​Fall Protection for ATAS Standing Seam Metal Panels

​Fall Protection for ATAS Standing Seam Metal Panels

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Mar 6th 2026

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ATAS International Standing Seam Panels.

Corporate logo for ATAS International, a family-owned industry leader in metal roofing and architectural panels since 1963; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

Who Is ATAS International?

ATAS International blends decades of craftsmanship with forward-thinking innovation in metal roofing and architectural panel systems. The company began in 1963 as a small siding and trim business in Rochester, New York. It evolved into one of the most respected names in the metal construction industry. Today, ATAS operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Illinois, and New Jersey. The Bus family continues to lead the company, preserving its original family-owned spirit while expanding its reach nationwide.

From the start, ATAS has focused on precision and performance. Their metal panels serve everything from commercial high-rises to custom residential homes, each one crafted to deliver exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and architectural appeal. ATAS has built its reputation on quality, service, and the ability to meet the unique demands of modern builders and architects.

Why Are Non-Penetrating Seam Anchors Required For ATAS Standing Seam Roofs?

Protecting workers on standing seam roofs requires the use of non-penetrating fall protection systems. ATAS standing seam panels rely on concealed clips and floating seams that expand and contract naturally with temperature changes. This flexibility keeps the roof watertight and secure. Safety plans must prioritize avoiding roof penetrations, as drilling into the panels can cause leaks, corrosion, coating damage, and voided warranties.

Non-penetrating anchors are essential because they preserve the roof's watertight seal while keeping workers secure. These fall protection clamps attach directly to the seams without drilling, thereby maintaining the integrity of the roof system and the structural investment beneath it.


Fall Protection Systems for ATAS International Panels

To maintain the integrity of these high-performance systems, specialized fall protection is required. The following products provide the primary safety solutions for ATAS installations:

  • SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: The foundation of the system. This anchor provides a non-penetrating, certified 5,000-pound tie-off point using 12 cupped-tip or nylon-tipped set screws.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount directly to the SSRA1 anchors to create level work platforms on steep slopes using 10-foot wooden walkboards.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Heavy-duty aluminum plates that secure across two SSRA1 anchors to serve as certified endpoints for horizontal lifelines.
  • SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit: A complete turnkey system providing continuous tie-off for up to two workers in fall arrest, allowing safe lateral movement across wide spans.
  • 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: An industry-exclusive galvanized-steel-cable solution for roofs requiring regular maintenance without penetrations.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: A peak-mounted system for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, providing 100% tie-off from the ladder to the ridge.

Proper Attachment: Set-Screws and Torque Requirements

Worker safety and the holding power of the SSRA1 anchor depend entirely on correct set-screw application:

  • Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set-Screws: Use these screws exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque these screws to 90 inch-pounds.
  • Nylon-Tipped Set-Screws: Apply these tips to 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque these screws to 180 to 200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.

Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace these tips every 3 to 5 uses to maintain maximum grip strength.

CRITICAL WARNING: NO IMPACT GUNS

Never use an impact gun to install set-screws. Over-torquing with an impact driver crushes the standing-seam rib. This installation error damages the anchor hardware and voids the manufacturer's warranty. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final installation.


ATAS Dutch Seam Snaplock Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Technical profile of the Dutch Seam Snaplock panel highlighting the 1.5-inch seam height and clipless installation design; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The Dutch Seam Snaplock panel from ATAS International combines strength, simplicity, and style. The panels feature a 1.5-inch seam height and a snaplock design that eliminates the need for mechanical field seaming. Each section locks securely into the previous panel with a fast connection, saving labor time while ensuring a watertight finish. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge ATAS International Dutch Seam Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Available in 22- and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 1.5-inch seam height with widths of 11, 15, and 19.25 inches.
  • Specs: Minimum roof slope requirement of 2:12.
  • Substrates: Also available in aluminum, copper, and zinc for architectural variety.

Fall Protection for Dutch Seam Snaplock Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Clamps directly to the 22- or 24-gauge steel seams for a 5,000-pound-rated tie-off point.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Attach to the anchors to hold walkboards for secure footing on steep runs.
  • SSRA HLL Kit: Includes four anchors and two plates to form a 100-foot temporary horizontal lifeline for multi-worker safety.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Use this for aluminum, copper, or zinc substrates where seam-mounted clamps are incompatible.

ATAS 1-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Profile view of the Field-Lok 1-inch panel showcasing the mechanically field-seamed 1-inch rib; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The 1-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel is part of the Field-Lok Series, known for precision and adaptability. This mechanically-seamed system features a 1-inch seam height and is available in both single- and double-lock configurations. It offers excellent watertight performance for residential and architectural roofing. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge ATAS International 1-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Available in 22- and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 1-inch seam height with standard widths of 13.5, 17.5, and 21.75 inches.
  • Specs: Requires a minimum slope of 2:12.

Fall Protection for 1-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Attaches directly to non-curved steel seams to provide OSHA-compliant anchor points.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Provides a 100% tie-off from the ladder to the ridge on slopes between 6:12 and 12:12.

ATAS 1.5-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Technical profile of the Field-Lok 1.5-inch mechanical standing seam panel; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The 1.5-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel combines classic craftsmanship with modern engineering. This mechanically seamed system is available in single- and double-lock configurations, delivering continuous lines and a timeless standing seam look. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge ATAS International 1.5-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Manufactured in 22- and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 1.5-inch seam height with widths ranging from 12.5 to 20.75 inches.
  • Specs: Requires a minimum roof slope of 2:12.

Fall Protection for 1.5-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Clamps securely to the seams without drilling for 5,000-pound-rated protection.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Hold ten-foot walkboards for a stable, level platform on steep roof sections.
  • SSRA HLL Kit: Deploys a complete horizontal system for multi-worker mobility.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Hooks over the ridge to provide immediate tie-off on steep slopes.

ATAS 2-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Profile of the Field-Lok 2-inch panel designed for high wind load performance with a 2-inch rib height; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The 2-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panel is one of ATAS International's most robust systems, engineered to withstand severe loading. Its 2-inch seam height provides exceptional wind resistance for commercial and industrial projects. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge ATAS International 2-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Produced in 22- and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 2-inch height with widths from 15.25 to 19.5 inches.
  • Specs: Requires a minimum slope of just 0.5:12.

Fall Protection for 2-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Clamps to the 22- or 24-gauge steel seams for certified fall arrest.
  • SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Create secure supports for wooden walkboards on extended roof areas.
  • Super Anchor 120-foot HLL Kit: A permanent galvanized steel cable system for ongoing maintenance access.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Offers a non-penetrating peak-mounted alternative that preserves the watertight finish.

ATAS 2-3/8-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

Visual profile of the Field-Lok 2-3/8-inch structural panel featuring the high-performance Triple-Lok design; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The 2-3/8-Inch Field-Lok structural panel features a Triple-Lok design. This unique interlocking system outperforms nearly every comparable panel in wind uplift resistance, preventing sidelap unzipping. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for 22 Gauge and 24 Gauge ATAS International 2-3/8-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Available in 22- and 24-gauge steel.
  • Dimensions: 2-3/8-inch height with standard widths of 13.75 and 18 inches.
  • Specs: Minimum slope of 0.5:12; double-folded seam locks securely between supports.

Fall Protection for 2-3/8-Inch Field-Lok Mechanical Panels:

  • SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Provides a 5,000-pound-rated tie-off point that respects the structural triple-locked seam.
  • SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Connect between two anchors to support temporary horizontal lifelines.
  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Ensures continuous protection on steep-slope industrial installations without seam contact.

ATAS PC System Batten Panel (Ridge Pro Only)

Profile of the PC System panel highlighting the decorative batten cover and separate pan design; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The PC System is a batten-style standing seam roof design. Each system consists of three main components: the pan, the clip, and a separate batten cover. Because the batten snaps over the concealed clips, the seams cannot safely support the compression loads of seam-mounted anchors. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ATAS International PC System Batten Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: 22- and 24-gauge steel, as well as aluminum and copper.
  • Dimensions: 1-inch height with widths from 11.25 to 15.25 inches.
  • Specs: Minimum slope requirement of 3:12.

Fall Protection for PC System Batten Panels:

  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: This is the only recommended non-penetrating solution. Clamping to batten covers risks shifting the strips or damaging the panel finish. The Ridge Pro hooks over the peak, allowing workers to stay tied off without relying on the decorative batten caps.

ATAS Monarch Batten Panel (Ridge Pro Only)

Close-up profile of the Monarch batten panel showcasing the integrated seam and vertical leg barrier; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The Monarch panel is a batten-style system with an integrated seam and vertical leg design. The concealed clip attachment allows for natural thermal movement while keeping all fasteners concealed. Because there is no exposed structural rib suitable for clamping, seam-mounted anchors are not compatible. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ATAS International Monarch Batten Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: Available in 22- and 24-gauge steel and aluminum.
  • Dimensions: 2-inch height with standard widths of 8, 12, and 16 inches.
  • Specs: Minimum slope requirement of 2:12.

Fall Protection for Monarch Batten Panels:

  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Hooks directly over the ridge to create a stable tie-off point without drilling or clamping. This strategy ensures 100% tie-off while maintaining the roof's watertight integrity.

ATAS Colonial Seam Nailstrip Panel (Ridge Pro Only)

Technical profile of the Colonial Seam nailstrip panel for residential architectural use; image courtesy of www.ATAS.com.

The Colonial Seam Nailstrip panel delivers a timeless architectural look. This clipless standing seam panel uses a snaplock design in which the adjacent panel completely covers the fasteners. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ATAS International Colonial Seam Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

  • Material: 24-gauge steel or .032 aluminum.
  • Dimensions: 1- or 1.5-inch height with various widths.
  • Specs: Minimum recommended slope of 3:12.

Fall Protection for Colonial Seam Nailstrip Panels:

  • Ridge Pro Steep Assist: This system provides a secure, OSHA-compliant anchor point that avoids the seams entirely. It keeps the watertight finish pristine by hooking securely over the ridge.

Engineering Certainty: The Value of Verified 3rd-Party Compliance

In the professional roofing industry, the true cost of bargain safety hardware often remains hidden until a critical moment of need. The market is currently seeing an influx of unbranded, generic imports that may visually mimic certified equipment but lack the essential technical pedigree required for high-stakes fall arrest. Without documented proof of chemical composition, heat-treatment consistency, and vertical laboratory verification, these alternatives represent a significant structural gamble.

Choosing American-engineered SSRA hardware replaces uncertainty with empirical performance. We prioritize exhaustive testing by ISO 17025-accredited laboratories to ensure every anchor comfortably exceeds the 5,000-pound dynamic load requirement. This commitment to 3rd-party validation goes beyond meeting OSHA and ANSI standards; it provides contractors with the transparent data needed to make informed safety decisions. By selecting hardware with a proven domestic engineering heritage, you ensure that your safety protocols align with the architectural integrity and premium craftsmanship of the ATAS International roofing system. We encourage you to review our official SSRA test reports for verified performance benchmarks.


Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 22 Gauge ATAS International Panels


Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 24 Gauge ATAS International Panels


Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For ATAS International Panels Cont.


Contact Us To Discuss Standing Seam Fall Protection

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Let's work together to make your roofing projects safe, beautiful, and built to last. For more safety tips, refer to the OSHA 48-page Fall Protection Manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchors for your roof system, download our free Anchor Inspection Form.


Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans
Every safe project begins with a written plan. Define anchor locations, identify hazards, and outline rescue procedures. When each crew member understands their role, safety becomes a daily routine.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear
Under OSHA's 2025 updates, employers are responsible for ensuring every worker's PPE fits correctly. Every harness, SRL, and connector must meet OSHA and ANSI standards to inspire confidence when seconds count.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs
Non-penetrating systems, such as the SSRA1, provide solid tie-off points without drilling or damaging seams. These anchors protect the watertight finish and ensure long-term compliance with OSHA regulations.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones
Guardrails provide a constant layer of passive protection. Installed around skylights and roof edges, they mark safe boundaries and prevent falls without requiring constant supervision.

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training
Workers should be trained to set ladders at a four-to-one angle on stable ground. Maintain three points of contact and avoid carrying tools while climbing. Regular training turns these practices into life-saving habits.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability
Roofing boots with slip-resistant soles help workers stay stable on dusty or damp panels. Strong ankle support improves balance and reduces the risk of accidents caused by poor footing.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps
Trauma straps allow a suspended worker to relieve pressure on their legs and restore circulation while waiting for rescue. They are affordable, quick to use, and vital for post-fall safety.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems
Permanent anchors are the most suitable option for roofs requiring ongoing access. These fixed tie-off points stay ready for immediate use, making every future job faster and safer.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels
Shape and radius affect how anchors attach to seams. Before starting work on curved structures, have a specialist inspect the roof to prevent damage and ensure worker safety.

Promote a Culture of Safety
Real safety begins with people. Crews that talk about hazards and look out for one another create safer work sites. When safety is a shared value rather than just a rule, it improves the entire jobsite.


Disclaimer: 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. Customers are strongly encouraged to contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility and potential warranty issues.

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.