Fall Protection For Hercules Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is Hercules Sheet Metal?

Hercules Sheet Metal & Metal Buildings, a proud division of Corrugated Industries, has served as a cornerstone of the Gulf South's metal building industry since 1945. Based in Chalmette, Louisiana, the company has spent nearly 80 years building a reputation for excellence in the design, manufacturing, and supply of high-quality metal building components. Hercules specializes in customizable commercial and residential metal building packages, offering solutions for industrial facilities, retail spaces, and residential projects alike.

At the heart of Hercules' offerings are its standing seam metal roofing systems, engineered to meet the unique challenges of the Gulf South. These roofs provide exceptional performance even in high-wind and hurricane-prone environments. Hercules' commitment to innovation is evident in its concealed fastener designs, which enhance watertight properties while offering a polished, professional appearance.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical for Hercules Standing Seam Roofs?

Hercules' standing seam roofs represent the pinnacle of engineering, but maintaining worker safety is just as critical as the quality of the roof itself. Contractors take an unnecessary risk when they install generic or penetrating anchors on these high-performance systems. To ensure OSHA compliance while protecting the roof's structural and watertight integrity, we recommend the following specialized components:

• Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): This anchor serves as the foundation of the safety system. It clamps securely to Hercules' standing seams without drilling, preserving the roof's warranty and weathertight seal.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These mount directly to the SSRA1 to support walkboards. This setup provides workers with a stable, level platform for safely navigating sloped roofs.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These aluminum spanner plates, when paired with SSRA1 anchors, create attachment points for temporary horizontal lifelines, facilitating 100% tie-off compliance for multiple workers.
• 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: This kit provides a complete, non-penetrating lifeline solution for rapid deployment on expansive Hercules industrial projects.
• 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: This system provides a permanent, non-penetrating cable solution for long-term facility maintenance using 5-inch galvanized steel riser posts.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This anchor hooks securely over the roof peak to provide a reliable tie-off point for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12 where seam-mounted anchors may not be compatible.

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 Hercules panels:

• Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque them 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 them 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.

Hercules KR-24 Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

The Hercules KR-24 Mechanical Panel is a structural powerhouse designed for the most demanding environments. Featuring up to a 24-inch panel width and a 2-inch high seam, this panel supports both single-lock and double-lock configurations. Hercules manufactures the KR-24 in 22 and 24-gauge steel, as well as aluminum and copper substrates. Its mechanical seaming ensures superior wind-uplift resistance, making it an ideal choice for large-scale industrial and commercial structures in the Gulf South. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Hercules Sheet Metal KR-24 Mechanical Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for Hercules KR-24 Panels

• SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Provides the primary certified, non-penetrating tie-off point for 22/24 gauge steel mechanical seams.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Mounts to the SSRA1 to support walkboards for stable staging and installation.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Integrates with the SSRA1 to facilitate temporary horizontal lifeline attachment.
• 100-Foot SSRA Temporary HLL Kit: The primary solution for multi-worker mobility across expansive KR-24 rooflines.
• 120-Foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: Provides a permanent cable-safety solution for recurring maintenance.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: The designated solution for aluminum and copper substrates or steep slopes where seam-mounting is not applicable.

Hercules Standing Seam Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

Hercules Nailstrip panels offer a sleek, seamless look for both roof and wall applications. Designed with a 2-inch rib height and 16-inch coverage, these panels utilize a snaplock system with a built-in screw slot that conceals fasteners. Manufactured from premium 24-gauge steel, these panels are Energy Star qualified and feature high-durability Sherwin-Williams Fluropon® finishes. Because the Nailstrip panel utilizes a nailstrip flange rather than a traditional standing seam, it requires a ridge-based fall protection strategy. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Hercules Sheet Metal Nailstrip Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for Hercules Nailstrip Panels

• Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This non-penetrating anchor hooks securely over the roof peak, providing the primary tie-off point for Nailstrip panels.
• Ridge Pro Safety Solution: The Ridge Pro ensures 100% tie-off compliance for roof pitches between 6:12 and 12:12 without damaging the hidden fastener assembly or the screw slots.
• Ridge Pro Portability: Its lightweight design allows for rapid setup and transport, making it the ideal tool for steep-slope Hercules residential or light commercial projects.

American Engineering vs. "Bargain" Imports

When you install high-performance Hercules systems, your choice of fall protection hardware reflects your commitment to quality. Unbranded, imported fall protection anchors are flooding the American market. Lower price points and promises of a "universal fit" often tempt contractors into making risky purchasing decisions.

To truly satisfy OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI Z359.18 standards, an ISO 17025 testing lab must demonstrate compliance by performing lab tests on the equipment. This type of certification is rarely found in "no-name" imports. "No-name" imports cannot provide the ISO 17025 lab verification required to guarantee performance under stress.

By choosing the SSRA system, you are investing in a legacy of domestic excellence. We design, test, and manufacture every component right here in the United States.

Standing Seam Roof Anchor Point Compatibility for Hercules Sheet Metal

	KR-24 (22 Ga.)	KR-24 (24 Ga.)	Nailstrip Panel
SSRA 1	YES	NO	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	YES	YES	NO
SSRA2 Roof Jack	YES	YES	NO
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	YES	YES	NO
The Ridge Pro	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 visit 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 Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

• Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear: Providing workers with premium-quality safety equipment is essential. Ensure harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrest systems are not only OSHA-compliant but also tailored to the specific tasks.
• Promote a Culture of Safety: A strong safety culture can transform any worksite into a proactive environment. Encourage open dialogue about risks and schedule regular safety briefings.
• Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs: Standing seam roofs require tailored systems. Opt for non-penetrating, clamp-on anchors that attach securely to the seams without drilling.
• Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability: Slippery metal roofs demand footwear explicitly designed for grip. Durable, non-slip roofing boots enhance traction and reduce the likelihood of slips.
• Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones: Establishing guardrails or warning lines around work zones is essential, particularly for expansive or low-slope roofs.
• Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans: A comprehensive safety plan tailored to OSHA standards is a cornerstone of any successful roofing project.
• Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps: Trauma straps can make all the difference in the critical moments following a fall. These tools relieve pressure on the legs and restore circulation while awaiting rescue.
• Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels: Curved roofs present unique challenges. Relying on expert insight ensures worker safety and preserves the roof's architectural integrity.
• Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Permanent anchors provide a consistent, secure solution for roofs requiring frequent access, combining safety with convenience.
• Prioritize Ladder Safety Training: Train workers to position ladders on stable ground and follow the 4-to-1 ratio rule for placement.