What is meant by fall protection
As the name suggests, fall protection systems are practices or devices designed to prevent people who need to be in areas where there is a risk of falling from a height from falling. Typical groups of people who make use of fall protection are, for example, firefighters, roofers, plumbers, employees in the construction industry and similar.
Fall protection systems are used particularly in the area of occupational safety. The way they work is based on rope safety systems, which are familiar from climbing. As the name suggests, fall protection systems are practices or devices designed to prevent people who need to be in areas where there is a risk of falling from a height from falling. Typical groups of people who make use of fall protection are, for example, firefighters, roofers, plumbers, employees in the construction industry and similar.
Fall protection systems are used in the area of occupational safety in particular. The way they work is based on rope safety systems, which are familiar from climbing.
At what height do you need fall protection?
An answer to this question can be found in DGUV regulation 38 §12, which specifies the following heights
- From a fall height of 1 metre at: exposed flights of stairs and landings, wall openings and at operating stands for machines and their access points (from 0 m when working above water),
- From 3m fall height at workplaces and traffic routes on roofs
- From a fall height of 2 metres for all other workplaces and
Fall protection on roofs
Fall protection systems, in the context of occupational safety, are very often found on flat or pitched roofs. The functionality of fall protection systems is the same in both cases, but there are generally more options for designing fall protection systems on flat roofs. People are protected from a fatal fall by a combination of fall protection and PPE. The systems are designed in such a way that they are firmly connected to the structure.
On flat roofs, cable systems or anchor points are suitable, which are connected to the personal fall protection equipment. On pitched roofs, safety roof hooks with an integrated anchorage device are generally used.
Fall protection for flat roofs
Rope systems and anchor points are the most common fall protection systems for use on flat roofs. Both systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Anchor points restrict mobility somewhat more than cable systems, as horizontal movement can also occur when using cable systems and the radius of movement therefore shifts along the cable. On the other hand, anchor points can be used to secure the entire surface of the roof easily and without major effort. Anchor points are also more suitable for use by larger groups, as each person can use their own anchor point and therefore work ‘more independently’ of each other.
Fall protection for pitched roofs
Anchor points or cable systems are only of limited use as fall protection on pitched roofs. Roof hooks with an integrated anchorage device are used here. Even on pitched roofs, you secure yourself to the anchorage device, in this case the safety roof hook, with the help of your PPE and are thus protected from hitting the ground if the worst comes to the worst.
Can fall protection systems be retrofitted to flat roofs?
Depending on the nature and condition of the building/roof, fall protection systems on flat roofs are easy to retrofit. However, flat roofs that are in a poor condition (e.g. the quality of the concrete is very poor) can be more complicated. Retrofitting therefore always depends on individual factors. In principle, however, guardrails on flat roofs can always be retrofitted (albeit at great expense). If you are unsure, our experts will be happy to help you!
Would you like to secure a roof? Simply get in touch with us and we will help you find the right solution! Whether flat or pitched roof.
