Ensuring Workers Safety With Roof Anchors
December 14, 2011It is a requirement of law that workers undertaking specific kinds of jobs be adequately protected from accidents. One of the jobs in which this is mandatory is construction jobs. One of the riskiest jobs involves working a considerable distance from the ground. Roofing requires this and constructors need to have roof anchors to protect roofers from injuries in case of accidents.
There are permanent and temporary ones and it is important that the right kind is chosen. The duration of a project determines which type should be used. For long term ones, the permanent kinds that are used by a single person are the ones to choose. For short term ones, the less expensive temporary ones can be used, with enough of them being purchased for all the workers.
The anchor made to catch a worker in case of a fall is called a fall arrest anchor. Once they have been put up, they need to be marked clearly. They should be installed alongside other devices for catching falls. In case the risk of falling is imminent, the anchors need to be replaced periodically. There should also be yearly inspections. It is advisable they are made to stand out, for instance by choosing those with luminous colors.
Also important is the area that is to be worked on. Anchors are made differently according to work for varying surfaces. If an anchor is to work as it should, the right one has to be chosen. There is a choice from concrete, wooden and metal concrete ones.
Take into account also the weight ratings of an anchor. They are made to take heavy weights but it is important that they do not get overloaded. Too much weight can make an anchor come off the surface it has been on which can cause an accident.
There are different kinds of roofs and the dimensions and structure is another factor that counts. If it is a pinched or slating roof that is being worked on, its batten sizes and the tile wrap have to be taken into account. For such roofs, the anchor will have to go up higher than it would be if it is flat tiles that were being put down.
You will find that they are different brands and makes. Some are better than others. Get the best on the market. Do your research as to which companies make the best ones and the stores where you can get them and at the best price. The goal is to protect people from injuries including fatal ones and that should lead one to choosing the best quality available.
In addition to roof anchors, ensure full protection with other protective equipment. This includes safety vests, gloves, hard hats and boots. Even if it was not required by the law, it is only human to do everything possible to protect the lives of those who step up to do the hard parts of construction.
Contractors seeking reliable fall arrest and window washing safety equipment have trusted Pro-Bel Canada to ensure safe working conditions for over thirty years.

















