Fall Protection For Empire Steel Buildings
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jan 30th 2026
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Empire Steel Buildings Standing Seam Panels.
Who Is Empire Steel Buildings?
Empire Steel Buildings, headquartered in San Diego, California, is a premier provider of pre-engineered steel building solutions. With 14 strategically located manufacturing and shipping centers across the United States, Empire offers unparalleled cost efficiency and rapid delivery. This extensive network accelerates construction timelines and minimizes freight expenses, providing a significant advantage for builders and contractors nationwide.
Empire's standing seam roof panels exemplify industrial-grade durability. UL-90 rated and roll-formed for exceptional strength, these panels feature 24- or 22-gauge Galvalume substrates. Every panel meets ASTM-792 standards with a minimum yield strength of 50,000 ksi, ensuring they withstand the rigorous demands of industrial and commercial roofing, whether utilizing the WeatherRoof II self-locking system or the mechanically seamed WeatherRoof III. Empire Steel Buildings provides high-value, computer-tooled components designed for a lifetime of performance.
Why Compatible Fall Protection Anchors are Critical for Empire Steel Roof Panels
Empire Steel standing seam roofs offer legendary weather resistance, but this feature relies entirely on maintaining the roof's structural integrity. Drilling holes through a finished panel destroys the watertight seal, invites hidden rust, and instantly voids the manufacturer's warranty. Furthermore, rigid penetrating anchors "pin" the metal to the deck, preventing the thermal expansion and contraction these panels require to stay functional and leak-free.
Non-penetrating seam anchors clamp directly to the roof seams, preserving the UL-90 rating and watertight design while providing OSHA-compliant tie-off points. Using the correct non-penetrating hardware protects your workers, your building investment, and your reputation for quality.
Proper Attachment: Set Screws and Torque Requirements
Your safety and the SSRA1 anchor's certified holding power depend on correct set screw application. We provide specialized fastening options based on the material gauge of your Empire Steel panels:
- Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque these to 90 inch-pounds for a secure, non-destructive lock.
- Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Apply these to 22- or 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque these to 180–200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.
Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace them every 3 to 5 uses to ensure they maintain the necessary coefficient of friction.
CRITICAL WARNING: Never use an impact gun to install set screws. Over-torquing with an impact driver will crush the standing seam, damage the anchor hardware, and void the roof warranty. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for final installation.
The SSRA Component System & Expansion Tools
The SSRA system is a professional-grade modular platform designed to adapt to the diverse needs of Empire Steel job sites:
- SSRA1 Seam Anchor: The foundation of the system. This patented, non-penetrating anchor provides a 5,000-pound certified tie-off point and is compatible with over 95% of today's standing seam profiles.
- SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: Mounts directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot wooden walk-boards. These are fully adjustable to match the roof pitch, providing a level, stable work surface.
- SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These heavy-duty aluminum spanner plates connect two SSRA1 anchors and serve as the structural mounting interface for horizontal lifeline systems.
- 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: A complete, non-penetrating solution that includes the SSRA1 anchors and SSRA3 plates needed for a 100-foot lifeline. Restrict the use of horizontal lifeline systems to roof pitches of 4:12 or less.
- 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: Engineered for long-term facility maintenance, this kit provides a permanent horizontal safety installation. OSHA restricts HLL systems to roof pitches of 4:12 or less.
- The Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The premier "First-Man-Up" tool for pitches between 6:12 and 12:12. This is the required choice for steep slope entry before connecting to seam-mounted anchors.
SS216 Mechanical Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)
The SS216 panel system features a vertical leg design with a mechanically seamed side joint. These panels feature 12 or 16-inch widths with a 2-inch rib height, and the manufacturer crafts them in 22- and 24-gauge steel, making them ideal for structural and architectural applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Empire Steel Buildings 22 Gauge and 24 gauge SS216 Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategy for SS216 Panels
- Primary Anchorage: The SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides the ideal solution. It clamps tightly to SS216 seams without drilling, ensuring a secure, OSHA-compliant attachment point.
- Staging & Access: The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter pairs with the SSRA1 to support 10-foot walkboards.
- Maximized Mobility: The SSRA3 Anchor Plate works alongside two SSRA1 anchors to support horizontal lifelines. Limit all lifeline systems to roof pitches of 4:12 or less.
- Steep Slope Alternative: For pitches between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist hooks over the ridge to provide a secure tie-off point.
SuperLok Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)
The SuperLok system balances architectural elegance with some of the industry's highest uplift ratings. SuperLok panels are available in 12 or 16-inch widths with a 2-inch rib height, and the manufacturer produces them from 22- and 24-gauge steel. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Empire Steel Buildings 22 Gauge and 24 gauge SuperLok Mechanical Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategy for SuperLok Panels
- Non-Penetrating Safety: The SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a dependable tie-off point for maintenance and inspections without penetrating the panel surface.
- Access Solutions: Paired with the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, this setup creates an efficient workspace.
- Horizontal Mobility: Deploy SSRA3 Anchor Plates and horizontal lifelines strictly on pitches of 4:12 or less.
- Ridge Access: Use the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for protecting workers from the ladder to the peak without connecting to the seams.
WeatherRoof II Snaplock Trapezoidal Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)
WeatherRoof II panels feature snaplock trapezoidal leg standing seams. Empire Steel makes these panels with a 24-inch width from 22- and 24-gauge steel, making them ideal for low-slope applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Empire Steel Buildings 22 Gauge and 24 gauge WeatherRoof II Snaplock Trapezoidal Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategy for WeatherRoof II Panels
- Primary Anchorage: The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps directly to the standing seam without drilling, keeping the roof intact while providing a reliable tie-off point.
- Staging & Access: The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter can be paired with the SSRA1 Seam Anchor to support 10-foot walkboards.
- Lifeline Integration: Deploy the SSRA3 Anchor Plate and horizontal lifeline systems only on roof pitches of 4:12 or less.
- First-Man-Up Security: For roofs between 6:12 and 12:12, use The Ridge Pro Steep Assist to ensure safety from the moment a worker steps onto the roof.
WeatherRoof III Mechanical Trapezoidal Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)
The WeatherRoof III system is a high-performance mechanical trapezoidal solution. The manufacturer crafts these panels in 22- and 24-gauge steel, designed for exceptional weather tightness with a 360-degree Pittsburgh Seam. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Empire Steel Buildings 22 Gauge and 24 gauge WeatherRoof III Mechanical Trapezoidal Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategy for WeatherRoof III Panels
- Seam Attachment: The SSRA1 Seam Anchor is ideal for WeatherRoof III panels. It clamps securely to the standing seams without drilling, preserving the panels' watertight integrity.
- Pathway Creation: Use the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter to support stable pathways with 10-foot walkboards.
- Lifeline Integration: The SSRA3 Anchor Plate supports horizontal lifelines, including the 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit, provided the roof pitch remains at 4:12 or lower.
- Steep Pitch Access: On pitches from 6:12 to 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a non-penetrating ridge-mounted solution.
The Risk of Generic Imports vs. American-Made Reliability
Utilizing unbranded, imported, or generic "look-alike" anchors on a high-performance Empire Steel Buildings system creates a massive legal and financial vulnerability for your business. When you choose the SSRA system, you are investing in American-made excellence. We manufacture our products in the USA, where we maintain strict domestic quality control and utilize premium materials that meet the highest structural standards.
Regulatory inspectors increasingly target job sites for safety equipment that lacks verifiable, third-party test data. Because the SSRA1 is fabricated and tested right here in the United States, we provide the comprehensive documentation you need to satisfy OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI standards. Unlike overseas manufacturers, we offer a dedicated American support staff ready to answer technical questions and assist with site-specific compliance.
Saving a few dollars on uncertified, imported hardware is never worth the risk. A failure in an unverified anchor can lead to immediate site shutdowns, heavy penalties, and catastrophic legal burdens. By pairing Empire Steel's nationwide quality with SSRA's American-made safety systems, you protect your workers, your warranty, and your reputation.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 22 Gauge Empire Steel Buildings
| SS216 (22 Ga.) | SuperLok (22 Ga.) | WeatherRoof II (22 Ga.) | WeatherRoof III (22 Ga.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 24 Gauge Empire Steel Buildings
| SS216 (24 Ga.) | SuperLok (24 Ga.) | WeatherRoof II (24 Ga.) | WeatherRoof III (24 Ga.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSRA 1 |
NO | NO | NO | NO |
| SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
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.
10 Pro Safety Tips for Standing Seam Roofs
- Develop OSHA-Compliant, Site-Specific Safety Plans: Never step onto a job site without a written plan outlining fall protection strategies and rescue procedures tailored to the Empire Steel profile.
- Strictly Enforce the 4-to-1 Ladder Safety Rule: For every 4 feet of height, pull the ladder base out by 1 foot. Secure the ladder at the eave to prevent "kick-outs."
- Use Specialized Non-Penetrating Anchors: Always use non-penetrating anchors for standing seam roofs to preserve the watertight integrity and warranty.
- Equip Every Harness with Trauma Relief Straps: Suspension trauma can be fatal in minutes. Install trauma straps on every harness to allow fallen workers to relieve leg pressure while awaiting rescue.
- Mandate High-Traction Footwear: Roofing-specific boots with aggressive tread are essential for stability on slick or steep metal surfaces.
- Factor "Dynamic Sag" into Fall Clearance: When using horizontal lifelines, always add a 2-to-3-foot safety margin to account for line stretch during a fall.
- Deploy Leading Edge (LE) Rated SRLs: Sharp vertical ribs can shear standard lifelines. Always equip workers with LE-rated self-retracting lifelines.
- Define Work Zones with Guardrails: Defining "no-go" zones with physical barriers reduces edge-related risks on expansive commercial roofs.
- Cultivate a Zero-Compromise Safety Culture: Conduct daily safety talks and encourage open reporting of hazards to keep the entire crew protected.
- Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Curved roof shapes change the dynamics of fall protection. Always consult a safety expert before anchoring to radiused panels.