Among the many goals most people have, building a house and renovating at home or even at work are some of the most dreamt. While doing some repairs, one would think and like to make their houses beautiful and comforting.
While planning to achieve the inspiring house or maybe some renovations at work or buildings, setting some hazard and safety measures are a must. Safeguarding is essential most notably when working in a high-risk area to prevent accidents from happening. One of the risks involved in such projects are heights.
A metal roof guardrail is a highly efficient tool for handling and mitigating the particular risks of working with heights. Installing these guardrails can prevent fatal falls and injuries. Moreover, the key to maintaining a safe environment inside your building or home is to abide by the guidelines set by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Their guidelines are the standard when it comes to fall protection and guardrail requirements.
Where Metal Guardrails Is A Must
Comprehensive security at the perimeter is crucial. For OSHA-compliant protection, the following locations require safety railing:
Skylights—Skylights are mounted on the roof, which can contribute to excessive solar heat gain in summertime and heat loss in winter. The majority of homeowners install skylights for ventilation and daylighting. However, OSHA regards skylights as any hole in the roof that can cause falls at heights.
Entry Points – Metal guardrails are also needed for those working at higher places, which will warn them of possible dangers and hazards.
For instance, construction workers should protect ladders and hatches to become secure and to give caution to other co-workers. Thus, according to an article, accidents at heights are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the construction industry, particularly with inexperienced workers.
Complications With Poorly Installed Guardrails
Guardrails should be installed with expertise, not just to comply with OSHA requirements. In higher-risk areas, guardrails should be adequately settled to withstand any amount of pressure.
If guardrails aren’t mounted appropriately, business owners could get into trouble meeting the organization’s general expectations. Employees will leave the company since their environment is prone to hazardous accidents.
It will not only lead to accidents but also cost the company or even the homeowner. Suppose tragedy happens inside the workplace and your lack of supervision causes someone to get injured. In that case, your business may be held responsible for a large sum of money due to damages and medical expenses.
Types Of Guardrail Installation
The first thing to think of when planning to install guardrails is the reason you need to mount them and the duration of your use.
Permanent guardrail systems could be used for longer durations, such as leaving them for the predictable future. On the other hand, a temporary guardrail system is used for a short period when you’re most likely to remove these railings throughout your project.
Mounted—These types of installation attach straight to the structure, and they require bolting and drilling for secure usability. Once fastened to the facade, these types of guardrails usually remain in place permanently.
Thus, these guardrails aren’t as portable and mobile as the other type but are still adjustable if needed. The downside of having a penetrating or mounted guardrail is that it can damage the roof since it is straightly attached to its surface.
Non-Penetrating—Unlike a mounted type, the non-penetrating is considered safe and will not penetrate the roof’s surface. Otherwise, it uses weighted bases to create a barrier between an individual and danger.
This type needs no drilling and bolting that could cause roofs to leak since non-penetrating guardrails sit on the padded roof surface or even clamp to an existing structure.
As a system that encourages safety and protection, there are some issues that people should always consider when installing these guardrails. One is about aesthetics. You may be wondering why and how guardrails are related to aesthetics. Surely, before building your own home or building your building, beauty and art come rushing into our thoughts. As these ideas bolt, one might forget the importance of safety.
Some buildings don’t have roof guardrails installed since they can ruin the structure’s stunning, appealing looks. But this excuse is invalid when other people’s safety is at risk. There are still alternatives available, such as fold-down rails to keep it hidden from sight when not in use.
Requirements For Installing Guardrails
For optimum building safety, architects, contractors, and construction staff should comply with the IBC (International Building Code) and OSHA’s fall security and guardrail specifications.
Unless there are other fall protection systems installed, the IBC needs a guardrail to be placed in the roof area or at least 42 inches above. OSHA also specifies that any person who works on the building’s roof or to heights, must be away from hazards, such as falling, with a safety system.
Lastly, load levels should also indicate the force it can withstand. OSHA’s requirement states that guardrails must resist the pressure of 200 pounds when attached to the surface.
This level manifestation will testify that the guardrail is sturdy enough to become a secure barrier between the person and the edge, possibly leading to falls and injuries.
Takeaway
In summary, safety fall protection systems are essential to install in a structure with higher areas such as narrow houses and tall buildings. Roof guardrails are necessary features wherein they can decrease the likelihood of hazards and encourage people’s safety.
Guardrails are useful tools for roofs and other areas, such as working surfaces, scaffolds, and ladders. Thus, installing these safety systems also depends on what type the individual needs and for how long it will serve them.
Spending little money on the installation of roof guardrails is beneficial not only for building owners but also for other people and employees. Guardrails allow construction workers access and lessen potential risks.
Author’s bio:
Richard Perkins is a freelance writer and contributor based in Oakland, California. Since he was young, he has shown great interest in industrial technology and made it his life goal to be part of the industry. Richard might have been writing for five years now, but he still has a lot of knowledge he wants to share with the world.
