Fall Protection For Kirby Building Systems Roof Panels

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kirby Building Systems Standing Seam Metal.

Who Is Kirby Building Systems?

Kirby Building Systems started in 1955 as a general contracting firm in Houston, Texas. By 1959, it had transitioned into producing and marketing its steel buildings under the name Mes-Tex Steel Buildings, all manufactured at its Houston facility. By 1964, Kirby had developed a network of authorized builders, enabling national expansion. In 1966, Kirby Industries acquired the company and rebranded it as Kirby Building Systems, Inc., later moving production to Portland, Tennessee. In August 2007, Kirby became a part of Nucor Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, and was renamed Kirby Building Systems, LLC. Today, Kirby is a global leader in manufacturing metal panels, known for its custom-engineered, high-quality, and cost-effective systems. With over 60 years of industry experience, Kirby offers a wide range of products, including complete framing systems, wall and roof panels, and extended bay options. Their commitment to quality and service has earned them an excellent reputation in the construction industry.

What Are The Most Compatible Fall Protection Anchors for Kirby Standing Seam Roofs?

Choosing the proper  fall protection for Kirby standing seam roofs is essential to ensure worker safety and preserve the roof's integrity. Standing seam roofs require specialized fall protection anchors to avoid panel damage, and penetrations through the panels are prohibited to prevent water intrusion.

Several custom-designed fall protection products are fully compatible with the standing seam series of Kirby panels. This section provides detailed information on the best fall protection products for Kirby's SS360, Loc Seam, and CFR-IMP roof panels, helping contractors, building owners, and safety managers make informed decisions.

SS360 Standing Seam (Non-Translucent)

The SS360 Standing Seam Roof System is a premium metal roofing solution known for its durability and performance. The SS360 is made of 24-gauge steel and features a 3" high rib and 24" panel width. It has been rigorously tested and certified for its weatherproofing capabilities and structural strength, including resistance to wind uplift, hail impact, and fire. It holds ASTM E108 Class A fire resistance certifications, FM 4471 Class 1 Approval, and UL 580 Class 90 Approval. The SS360's advanced design includes a raised seam to accommodate thermal movement, ensuring long-term integrity. The installation uses a standard panel clip and a specialized seaming profile, enhancing its uplift resistance. This roofing system is ideal for commercial and industrial buildings demanding reliability and longevity. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kirby Building Systems SS360 Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for SS360 Panels

The recommended fall protection products for SS360 panels are the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor easily attaches to the seam without penetrating the roof, providing a secure anchorage point. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter mounts on top of the SSRA1, supporting 10' walkboards without penetrating the roof, ensuring a stable working surface.

The  SSRA3 Anchor Plates secure the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System to standing seam roofs without penetrations. This system offers a robust temporary horizontal lifeline for up to two workers, enhancing safety and mobility on the roof.

Workers can use the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist on SS360 panels with a pitch of 6/12 to 12/12. The Ridge Pro conveniently anchors by hooking over the roof's peak.

Kirby also manufactures a translucent version of the SS360 panel. We recommend that a trained safety professional inspect translucent SS360 versions to determine the best safety plan and equipment. SSRA products and Ridge Pro devices should not be used on translucent panels unless approved by a trained safety professional. 

Loc Seam Vertical Rib Standing Seam

The Loc Seam Standing Seam Roof System features a vertical rib design with a raised seam, accommodating thermal expansion and contraction. This system has been tested and certified for superior weather tightness and structural integrity. The Loc Seam is 24-gauge steel with a 2" high rib on 16" spacing. It meets ASTM E108 Class A fire rating standards and ASTM E1592 wind uplift performance. The system's load-bearing capacity varies based on span length and seam type, making it suitable for high wind resistance and weather tightness in commercial and industrial applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kirby Building Systems Loc Seam Vertical Rib Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for Loc Seam Vertical Rib Panels

The SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 products are ideal for Loc Seam panels. The SSRA1 provides secure attachment to the seam without roof penetration. The SSRA2 supports 10' walkboards without penetrating the roof. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates offer robust horizontal lifeline solutions when used with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 system, ensuring worker safety and mobility.

The Ridge Pro Steel Assist is an alternative method of anchoring to the Loc Seam panels without penetrations. It hooks over the roof's ridge and provides 100% tie-off for workers.

CFR-IMP Insulated Metal Standing Seam

The CFR IMP (Concealed Fastener Roof Insulated Metal Panel) is ideal for commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. These panels feature a polyisocyanurate foam core for superior thermal insulation, with 26-gauge steel exterior faces and either 26-gauge or 24-gauge steel interior faces. The panels offer excellent thermal resistance, meeting various fire performance standards. Available in thicknesses of 2", 2.5 ", 3", 4", and 5", they come in standard widths of 42" or 36". The CFR IMP panels use a concealed fastener system for aesthetic appeal and weather tightness, with factory-applied sealant for additional weather resistance. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kirby Building Systems CFR-IMP Insulated Standing Seam Metal Roofing.

Fall Protection for CFR-IMP Panels

Due to the 26-gauge steel substrate of the CFP-IMP panels, the SSRA products are non-compatible. The SSRA system requires a minimum of 24-gauge steel for attachment. Instead, workers should consider using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for roofs with 6/12-12/12 pitch. It hooks over the ridge without penetrations to provide a safe and reliable anchorage.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Kirby Building Systems

Get in Touch for More Information

We'd love to learn more about your project! Call us at 863-703-4522 to discuss your requirements, or visit our website at www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com for more information. For further details on fall protection, consult OSHA's 48-page manual.

General Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Foster a Safety-Conscious Workplace

Promote regular equipment inspections and continuous training sessions to maintain a safety-first environment. A strong safety culture helps uphold high standards and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Ensure workers wear non-slip shoes for smooth metal roof systems and avoid working on wet roofs. Proper footwear improves stability and reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Properly position ladders and scaffolding, ensuring they are free of obstacles. Conduct thorough OSHA-compliant ladder training for workers and always follow the 4-1 rule for ladder positioning to provide stability and safety.

Deploy Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

Use roof anchor systems specifically designed for standing seam roofs. Follow the manufacturer's proper sizing and installation guidelines to ensure accurate seam placement and torque settings. Avoid seam anchors that need attachment over clips, as locating clips on existing roofs can be challenging.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide workers with premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These items significantly reduce impact loads during falls, minimizing the risk of serious injuries or fatalities.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Encourage workers to use trauma straps on their harnesses and provide regular training on their proper use. Trauma straps are crucial for preventing severe injuries or fatalities after a fall by reducing suspension trauma.

Establish Secure Work Zones

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers on low-slope roofs to prevent falls and create secure work zones. These measures help ensure a safer environment and reduce the risk of accidents.

Develop a Comprehensive OSHA Safety Plan

Before starting work, the safety manager or project manager should develop an OSHA-compliant safety plan. This plan must include a detailed rescue strategy to protect workers in case of an accident.

Take Precautions for Curved Panels

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. For curved roof systems, have a trained safety professional conduct site inspections and create a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the specific challenges of curved surfaces.

Invest in Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchor systems that remain in place to facilitate future roof work and inspections. Permanent systems enhance long-term safety measures and ensure ongoing protection.

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 contact the roof panel manufacturer directly for inquiries.