Fall Arrest System

Effects

So looks like I've to put a fall arrest system into a new build with a flat roof.
Roof measures 6m x 10m

A company is quoting €2800 for a cable system.

Is this overkill? Can I have an anchor bolt to the up stand of the opening skylight, used with a self retracting lifeline? Shortest distance from bolt to edge of roof is 3m and longest is 6m.

If the up stand isn't suitable can the bolt be mounted to the ceiling RSJ that the skylight up stand is supported by, with a lanyard to the roof?

Architect is suggesting we can cover the €2800 with contingency money but I'd rather not have to spend that unless I really need to.

Metric Tensor

Fall arrest systems require annual servicing and training for operatives. Would you consider a railing around the edge instead. It would provide protection too and you don't need training to use it!

Effects

A railing isn't an option, the planning permission wouldn't allow it.
Training for operatives sounds a bit OTT for a private dwelling!

starting to wish we had gone for a pitch roof as this stage!

sydthebeat

How is the roof accessed and is maintenance the solo reason for access?

http://www.snps.ie/permanent-solutions/guardrail-systems/mobile-man-anchors/

What about mobile Anchors like the above?
Rent at times of maintenance?

Effects

The roof is accessed through a roof light in the living area. Maintenance is the solo reason for access to the roof, as stipulated in planning permission. There will be PV panels on the roof.

Those mobile anchors look good, I've seen a different manufacturer with a similar system.

But if those mobile anchors work shouldn't an anchor bolt in the RSJ work? Similar to the anchor bolts I've noticed on the reveals beside windows in apartments and commercial buildings.

Effects

My ideal option would be to have the anchor bolt and for maintenance the SRL could be rented. They are expensive and I'm sure it would have to be tested each year.

kieran.

Cheaper solution would be 2-3 single point anchor units and supply a twin lanyard so as you move from post to post you are always connected to one post. Beauty of this is no annual testing is required of this system.

Effects

Wouldn't the anchor point unit have to go through the paralon roof membrane in a few areas for that? I'm hoping to have as few holes in the roof as possible.

Can anyone point me in the direction of where I can find and read the regulations dealing with fall arrest systems in relation to flat roofs on private dwellings?

Johnnyhpipe

Who has requested a fall arrest system in this case?

Effects

The architect has requested it, after researching H&S legislation and taking other advises.

Metric Tensor

There are no proper rules or regulations for such things as far as I know OP. If there was a rule that said "All flat roofs need railings" or "X, Y, Z system required at a minimum" then everyone would have something to work to.

But as it is there is just the Designer's duty towards the safety and health of future users. So as part of the design process the Designer has to look for risks in the design and address these risks as appropriate.

I assume in your case he/she has foreseen a risk of maintenance personal falling from the unprotected edge of the flat roof and is now assessing methods for removing/reducing the risk.

I don't think it's really what you want but this page may be of some use:

http://www.hsa.ie/eng/Your_Industry/Construction/Designing_for_Safety/Duties_as_a_Designer/

Then also look up the "General Principles of Prevention" to give you an idea of the steps taken in determining a preventative measure.

As an aside - have you gotten planning already? A parapet is often the go to method.

sydthebeat

If access is from a roof light, can an internal anchor be fitted? And would that offer fall protection?

kieran.

Effects wrote: »

Wouldn't the anchor point unit have to go through the paralon roof membrane in a few areas for that? I'm hoping to have as few holes in the roof as possible

There are specialist posts for parlon roof with felt/bitumen based posts for adhering the parlon too.

Another option would be a counterbalanced collaspable railing

Gumbo

OP can you post a picture of the works or the drawings.
I haven't come across a fall arrest system at a domestic level ever.

Effects

Here's a couple of drawings and pictures of the roof which should give a better understanding of layout. Apologies for the large size.

The smaller of the two roof light sections is the opening one. Insulation has yet to go on the flat roof so finished parapet wall won't be as high as it looks in this photo.

Effects

Metric Tensor wrote: »

have you gotten planning already? A parapet is often the go to method.

Yeah, planning achieved and house almost built!
We had an issue with a neighbour so height was a concern. As a result the parapet on the roof is quite low.

Gumbo

Effects wrote: »

Here's a couple of drawings and pictures of the roof which should give a better understanding of layout. Apologies for the large size.

The smaller of the two roof light sections is the opening one. Insulation has yet to go on the flat roof so finished parapet wall won't be as high as it looks in this photo.

Images not displaying

Effects

kceire wrote: »

Images not displaying

You should be able to click on them now. Posting while enroute to the west by car.

kieran.

Don't accept a post system no company to my knowledge has pull out testing for fixing to a plywood substrate.
Collaspsable railings or internal anchor point is the job IMHO

Effects

kieran. wrote: »

Don't accept a post system no company to my knowledge has pull out testing for fixing to a plywood substrate.
Collaspsable railings or internal anchor point is the job IMHO

I presume they could go through the plywood substrate and fix to the RSJ below?

I imagine collapsible railings would be quite expensive as well.

I'm leaning to an internal anchor point if possible.

kieran.

Effects wrote: »

I presume they could go through the plywood substrate and fix to the RSJ below?

I imagine collapsible railings would be quite expensive as well.

I'm leaning to an internal anchor point if possible.

To fix the the rsj you would need weld on a plate with holes to match the holes on the base plate of your anchor post possible but never seen it done. Your right simplest option will be an internal anchor fixed back to your rooflight trimmer.

On your section it calls for 200mm insulation between the joists and also insulation above for a warm roof build up, has your designer done a interstitial condensation risk assessment. Looks iffy to me?

Gumbo

Is the flat roof accessible?
Is it used as a means of escape or recreational use?

I have seen many extensions and new dwellings with this type of layout and have not seen a fall arrest system.

Am I missing something here?

Effects

The roof is accessible via the smaller roof light. PP stipulates access is only allowed for maintenance and no other plant to be installed other than the PV panels. In reality, we could access it from time to time for recreational use but we are not supposed to and it isn't that easy to access. We would need a ladder to get to the roof light.

Effects

Architect has now said we can sign a letter to say a fall arrest system was considered and that it's our responsibility to inform any workers in the future that they have to make their own safety precautions when carrying out work on the roof.
I really appreciate all the help and feedback I've received.

Gumbo

Effects wrote: »

Architect has now said we can sign a letter to say a fall arrest system was considered and that it's our responsibility to inform any workers in the future that they have to make their own safety precautions when carrying out work on the roof.
I really appreciate all the help and feedback I've received.

That's more like it.
If that's the case then we would need fall arrest systems on every flat roof in the country, every main roof in the country where the velux windows allow escape etc