Fall Protection For Nucor Standing Seam Roofs

Who Is Nucor Building Systems?

Nucor Corporation is one of North America's largest manufacturers of metal building systems, with an annual capacity of around 500,000 tons across 11 full-service facilities. Nucor's standing seam metal roof products include the CFR, CFR-IMP, Lok Seam, SR2, and VR 16 II panels.

The Nucor CFR standing seam roof system exceeds industry guidelines for weather tightness, structural integrity, wind uplift, hail, and fire resistance.

Nucor's standing seam roof products are manufactured and distributed through its four independent building brands: American Buildings, CBC Steel Buildings, Kirby Building Systems, and Nucor Building Systems. These brands focus on building long-term customer relationships through industry-leading products, technology, and customer service.

In this guide, we'll research the various Nucor standing seam roof systems and discuss the most compatible  fall protection anchors available. Workers often need to anchor themselves securely during maintenance and repair tasks, and they must utilize fall protection equipment fully compatible with Nucor's standing seam panels. We'll delve into essential product insights regarding the various Nucor Building Systems' standing seam profiles, shedding light on the most suitable fall protection anchors tailored to each profile.

Nucor CFR (MR-24 style)

The Nucor CFR 3" tall standing seam roof panels feature three available seaming profiles – the Roll Lock, Vise Lock, and Vise Lock 360. These hidden clips allow the roof to "float" and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. The CFR system is well-known in the industry as one of the best roof systems for performance and weather tightness. Nucor CFR panels have been tested and approved by Factory Mutual, Miami-Dade, and Underwriters Laboratories for wind uplift, hail, and fire resistance.

A unique feature of the CFR product line is installing the panels without using an electric seamer, allowing workers to come back after the panel installation is complete the seaming. Nucor also offers translucent versions of the CFR panels, which incorporate a high-strength acrylic resin reinforced with fiberglass.

CFR panels are made of 24-gauge steel and have a 24" panel width. Because of their advanced seam locking ability, installers can use CFR panels on roofs with a minimum slope of ¼:12. The CFR panels are available in lengths up to 55'

Fall Protection For Nucor CFR

When working on Nucor CFR panels, keeping workers safe is vital. These panels are fully compatible with the SSRA product line, including the  SSRA1 seam anchors, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks, and SSRA3 anchor Plates for temporary horizontal lifelines. The SSRA1 seam clamps are excellent for single-worker tie-offs, giving solid security when working up high. Plus, with adapter plates, you can use walk boards and lifelines with non-penetrating set screws.

Alternative fall protection anchor products for the Nucor CFR panels are the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor and the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors. So, with these safety tools, workers can confidently tackle Nucor CFR panel jobs.

CFR-IMP (Metl-Span Product)

Metl-Span, a subsidiary of Nucor, offers an insulated version of the CFR panel. It comes in widths of 36" and 42" with 2" seam heights, making it an ideal choice for commercial, institutional, and industrial roof systems that demand built-in energy efficiency. Panel thickness ranges from the R-17 panel at 2" thick to the R-52 at 6" thick. The CFR-IMP insulated standing seam roof panels are an all-in-one, cost-effective roofing solution for roofs with ½:12 minimum slopes. The available substrates for the CFR-Imp panel are 22-gauge steel or 24-gauge steel. The seams get mechanically single-locked at the exterior side joint.

Fall Protection For Nucor CFR-IMP

Safety is the name of the game when it's time to work on Nucor CFR-IMP insulated panels. These panels are compatible with various fall protection devices, like the SSRA1,  SSRA2, and SSRA3 systems. The SSRA1 seam clamps are single-worker anchors, offering rock-solid security at heights. The adapters mount on top of the SSRA1 anchor and allow the use of walkboards or horizontal lifelines.

If you're using the CFR-IMP insulated panels, you've got some other great safety options. The  Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is a winner for steep roofs, while the  Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors keep you locked in tight on lower-sloped roofs below 7/12.

So, with these trusty safety tools, workers can take on Nucor CFR-IMP panel jobs with peace of mind.

Nucor Lok Seam

Nucor Loc Seam is a standing seam panel with two seam profiles available: 90 single-lock or 360 rolled mechanical seam. This weathertight system is ideal for buildings with hips and valleys. Panels are installed with concealed fastener clips that allow for thermal movement and are mechanically seamed for weathertight installation.

The Lok Seam panels are available in 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel substrates. They are 16" wide with 2" high seams. The weathertight seam design enables installation with a minimum slope of ¼:12.

Fall Protection For Nucor Lok Seam

When tackling work on Nucor Lok Seam roof systems, we recommend the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 systems. The  SSRA1 seam clamps use non-penetrating seam clamps for a secure single-worker attachment. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapters mount on top of the SSRA1 to provide a stable mounting surface for 10' walk boards. When  temporary horizontal lifelines are necessary, mount the SSRA3 Anchor Plates on top of the SSRA1 anchors.

You've got other great safety options with the Nucor Lok Seam panels. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is fantastic for 7/12-12/12 steep roofs, while the  Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors keep you firmly tethered on roofs with less than 7/12 slope.

With these trusty safety tools, workers can confidently take on Nucor Lok Seam panel jobs, knowing they're well-protected.

SR2

The Nucor SR2 is an insulated panel that is part of a steel building kit. These mechanically seamed panels boast a 40" width and consist of a 26-gauge steel substrate. Their thickness ranges from 3-1/4" to 6".

Fall Protection For Nucor SR2

When it comes to working on Nucor SR2 insulated panels, safety is paramount. The Nucor SR2 is a 26-gauge steel panel incompatible with the SSRA1,  SSRA2, and SSRA3 products—all of which require a minimum of 24-gauge steel. But don't worry—we've got you covered with alternative options that don't need seam attachment.

We recommend using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12. It's perfect for ensuring stability and safety on steeper roofs. And for roofs with pitches under 7/12, the Super Anchor 2815 is your go-to choice for a more permanent solution. These strap-style anchors are installed and hidden underneath the ridge cap,

VR16 II Insulated

The Nucor Building Systems VR16 II Roof Panel is an insulated, structural standing seam vertical rib panel available in 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel substrates . The panels are 16" wide with 2" tall mechanically seamed ribs. Two clips are available for the VR 16 II panels: a 4" short version and a taller 6" version for different panel thicknesses. The seams can be single-locked or fully locked with the Nucor Vise Lock 360.

Fall Protection For Nucor VR16 II

Safety is non-negotiable when gearing up to work on Nucor VR16 II panels. The good news is that these panels are fully compatible with various non-penetrating fall protection gear, including the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 products. Workers can secure themselves quickly with these options, ensuring a safe working environment. The SSRA1 seam anchors lock onto the seam using special non-penetrating set screws. The SSRA2 and SSRA3 adapters add the ability to use walk boards or horizontal lifelines.

But wait, there's more! The Ridge Pro and Super Anchor 2815 are solid alternatives. Whether dealing with steep pitches or lower slopes, these anchors provide the stability and security you need to do the job safely.

So, whether you stick with the tried-and-true SSRA products or opt for the Ridge Pro or Super Anchor 2815, rest assured that you can tackle Nucor VR16 II panel jobs with confidence and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Call us today at 863-703-4522 to discuss your project, or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. You can also learn about fall protection by reading OSHA's 48-page manual.

General Safety Guidelines For Standing Seam Roofs

Use Tailored Roof Anchor Systems: Employ roof anchor systems explicitly designed for standing seam roofs. Ensure proper sizing and installation according to manufacturer instructions, including precise placement on the seam and adequate torque settings. Avoid seam anchors requiring attachment over clips, as locating clips on existing roof systems is impractical.

Precautions for Curved Panels: Avoid 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.

High-Quality Safety Gear: Equip workers with premium-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These products significantly reduce impact loads on the body during falls, thus reducing additional injuries and fatalities.

Trauma Strap Utilization: Encourage workers to utilize trauma straps on their harnesses and undergo regular training on their proper use. These straps play a crucial role in averting severe injuries and fatalities following a fall over the roof's edge.

Appropriate Footwear: Workers should wear non-slip footwear tailored for smooth metal roof systems and refrain from working on wet roofs.

Establishing Secure Work Zones: On low-slope roofs, establish secure work zones by installing guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers to prevent falls.

Comprehensive Safety Planning: Before commencing work, the on-site safety manager or project manager should develop an OSHA-compliant safety plan, including a rescue plan to safeguard workers in the event of an accident.

Stable Access Points: Ladders and scaffolding should be appropriately positioned and clear of obstacles. To minimize fall risks, conduct thorough OSHA-compliant ladder training for workers. Remember the 4-1 rule for ladder positioning.

Promote a Safety Culture: Foster a safety-conscious workplace culture by encouraging regular equipment inspections and training sessions.

Consider Permanent Roof Anchor Systems: Consider investing in permanent roof anchor systems that can remain in place to facilitate future roof work and inspections and enhance long-term safety measures.

Call 863-703-4522 to discuss your project, or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Learn more about fall protection by reading our OSHA's 48-page manual.