Fall Protection For American Buildings by Nucor

Fall Protection For American Buildings by Nucor

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jun 12th 2024

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for American Buildings Standing Seam Panels.

American Buildings by Nucor logo. Image courtesy of www.americanbuildings.com.

Who is American Buildings by Nucor?

American Buildings, a prominent Nucor brand, is a leader in manufacturing custom-engineered steel building systems. Known for its advanced technology, versatile designs, and enduring quality, American Buildings has grown significantly since its inception. Initially founded in 1947 as a small regional fabricator in Georgia, the company has expanded its operations to full-service plants across multiple states. The key to their success lies in their extensive network of nearly a thousand design-build contractors across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. As a brand under Nucor Corporation, North America's largest steel producer and recycler, American Buildings enjoys the financial strength and stability of a Fortune 500 company. They prioritize sustainability, with all products and metal building systems manufactured in the United States using American steel from Nucor. This commitment to quality and sustainability has positioned American Buildings as a trusted name in the industry.

What Are The Best Fall Protection Solutions For American Buildings Standing Seam Panels?

Ensuring the safety of workers on standing seam roofs is paramount. This blog educates workers and building owners about the most compatible fall protection solutions for American Buildings' standing seam panels. Understanding and implementing the appropriate safety measures is crucial to performing tasks securely and efficiently. American Buildings' standing seam panels required specialized safety devices to prevent damage to the roof system. Equipping workers with reliable fall protection systems is essential to avoiding accidents and injuries.

This section will explore the most compatible and adequate fall protection solutions for American Buildings' standing seam panels, ensuring a safer working environment for everyone involved. By integrating advanced fall protection products like the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, SSRA3 Anchor Plates, Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor, building owners and contractors can maintain a safe working environment while benefiting from the superior performance of American Buildings' standing seam panels.

Loc Seam & Loc Seam 360 Roof Panels

American Buildings Loc Seam. Image courtesy of www.americanbuildings.com.

The Loc Seam and Loc Seam 360 deliver a sleek, architecturally appealing look. These standing seam panels feature a flat profile with subtle striations and the option for pencil ribs, making them ideal for buildings with hips and valleys. Both systems have a panel width of 16" with a 2" seam height and are available in 22-gauge or 24-gauge Galvalume® or galvanized steel. The Loc Seam employs a mechanically-seamed 90-degree shape, while the Loc Seam 360 boasts a fully enclosed 360° rolled seam. This design minimizes the need for through-fasteners, enhancing weather-tightness compared to other roofing systems. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for American Buildings Loc Seam & Loc Seam 360 Standing Seam Panels.

Both the Loc Seam and Loc Seam 360 utilize a sliding clip system that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, preventing potential damage to the panels. The fully enclosed seam of the Loc Seam 360 offers superior seam strength and weather resistance, making it an excellent choice for demanding environments. Regardless of the selected system, these panels from American Buildings provide a visually appealing and durable roofing solution.

Fall Protection for Loc Seam / Loc Seam 360 Panels

Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): The SSRA1 anchor system is perfect for standing seam roofs like the Loc Seam and Loc Seam 360 panels. It attaches securely without penetrating the roof surface, maintaining the integrity of the panels. Compatible with both 22-gauge and 24-gauge versions, the SSRA1 ensures reliable and long-lasting performance.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Mounted on SSRA1 anchors, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter supports 10-foot walkboards without roof penetrations. It also offers adjustable height options for various seam heights, providing flexibility and enhanced safety.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Ideal for extensive projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates, combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, offer robust temporary horizontal lifelines for two workers, enhancing safety and mobility.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This anchor is excellent for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. It hooks over the roof ridge, creating a secure anchorage point and ensuring 100% worker tie-off while on steep roofs.

Using these advanced fall protection solutions, building owners and contractors can ensure a safe working environment while taking advantage of American Buildings' Loc Seam and Loc Seam 360 panels' superior performance.

Standing Seam II & Standing Seam 360

American Buildings Standing Seam II panel. Image courtesy of www.americanbuildings.com.

The Standing Seam II and Standing Seam 360 are two high-performance metal roofing panels offered by American Buildings Company. Both panels are 24" wide with 3" high seams, ensuring long-lasting structural performance. They are designed for roofs with a minimum recommended slope of 1/4:12 pitch and are available in 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel. These panels have durable finish options, including the highly resilient SmartKote PVDF and the energy-efficient SP-COOL silicone-polyester coatings. The concealed clip attachment system allows these panels to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing potential damage and ensuring long-lasting performance. The Standing Seam II and Standing Seam 360 have achieved prestigious code approvals, including UL Class 90 wind uplift, FM approval, and Miami-Dade certification. They have also undergone rigorous ASTM testing, demonstrating excellent resistance to wind uplift, air infiltration, water penetration, and fire, achieving a Class A fire rating. The Standing Seam 360 panel utilizes a 360-degree double-locked, vertical leg seam formed by an electrical seaming machine, enhancing weather-tightness and providing superior performance in demanding conditions. Both systems are ideal for new construction or retrofit roofing applications and suitable for light gauge structural framing. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for American Buildings Standing Seam II & Standing Seam 360 Standing Seam Metal Roof Panels.

Fall Protection for Standing Seam II / Standing Seam 360 Panels

Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): The SSRA1 anchor system is an excellent choice for Standing Seam II and the Standing Seam 360 panels. It attaches securely without penetrating the roof surface, maintaining the integrity of the panels. Compatible with both 22-gauge and 24-gauge versions, the SSRA1 ensures reliable and long-lasting performance.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, mounted on SSRA1 anchors, facilitates using 10-foot walkboards without roof penetrations. It offers adjustable height options to suit various seam heights, enhancing flexibility and worker safety.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: For extensive projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates, combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, provide robust temporary horizontal lifelines for two workers, enhancing safety and mobility during roofing tasks.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This anchor is ideal for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. It hooks securely over the roof ridge, creating a reliable anchorage point and ensuring 100% worker tie-off while on the roof, making it suitable for steep slopes.

They provide stable and reliable anchorage, ensuring long-lasting safety for workers on lower-pitched roofs. By integrating these advanced fall protection solutions, building owners and contractors can maintain a safe working environment while benefiting from the superior performance of American Buildings' Standing Seam II and Standing Seam 360 panels.

Keeping Workers Safe on American Buildings Roofs

American Buildings' standing seam roof panel systems, including the Loc Seam, Loc Seam 360, Standing Seam II, and Standing Seam 360, offer exceptional durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. These panels meet rigorous standards and are ideal for roofing applications, from new construction to retrofits. Ensuring worker safety during the installation and maintenance of these panels is crucial. By utilizing compatible fall protection systems such as the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, SSRA3 Anchor Plates, Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor, building owners and contractors can create a safe working environment. These advanced fall protection solutions provide reliable anchorage, flexibility, and enhanced safety, helping to prevent accidents and injuries.

The Loc Seam and Loc Seam 360 panels feature a sleek, architecturally appealing design with pencil rib options. The Standing Seam II and Standing Seam 360 panels offer robust structural performance and excellent weather-tightness. Both panels accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring long-lasting durability and performance. Additionally, these panels have achieved prestigious code approvals and certifications, further demonstrating their reliability and quality. By integrating these high-quality roofing systems with top-notch fall protection measures, you can ensure the safety of your workforce while benefiting from the superior performance and aesthetics of American Buildings' standing seam panels. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, these panels provide a reliable and attractive roofing solution that stands the test of time.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For American Buildings

American Buildings

Loc Seam & Loc Seam 360
22-24 Gauge

Standing Seam II & Standing Seam 360
22-24 Gauge

SSRA 1

SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES

SSRA1 Nylon Tip

SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES

SSRA2 Roof Jack

SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter

YES YES

SSRA3 Anchor Plate

SSRA_3 Anchor Plate

YES YES

The Ridge Pro

Ridge Pro Roof Anchor

YES YES

 

We'd love to hear about your project! Call us at 863-703-4522 to discuss your needs, or visit our website at www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com for more details. For additional insights into fall protection, check out OSHA's comprehensive 48-page manual.

American Buildings Standing Seam 360 panels. Image courtesy of www.americanbuildings.com.

General Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide workers with premium-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These products significantly reduce the impact loads during falls, minimizing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.

Use Roof Anchor Systems Designed for Standing Seam Roofs

When working on standing seam roofs, it's crucial to use roof anchor systems specifically designed for these applications. Ensure these systems are correctly sized and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, paying attention to the precise placement on the seam and the appropriate torque settings.

Avoid using seam anchors that require attachment over clips, as locating clips on existing roof systems can be impractical and unsafe.

Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan

Before starting work, the on-site safety manager or project manager should develop an OSHA-compliant safety plan. This plan should include a detailed rescue strategy to protect workers in case of an accident. Proper planning ensures all safety measures are in place before work begins.

Establish Secure Work Zones

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers to prevent falls on low-slope roofs and create secure work zones. These measures help create a safer environment and minimize the risk of accidents.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Ensure that ladders and scaffolding are correctly positioned and free of obstacles to minimize fall risks. Conduct thorough OSHA-compliant ladder training for workers and always follow the 4-1 rule for ladder positioning to ensure stability and safety.

Utilize Trauma Straps

Encourage workers to use trauma straps on their harnesses and ensure they undergo regular training on their proper use. Trauma straps are essential for preventing severe injuries or fatalities after a fall by reducing suspension trauma.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Workers should wear non-slip footwear designed for smooth metal roof systems and avoid working on wet roofs. Proper footwear enhances stability and reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Take Precautions for Curved Panels

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. For curved roof systems, enlist a trained safety professional to conduct site inspections and develop a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the specific challenges of curved surfaces.

Foster a Safety-Conscious Culture

Encourage regular equipment inspections and ongoing training sessions to promote a workplace safety culture. A safety-conscious culture helps maintain high safety standards and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Consider Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Investing in permanent roof anchor systems can enhance long-term safety by providing secure anchorage points for future roof work and inspections. Permanent systems facilitate ongoing maintenance and improve overall safety.

The views, recommendations, and information presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the featured panel manufacturer, its brands, subsidiaries, or parent companies. Customers are strongly encouraged to reach out directly to the roof panel manufacturer for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products, as well as to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.

Howie Scarboro, C.E.O. and co-founder of Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C., recognized the need for continued improvements in roofing safety during the 2010 MetalCon show in Las Vegas. He joined forces with SnoBlox-Snojax, a leader in snow retention and seam clamping technology for metal roofs, to create the SSRA1 prototype. Tested by Gravitec for OSHA/ANSI certifications, the SSRA1 proved to be the industry's lightest, most robust, and most universal-fit anchor point for standing seam roofs. Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C. was born in 2015, shaping the future of fall protection and instilling confidence in the industry.