Fall Protection For Steelway Standing Seam Roofs

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems Standing Seam Panels.

Who Is Steelway Building Systems?

Steelway Building Systems, established in 1976 by Glen White, is a leading Canadian manufacturer of steel building solutions. What began as a small operation providing steel trusses to local farmers has grown into a significant supplier of steel building systems for commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications across North America and beyond. Over the years, Steelway Building Systems expanded its product offerings to include non-tobacco farm buildings, commercial structures, and complex projects like airplane hangars and grain storage facilities. The company's commitment to quality and innovation is evident in the introduction of its Spaceframe building systems, which offered customers a cost-effective alternative to traditional all-wood buildings.

Following Glen White's passing in 2006, his sons Jason and Bryan White took on the leadership roles, continuing to drive the company's growth and uphold the values instilled by their father. Under their guidance, Steelway has remained at the forefront of the steel building industry, investing in advanced technology and expanding its capabilities.

In 2016, the White family launched Ardent Industries as the new brand for their companies, with Steelway Building Systems operating as a critical component of this larger entity. Today, Steelway continues to lead the industry with innovative steel building systems, providing customized solutions for various industrial, commercial, agricultural, and institutional projects. Their commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term client relationships has solidified their reputation as a trusted name in the construction industry.

What Is The Most Compatible Fall Protection For Steelway Standing Seam Roofs?

This article examines Steelway Building Systems' two standing seam roof panels—the RTL-24 and CapLoc—and recommends the most compatible fall protection solutions. Proper fall protection is crucial for workers' safety and the roof system's preservation. Using SSRA products and the Ridge Pro Steep Assist, we'll explore how these panels can be safely installed and maintained without compromising their structural integrity.

RTL-24 Panels

Panel Information

Steelway Building Systems' RTL-24 standing seam roof excels in demanding environments. Engineered for superior weather tightness and wind uplift resistance, the RTL-24 panels are an ideal choice for buildings in regions prone to severe weather or requiring enhanced protection from the elements. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems RTL-24 Standing Seam Panels.

The RTL-24 panels are for industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings where weather tightness and structural integrity are paramount. These panels feature a 24-inch width, providing extensive coverage and contributing to the overall strength of the roof system. Manufactured from high-strength steel with a typical yield strength of 50,000 PSI, the standard RTL-24 panels are made from 24-gauge long-life Galvalume, with 22-gauge options available for even greater durability.

The panel design includes a 3-inch seam height, significantly improving the panel's water-carrying capacity and strength. One of the standout features of the RTL-24 system is its floating clip design, which accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, allowing for movement of plus or minus 1 inch. These clips are pre-caulked to enhance the system's weather tightness. The RTL-24 panels have been rigorously tested and have achieved impressive wind uplift ratings.

The RTL-24 system also features vertical leg seams that interlock above the roof's drainage plane, concealed fasteners for a sleek aesthetic and added weather protection, and various color and coating options to meet specific architectural preferences. This combination of features makes the RTL-24 a reliable and aesthetically pleasing choice for roofing applications that demand performance and visual appeal.

Fall Protection for RTL-24 Panels

Regarding ensuring safety during installation and maintenance, the RTL-24 panels are fully compatible with SSRA products, including the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchors. These anchors clamp securely onto the roof seam without penetrating the metal, maintaining the roof's structural integrity while providing a reliable attachment point for fall protection systems. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be used with the SSRA1 Anchors to secure temporary walkboards, facilitating safe movement across the roof.

The  SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be attached to the SSRA1 Anchors to install temporary horizontal lifelines, essential for projects where multiple workers must be mobile on the roof while remaining securely tethered.

The  Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended fall protection solution for steeper roof slopes. This product clamps onto the roof's peak without penetrating the surface, providing a solid anchor point that ensures worker safety on pitches between 6/12 and 12/12. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is particularly valuable in maintaining safety on more challenging roof angles, ensuring that the RTL-24 panel system can be installed and maintained with the highest safety standards.

Some curved RTL-24 roof systems exist around the industry. The SSRA and  Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchors are incompatible with curved roofing panels. A trained safety professional should inspect these roofs before determining what fall protection equipment is needed.

CapLoc Panels

Panel Information

Steelway Building Systems offers the CapLoc standing seam roof system as another high-performance option in its product lineup. The CapLoc panels are engineered for durability and versatility, making them suitable for various commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems CapLoc Standing Seam Panels.

The CapLoc panels are of high-strength steel, typically with a yield strength of 50,000 PSI (50 KSI), which provides excellent resistance to kinking and denting during installation and throughout the roof's lifespan. The standard panels come in 24-gauge or 22-gauge steel substrates. Customers can select from pre-painted finishes or plain Galvalume depending on their aesthetic and functional preferences.

The CapLoc system features a 16", 18" or 24" panel width, with a 2" seam height. This system is installed on low slopes, making it flexible for various building types. The CapLoc system also includes floating clips that allow for thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring the roof's structural integrity over time. These clips are pre-caulked to enhance weather tightness, contributing to the system's overall durability in different weather conditions.

The CapLoc panels are designed for efficient installation, potentially eliminating the need for mechanical seaming in many cases. This feature can reduce installation time and labor costs, making the CapLoc system a cost-effective solution for roofing projects.

Fall Protection for CapLoc Panels

Like the RTL-24, the CapLoc panels are fully compatible with SSRA products and the Ridge Pro Steep Assist, ensuring workers' safety and the roof system's preservation. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchors are an excellent choice for CapLoc panels. They provide a secure attachment point that does not penetrate the metal, maintaining the roof's integrity while offering a reliable fall arrest system.

For added safety during projects requiring temporary walkways, the  SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters can be mounted on top of the SSRA1 Anchors to secure wooden walkboards, allowing workers to move safely and efficiently across the roof.

Workers can attach the  SSRA3 Anchor Plates to SSRA1 anchors for mounting temporary horizontal lifelines. This setup is essential for maintaining maximum mobility on larger roofs.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended fall protection solution for steeper roof pitches for CapLoc panels. This product clamps onto the roof's peak without penetrating the surface, offering a solid anchor point for pitches between 6/12 and 12/12. It ensures that workers are securely supported even on challenging roof slopes.

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

Get in Touch for More Information

We'd love to hear 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 additional details on fall protection, consult OSHA's comprehensive 48-page manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchor system for your roof, download our Anchor Inspection Form.

General Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Promote Regular Equipment Inspections and Ongoing Training

Frequent safety equipment checks and continuous training help foster a safety-first culture, reducing the likelihood of accidents and maintaining high safety standards.

Use Appropriate Footwear for Secure Footing

Ensure workers wear non-slip footwear designed for metal roofs and avoid working on wet surfaces. Proper shoes help stabilize footing and prevent slips and falls.

Install Roof Anchors Designed for Standing Seam Roofs

Select roof anchors made for standing seam roofs. Avoid anchors that attach over clips, as these can be difficult to locate on existing roofs.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide your crew with premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. This equipment is vital for minimizing impact during falls, significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries.

Ensure Secure Ladder and Scaffolding Setup

Ensure ladders and scaffolding are set up correctly, free from obstructions, and stable. Implement comprehensive OSHA-compliant ladder safety training and adhere to the 4-1 ladder positioning rule.

Emphasize the Use of Trauma Straps

Train workers on the correct use of trauma straps with their harnesses. These straps are crucial in preventing suspension trauma after a fall, which can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately.

Establish Clear Work Zones on Roofs

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other protective barriers on low-slope roofs to create safe work zones. These measures help reduce fall risks and maintain a safer working environment.

Be Cautious with Curved Roof Panels

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal roof panels. A trained safety professional should evaluate the site and create a customized safety plan that addresses the unique hazards of curved surfaces.

Implement a Comprehensive, OSHA-Compliant Safety Plan

Before starting any work, develop a thorough OSHA-compliant safety plan that includes detailed rescue procedures. This proactive approach helps ensure worker safety during emergencies.

Consider Installing Permanent Roof Anchors

Invest in permanent roof anchor systems that remain in place for future maintenance and inspections. These anchors provide long-term safety benefits and ensure continuous protection for workers.

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 with inquiries.