Engineered Rooftop Fall Protection Products to Prevent Falls and Ensure Compliance

Fall hazard prevention in Canada begins with understanding the danger zones of accessing and working on the rooftop.

1. Unprotected Roof Edges – The most obvious hazard, where a misstep near the roofline can result in a fatal fall.
2. Skylights – Often mistaken for solid surfaces, skylights are considered “open holes” by CSA standards because they can fail under minimal weight.
3. Roof Hatches – Convenient for access, but they create a serious fall hazard when left unguarded or open.
4. Obstacles & Obstructions – Pipes, conduits, ducts, cables, and other equipment can cause trips and falls, especially when workers feel they can hop over them.
5. Elevation Changes – Different roof levels, curbs, or uneven decking create unexpected step-downs or trip hazards.
6. Weather Conditions – Rain, frost, snow, or ice can make walking surfaces extremely slippery, and high winds can cause a loss of balance.
7. Large Equipment – Cooling towers, communications arrays, and other equipment that need to be serviced create another “work at height” situation that requires mitigation.
8. Parapet Walls – Parapets less than 1 metre (42 inches) high do not meet regulatory standards; however, they are a barrier that can give workers a false sense of security.

Comprehensive rooftop safety goes beyond guarding edges and openings. It also ensures safe movement across the surface.

• Rooftop Walkways & Crossovers
  Rooftop walkway systems provide a slip-resistant path that protects both workers and the roof itself. Set in sturdy aluminum or galvanized steel frames, the anti-slip treads are self-draining to prevent the accumulation of rain, snow, or ice. Walkways can be fitted with guardrails for added fall protection and a bulwark against the wind.

  For navigating over and around rooftop obstructions, the slip-resistant walkway concept can be adapted to “up-and-over” crossovers. A “mini-stepover” is easily placed over smaller obstacles and can be repositioned as needed. A crossover bridge enables workers to traverse larger obstacles and gaps or a change in the roof level

• Horizontal Lifelines & Anchors
  When collective protection is not feasible across an entire roof, personal or “active” systems are required. An engineered horizontal lifeline system allows secure, hands-free movement throughout the rooftop, including the roof edge. Wearing a harness, lanyard, and lifeline, the worker is tethered to a stainless steel or synthetic-fibre cable. Up to three workers can be supported between anchorages 39 feet (12 metres) apart. 

  According to CSA Z259.16, strong, safe tie-off points are required for active fall arrest systems. Engineered roof anchors keep workers connected, mobile, and protected. Permanent rigid post roof anchors can be installed during new construction or retrofitted into a variety of roof types and surfaces. Mobile roof anchors for flat and low-sloped roofs feature high-friction, counterweight bases with a central pedestal and tie-off point. They are easy to assemble and reposition.