Fall Protection For BC Steel Standing Seam Roofs

Fall Protection For BC Steel Standing Seam Roofs

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Sep 20th 2024

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

BC Steel company logo. Image courtesy of www.BCSteel.com.

Who Is BC Steel Buildings?

BC Steel Buildings has been a trusted name in the metal building industry since 1972. BC Steel Buildings manufactures high-quality pre-engineered metal buildings from its Oklahoma City facility. Known for combining competitive pricing, top-tier products, and outstanding customer service, BC Steel Buildings offers the perfect blend of affordability and durability. BC Steel products can handle various industries, from large-scale commercial projects to specialized builds like hangars and mini-storage facilities, including agriculture, aviation, education, healthcare, and retail.

With a commitment to customized solutions, BC Steel Buildings caters to unique project needs, whether for a small business or a massive industrial complex. Their engineering capabilities and tailored design services allow them to deliver cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance buildings. BC Steel's roof and wall systems are designed for long-lasting strength and weather resistance, using high-quality materials and advanced coatings to keep buildings functional and visually appealing for years.

BC Steel Buildings is proud to offer a building system that reduces labor costs and construction time, helping businesses get up and running faster while maintaining a lower initial and long-term cost. Suppose you're looking for a partner who listens, delivers, and values customer satisfaction. In that case, BC Steel Buildings is ready to help make your next project successful.

BC Steel standing seam roof. Image courtesy of www.BCSteel.com.

Why Identifying Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Is Critical

When working with BC Steel's standing seam metal roofs, it's crucial to ensure the safety of workers while maintaining the integrity of the roofing system. BC Steel Buildings offers advanced standing seam profiles with exceptional weather resistance and structural performance. However, like any high-quality roof system, the unique design of these roofs requires specialized fall protection solutions.

Standing seam roofs have concealed fasteners, which provide a sleek look and enhanced durability. While this design is excellent for reducing leaks and withstanding the elements, it also means that traditional fall protection systems that require drilling or penetration could compromise the roof's watertight performance and void warranties.

That's why selecting non-penetrating fall protection systems is essential. In this blog, we'll break down each of BC Steel's standing seam profiles and guide you toward the most compatible fall protection anchors for each one. We aim to prioritize worker safety and roof longevity so you can install, maintain, and repair your BC Steel roof without sacrificing quality or safety.

Stay tuned as we explore the best solutions for fall protection that work with BC Steel's roofing systems—keeping your team and investment secure.

BC Steel SD24 Snapdown Panel

BC Steel SD24 SnapDown panel. Image courtesy of www.BCSteel.com.

The BC Steel SD24 Snapdown Panel combines strength and simplicity and is a versatile, high-performance roofing option. This panel features a 24-inch width and 3-inch tall seams, offering a robust profile for aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Designed with a snap lock style attachment, the SD24 panel requires no mechanical seaming. It is a popular choice for projects that need fast installation without sacrificing quality. Available in 24-gauge steel and a selection of 19 colors, the SD24 Snapdown Panel is an excellent choice for various commercial and industrial applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for BC Steel Buildings SD24 Snapdown Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for BC Steel SD24 Snapdown Panel

When working on BC Steel's SD24 Snapdown Panel, selecting the right fall protection system is essential to ensuring worker safety without compromising the roof's performance. The seam shape and the 24-gauge steel used in the SD24 panel make it fully compatible with all three SSRA (Standing Seam Roof Anchor) products and the Ridge Pro Steep Assist.

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 Compatibility

The SSRA1 Seam Anchor attaches securely to the standing seam of the SD24 panel without penetrating the roof. This anchor creates a reliable tie-off point for fall protection harnesses, ensuring workers remain secure while on the roof. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter integrates with the SSRA1, providing support for temporary roof jacks that can hold up to 10-foot wooden walkboards. This system allows workers a stable, elevated platform for tools, materials, and safe movement across the roof.

The SSRA3 Anchor Plate also works with the SSRA1 to support temporary horizontal lifeline systems. This feature enables multiple workers to tie off and move safely across the roof while staying connected to the lifeline. Combining these three SSRA products creates a flexible, non-invasive fall protection solution that protects workers and the roof.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Compatibility

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides another non-penetrating solution for roofs with pitches between 6/12 and 12/12. This system hooks over the roof's peak, allowing workers to secure themselves without drilling or damaging the roof panels. It's a quick, effective solution for steep slopes where safety and roof integrity are priorities.

The SSRA system and Ridge Pro combination can create a safe working environment on SD24 panels while preserving the roof's structural and weatherproofing integrity.

BC Steel MS24 Mechanically Seamed Panel

BC Steel MS24 panel. Image courtesy of www.BCSteel.com.

The BC Steel MS24 Mechanically Seamed Panel shares a similar profile to the SD24 Snapdown Panel, with the same 24-inch width and 3-inch tall seams. However, this panel is mechanically seamed in the field, adding an extra layer of strength and weather resistance. The mechanical seam ensures superior performance in challenging conditions, making it an excellent choice for projects that require long-term durability in extreme environments. Like the SD24, the MS24 panel is available in 24-gauge steel, offering reliable performance and longevity. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for BC Steel Buildings MS24 Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for BC Steel MS24 Mechanically Seamed Panel

Like the SD24 panel, the MS24 Mechanically Seamed Panel is fully compatible with all three SSRA products and the Ridge Pro Steep Assist. The mechanical seam does not alter the compatibility with these systems, allowing for the same flexible and secure fall protection options.

SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 Compatibility

The SSRA1 Seam Anchor attaches to the MS24's mechanically seamed roof without penetrating the roof surface, providing a secure point for attaching fall protection harnesses. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter can be combined with the SSRA1 to support temporary roof jacks, allowing for the installation of 10-foot wooden walkboards. This setup creates a stable platform for workers to safely perform tasks, transport materials, and access different roof areas.

The SSRA3 Anchor Plate mounts on top of the SSRA1 to support a temporary horizontal lifeline system. This system allows multiple workers to move freely across the roof.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Compatibility

For steep roofs with pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a non-penetrating fall protection solution. This system hooks over the roof's peak, creating a safe tie-off point without fasteners or drilling into the MS24 panels. The Ridge Pro is ideal for maintaining the roof's integrity while keeping workers 100% tied off on steep slopes.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For BC Steel Buildings

 

Contact Us For More Information

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

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Set Up Protective Barriers for Work Zones

Establish marked work zones on low-slope roofs by setting up protective barriers like guardrails or warning lines. These safeguards help reduce the risk of falls and keep the work area safe.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

When working with curved metal panels, it's essential not to use seam-mounted anchors. Instead, consult a safety professional to assess the job site and create a tailored safety plan that suits the unique features of curved surfaces.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Ensure workers have proper non-slip footwear to maintain stability on smooth metal roofing surfaces. Avoid working on wet roofs whenever possible to prevent accidents, as appropriate footwear significantly improves safety.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Use specialized anchor systems designed specifically for standing seam roofs. Follow manufacturer instructions for installation and avoid placing anchors over clips, as these can be difficult to locate, especially on pre-existing roofs.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Foster a safety culture by regularly inspecting equipment and conducting frequent training sessions. Promoting ongoing safety awareness helps reduce accidents and ensures high safety standards.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before starting any project, developing a safety plan that complies with OSHA regulations is essential. The plan should include a detailed rescue strategy to ensure worker safety throughout the project.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Equip workers with top-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These essential items reduce the impact of falls and help prevent severe injuries.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Encourage the use of trauma straps and harnesses and offer regular training. Trauma straps are vital for minimizing the risks of suspension trauma following a fall.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Install permanent roof anchor systems for long-term safety. These anchors stay in place for future work, providing continuous fall protection during maintenance and inspections.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Properly set up ladders and scaffolding, ensuring they are stable and free from obstructions. Teach workers about ladder safety, including following the OSHA 4-to-1 ladder placement rule.

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, 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 and 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.