necessary. This requires a lot of careful planning & consideration to ensure that the final result will still be fully functional for the rooftop workers or suspended maintenance personnel who will be using it.

Read Part 2

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