Fall Protection For Central States Panels
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jun 7th 2024
Who Is Central States Manufacturing?
Central States Manufacturing was founded in 1988 by Carl Carpenter in Rogers, Arkansas. Initially, the company focused on producing metal roofing and siding panels for wood-frame structures. The early success and rising demand for their products quickly necessitated an expansion. By 1990, the company had outgrown its original facility and relocated to a larger manufacturing plant near Lowell, Arkansas.
A significant milestone in the company's history was the transition to an employee-owned model in 1991 through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This move empowered employees by giving them a stake in the company, which fostered a culture of dedication and innovation.
Throughout the following decades, Central States Manufacturing continued to grow aggressively. New plants were opened in Indiana, Texas, and Alabama, allowing the company to serve a broader range of customers across the United States. Investments in advanced technologies such as improved painting systems, cool roof coatings, and floating roof panel designs helped drive their success and meet increasing industry standards.
By 2013, Central States had expanded to include over 850 employees across multiple locations, including a new Hartford, South Dakota facility. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has established it as a significant player in the metal-building products industry.
Central States Manufacturing operates 12 manufacturing facilities today, serving over 6,000 commercial, architectural, post-frame, and residential customers nationwide. The company continues to innovate and expand, recently breaking ground on a state-of-the-art plant in Springdale, Arkansas, which will further enhance its production capabilities and support its long-term growth strategy.
What Are the Best Fall Protection Products for Central States Standing Seam Panels?
Ensuring the safety of workers on standing seam roofs is paramount, and choosing the proper fall protection products is crucial. This blog aims to provide essential information on the best fall protection products for Central States Manufacturing's standing seam panels. Installers and maintenance workers can perform their tasks safely by fully understanding the products required for standing seam anchorage.
Central States Manufacturing offers a range of high-quality standing seam panels, each designed to provide durability and weather resistance. However, working at heights presents inherent risks, regardless of the panel type. Equipping workers with reliable fall protection systems is vital to prevent accidents and injuries. This article will explore the most compatible and adequate fall protection solutions for Central States' standing seam panels, ensuring a safer working environment for all involved.
Horizon-Loc™ (H-Loc®)
The Horizon-Loc panel system offers a modern metal roofing and siding solution featuring a concealed fastener design that enhances aesthetics and performance. Its advanced snap-together interlocking mechanism and hidden fasteners provide superior protection against weather elements, effectively preventing water infiltration and leaks. This innovative system is designed to simplify the installation process, significantly cutting labor costs and time compared to traditional standing seam systems.
Crafted from high-quality steel, Horizon-Loc panels are available in 26-gauge steel with a 1" seam height and 16" seam spacing, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. The concealed fasteners and interlocking design not only improve weather resistance but also give the roof and siding a clean, seamless look, enhancing the overall visual appeal of any building. Horizon-Loc panels are ideal for residential roofing and light commercial applications, mainly when installed over solid decking. They make them a versatile and reliable choice for various construction projects.
Fall Protection For Horizon-Loc™ (H-Loc®)
Workers must use fall protection systems to ensure safety and efficiency when working on Horizon-Loc panels. Due to their 26-gauge steel construction, Horizon-Loc panels are incompatible with SSRA products. However, excellent alternatives provide reliable and secure fall protection.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is an ideal fall protection solution for Horizon-Loc panels. This anchor creates a secure anchorage point by hooking over the ridge, making it perfect for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. The Ridge Pro provides 100% worker tie-off while on the roof, ensuring maximum safety and mobility for workers navigating steep slopes.
Central Span™
The Central Span panel is a versatile, attractive metal roofing solution that combines functionality and aesthetic appeal. This panel features a wide surface with subtle striations and a prominent vertical rib, creating a traditional architectural profile many designers favor. With a coverage width of 16" and a seam height of 2", the Central Span panel is available in a durable 24-gauge thickness.
One of the standout features of the Central Span panel is its innovative rib design, which incorporates a 90-degree or 180-degree seam. This design provides exceptional resistance against wind uplift. It prevents water infiltration, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability in various weather conditions. Made from high-quality 24-gauge steel, the Central Span panels offer strength and longevity, making them ideal for multiple commercial, industrial, and residential applications.
The subtle striations and prominent vertical rib give the Central Span panel a clean, traditional look that enhances the visual appeal of any building. This aesthetic quality makes it popular for steep-slope roofing applications across diverse building types. Whether you're working on a commercial building, an industrial facility, or a residential project, the Central Span panel offers a compelling combination of strength, longevity, and aesthetic appeal, making it a preferred choice for many roofing applications.
Fall Protection For Central Span™
Central Span panels, made from durable 24-gauge steel, are designed for various roofing applications. They are fully compatible with all SSRA products and several alternative fall protection systems. Here are the best options to ensure safe and efficient work on Central Span panel installations.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)
The SSRA1 anchor system is perfect for standing seam roofs like Central Span panels. It provides a secure seam attachment without penetrating the metal, preserving the panel's integrity. Made from high-strength materials, the SSRA1 ensures reliable performance and long-term durability.
SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter
The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, mountable on SSRA1 anchors, allows for 10-foot walkboards without panel penetrations. It offers adjustable height options for various seam heights, making it ideal for flexible and secure worker positioning projects.
SSRA3 Anchor Plates
For larger projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System provide a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines. This setup supports two workers, enhancing safety and mobility on extensive roofing tasks.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is an excellent choice for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. This anchor hooks over the roof ridge, creating a secure anchorage point for workers. It ensures 100% worker tie-off while on the roof, making it a reliable option for steep slopes.
Central Snap®
The Central Snap panel is a standing seam metal roofing solution for residential, light commercial, and architectural applications. Featuring a modern 1-3/4" high snaplock seam, this panel provides a sleek and attractive architectural aesthetic. One of the key advantages of the Central Snap panel is its innovative snap-together design, which eliminates the need for field seaming. This feature streamlines the installation process, reducing labor costs and enhancing efficiency.
Available in 24-gauge steel with 16" or 18" coverage widths, the Central Snap panel incorporates a factory-applied sealant to ensure a weather-tight installation capable of withstanding various environmental conditions. Its attractive architectural look, ease of installation, and weather-resistant performance make it a popular choice for metal roofing projects across multiple sectors.
The Central Snap panel is attractive and practical for most applications, whether used for residential roofing, light commercial buildings, or architectural projects. Its modern design and efficient installation process make it an ideal choice for those seeking a durable and visually appealing metal roofing solution.
Fall Protection For Central Snap®
Central Snap panels, constructed from 24-gauge steel, are ideal for residential, light commercial, and architectural applications. They are fully compatible with all SSRA products and several alternative fall protection systems. Here are the most effective fall protection solutions for Central Snap Panels.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)
The SSRA1 anchor system is a top choice for standing seam roofs like Central Snap panels. This system provides secure seam attachment without the need to penetrate the metal, maintaining the integrity of the panels. Made with high-strength materials, the SSRA1 ensures dependable performance and longevity.
SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter
Designed to be mounted on SSRA1 anchors, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter supports 10-foot walkboards without requiring panel penetrations. This adapter offers adjustable height options, accommodating various seam heights and enhancing flexibility and worker safety on the job site.
SSRA3 Anchor Plates
For comprehensive safety on larger projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System offer a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines. This setup supports up to two workers, enhancing both safety and mobility.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is particularly effective for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. This anchor hooks securely over the roof ridge, creating a reliable anchorage point. It provides 100% worker tie-off while on the roof, ensuring maximum safety for those working on steep slopes.
Central Seam Plus®
The Central Seam Plus® panel is an architectural metal panel designed specifically for commercial and industrial roofing projects. This versatile panel features a mechanically seamed construction incorporating floating clips, facilitating a straightforward and durable installation process. Floating clips allow for thermal movement, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the roofing system.
Offered in 18" and 24" widths, the Central Seam Plus® panel boasts a prominent 3" seam height, providing a distinctive aesthetic appeal. This prominent seam not only enhances the visual profile of the roof but also contributes to its structural strength and performance. The Central Seam Plus® panel is available in 24-gauge steel, ensuring robustness and durability for various demanding applications.
Whether utilized in commercial or industrial settings, the Central Seam Plus® panel combines both functionality and design. Its mechanically seamed construction and material quality meet the rigorous demands of commercial and industrial roofing projects, offering long-lasting performance and visual appeal.
Fall Protection For Central Seam Plus®
Central Seam Plus panels, crafted from robust 24-gauge steel, are designed for commercial and industrial roofing projects. These panels are fully compatible with all SSRA products and several alternative fall protection systems. Here are the best options to ensure safety and efficiency during Central Seam Plus panel installations.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)
The SSRA1 anchor system is excellent for standing seam roofs like Central Seam Plus panels. This system attaches securely to the seams without penetrating the metal, preserving the panels' structural integrity. Built from high-strength materials, the SSRA1 provides reliable and long-lasting performance.
SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter
The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, mountable on SSRA1 anchors, facilitates using 10-foot walkboards without requiring panel penetrations. This adapter offers adjustable height settings, accommodating various seam heights and enhancing worker safety and flexibility on site.
SSRA3 Anchor Plates
The SSRA3 Anchor Plates and the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System provide a comprehensive fall protection solution for larger projects. This setup supports two workers, ensuring robust safety and mobility during extensive roofing tasks.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is an ideal roof solution with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. This anchor creates a secure anchorage point for workers by hooking over the roof ridge, offering 100% tie-off safety while on the roof. It is a reliable option for steep slopes.
Central-Loc®
The Central-Loc® panel is a standing seam roofing solution for commercial low-slope projects. This robust, cost-effective metal roofing system features a mechanical design with a 3" high seam, enhancing structural integrity and weather resistance.
Crafted from 24-gauge steel, Central-Loc® panels are available in coverage widths of 18" or 24", offering flexibility in design and application. The panels come with various PVDF and SMP coatings in different colors, allowing for extensive aesthetic customization to meet specific project requirements.
The Central-Loc® panel system accommodates thermal movement, ensuring long-lasting performance and durability. Its precise construction and high-quality materials make it a reliable choice for commercial roofing projects that demand functionality and visual appeal. Whether for new constructions or retrofit applications, the Central-Loc® panel delivers a durable and economical roofing solution that stands the test of time.
Fall Protection For Central-Loc®
Central-Loc panels, designed for commercial low-slope roofing projects, are made from durable 24-gauge steel. These panels are fully compatible with all SSRA products and several alternative fall protection systems. Here are the top fall protection options to ensure safe and efficient work on Central-Loc panel installations.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1)
The SSRA1 anchor system is ideal for standing seam roofs like Central-Loc panels. This system attaches securely to the seams without penetrating the metal, maintaining the integrity of the panels. Constructed from high-strength materials, the SSRA1 provides dependable and long-lasting performance.
SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter
Mountable on SSRA1 anchors, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter allows for the use of 10-foot walkboards without panel penetrations. This adapter offers adjustable height settings, accommodating various seam heights and enhancing worker safety and flexibility on the job site.
SSRA3 Anchor Plates
The SSRA3 Anchor Plates and the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System offer a comprehensive fall protection solution. This setup supports up to two workers, ensuring robust safety and mobility during extensive roofing tasks.
Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor
The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is particularly effective for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. This anchor hooks securely over the roof ridge, creating a reliable anchorage point. It provides 100% worker tie-off while on the roof, ensuring maximum safety for those working on steep slopes.
General Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs
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 that 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.
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.
Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear
It is essential to provide workers with premium-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These products significantly reduce the impact loads on the body during falls, minimizing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.
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 vital in preventing severe injuries or fatalities after a fall over the roof's edge 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.
Establish Secure Work Zones
Establish secure work zones on low-slope roofs by installing guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers to prevent falls. These measures help create a safer environment and minimize the risk of accidents.
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 plan to protect workers in the event of an accident. Proper planning ensures that all safety measures are in place before work begins.
Ensure Stable Access Points
Ladders and scaffolding should be appropriately 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.
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.
For more information on fall protection systems, call 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. You can also read OSHA's comprehensive 48-page manual.
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.