Fall Protection For Western States Metal Roofing Panels

Fall Protection For Western States Metal Roofing Panels

Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Aug 21st 2024

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Western States Metal Roofing Standing Seam Panels.

Western States company logo. Image courtesy of www.WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com.

Who Is Western States Metal Roofing?

Western States Metal Roofing has grown into a leading manufacturer of metal roofing and siding products, with a history that reflects its evolution and commitment to quality. The company began in 1996 as Western States Decking, Inc., primarily distributing Verco metal decking products. Over time, they transitioned into manufacturing their own metal roofing and wall panel systems, eventually rebranding as Western States Metal Roofing.

Today, this family-owned business operates multiple manufacturing facilities and distribution hubs across the United States, including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, and Washington. It specializes in producing corrugated metal roof panels, metal roofing accessories, and metal wall panel systems. One of its standout offerings is the Western Lock® standing seam panels, known for their excellent balance of performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation.

Western States Metal Roofing serves diverse customers, including metal roofing companies, distributors, construction firms, architects, and even homeowners. By offering direct-to-consumer sales, they help customers save money on their metal roofing projects. Although they don't provide installation services, Western States Metal Roofing focuses on producing high-quality materials and offering exceptional customer support. They also provide educational resources to help professionals and DIY enthusiasts effectively use their products.

What Are The Most Compatible Fall Protection Anchors For Western States Roofs?

Western States Metal Roofing offers four types of standing seam metal roofing panels, each requiring specific fall protection solutions to ensure worker safety. Standing seam panel systems require non-penetrating anchorage for fall protection. Let's explore the fall protection recommendations for each panel type.

MS2 Mechanically Seamed Panels

MS2 Panel Information

Western States MS2 panel profile. Image courtesy of www.WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com.

The MS2 panel is Western States Metal Roofing's most weather-tight standing seam option, making it perfect for low-slope roofs with pitches as low as 0.5" to 1":12". This panel, designed to withstand severe weather conditions, is mechanically seamed together using a mechanical or hand seamer, which creates a secure, water-resistant seal. The MS2 panel has a 2" seam height and is available in both 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel. Its robust design suits areas with heavy snowfall or extreme weather. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Western States Metal Roofing MS2 Mechanically Seamed Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For MS2 Panels

The MS2 panels are fully compatible with the SSRA fall protection products. The SSRA1 seam clamps attach securely to the panel seams without penetrating the roof surface, preserving the roof's integrity while providing a reliable anchor point. You can also pair the SSRA1 clamps with the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters, which allow for safe and efficient movement across the roof using walkboards. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates, when used with the SSRA1 clamps, enable the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines, offering comprehensive fall protection across the roof.

For roofs with pitches between 6/12 and 12/12, the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is another excellent choice. It provides a secure tie-off point without compromising the roof's structure, ensuring worker safety on steeper slopes.

Western Lock® Snap Lock Standing Seam Panels

Western Lock Panel Information

Western States Western Lock panel profile. Image courtesy of www.WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com.

The Western Lock® panel is a versatile and popular choice for residential and light commercial applications. This panel features a 1.75" seam height and a concealed fastener system with clips, which enhances weather resistance and gives the roof a modern, streamlined appearance. Available in standard widths of 18" with custom options ranging from 12" to 20", the Western Lock panels offer a good balance between performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Western States Metal Roofing Western Lock Snap Lock Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Western Lock Panels

The Western Lock panels work seamlessly with the SSRA products for fall protection. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide non-penetrating attachment points that maintain the roof's clean look and weather-tight seal. You can enhance worker safety further by using the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters, which make it easier to move safely across the roof with walk boards. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates, used with the SSRA1 clamps, facilitate the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines, ensuring complete fall protection coverage.

The  Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor also offers a reliable and secure tie-off point for roofs with pitches from 6/12 to 12/12, making it an ideal solution for steeper roofs.

Western Seam 1 Inch Nailstrip Panels

Western Seam 1" Panel Information

Western States Western Seam Nailstrip panel profile. Image courtesy of www.WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com.

The Western Seam 1" Nailstrip panel is a practical and economical option within Western States Metal Roofing's standing seam lineup. This panel uses screws and does not require clips, making it a straightforward choice for installations. The male flange of the panel has one-inch slots spaced six inches apart, which are fastened directly to the roof deck. While this system is easy to install and slightly less expensive, it sacrifices some performance compared to clip systems like the MS2 or Western Lock® panels. The 1" seam height and concealed fasteners give the roof a neat and streamlined appearance, making it a good fit for residential projects where ease of installation is critical. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Western States Metal Roofing Western Seam 1 Inch Nailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Western Seam 1" Panels

The SSRA products are a perfect match for securing fall protection for the Western Seam 1" Nailstrip panels. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide a non-penetrating anchorage point that preserves the integrity and appearance of the roof. The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters offer safe movement across the roof with walk boards, enhancing worker safety. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates, paired with the SSRA1 clamps, allow for the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines, offering a comprehensive safety solution for workers.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is also an excellent choice for steeper roofs with pitches ranging from 6/12 to 12/12. It provides a secure tie-off point for workers.

Western Seam 1.5 Inch Nailstrip Panels

Western Seam 1.5" Panel Information

Western States Western Seam Nailstrip panel. Image courtesy of www.WesternStatesMetalRoofing.com.

The Western Seam 1.5" Nailstrip panel is similar in design to the 1" version but features a slightly taller 1.5" seam height. This panel is also a snap lock system that uses screws and eliminates the need for clips, making it easier and faster to install. However, like the 1" version, it doesn't perform as well as clip systems like the MS2 or Western Lock® panels. The 1.5" Nailstrip panel is available in standard widths of 18", with custom options ranging from 12" to 20". This system offers a cost-effective solution for projects prioritizing ease of installation and streamlined appearance. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Western States Metal Roofing Western Seam 1.5 InchNailstrip Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection For Western Seam 1.5" Panels

The Western Seam 1.5" Nailstrip panels are compatible with all SSRA products, providing a secure and adequate fall protection system. The SSRA1 seam clamps offer a non-penetrating attachment to the panel seams, maintaining the roof's aesthetics and weather-tight performance. Workers can lock the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters atop the SSRA1 Anchors for 10' walk board installation. At the same time, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates enable the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines, ensuring comprehensive worker safety.

We recommend the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor for roofs with pitches between 6/12 and 12/12. It provides a secure tie-off point, ensuring worker safety on steeper slopes.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Western States

Western States

MS2 Panel
22-24 Ga.

Western Lock Panel
22-24 Ga.

Western Seam 1 Inch Panel
22-24 Ga.

Western Seam 1.5 Inch Panel
22-24 Ga.

SSRA 1

SSRA_1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES YES

SSRA1 Nylon Tip

SSRA_1 Anchor Nylon Tip Standing Seam Roof Anchor

YES YES YES YES

SSRA2 Roof Jack

SSRA_2 Roof Jack Adapter

YES YES YES YES

SSRA3 Anchor Plate

SSRA_3 Anchor Plate

YES YES YES YES

The Ridge Pro

Ridge Pro Roof Anchor

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 Anchor Inspection Form.

Safety Guidelines for Standing Seam Roofs

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide workers with premium full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These critical safety tools help reduce the impact force during falls, significantly lowering the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.

Foster a Safety-First Workplace Culture

Conduct regular equipment checks and continuous training sessions to create a safety culture. Prioritizing safety helps maintain high standards and reduces the chances of workplace accidents.

Secure Work Areas with Protective Barriers

Install guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers on low-slope roofs to secure work zones. These measures help prevent falls by clearly defining safe areas and ensuring a safer working environment.

Encourage Regular Use of Trauma Straps

Promote the consistent use of trauma straps with harnesses and ensure workers are well-trained in their proper application. Trauma straps play a vital role in minimizing the risk of suspension trauma after a fall.

Implement Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Install permanent roof anchor systems to ensure long-term safety. These anchors provide continuous protection for future roofing tasks and inspections, enhancing safety during ongoing maintenance.

Ensure Stable Access Points

Set up ladders and scaffolding correctly, ensuring they are free of obstructions. Comprehensive ladder safety training, including the OSHA 4-to-1 rule, is essential to provide stability and prevent falls.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Use non-slip footwear designed for metal roofs and avoid working on wet surfaces. The proper footwear significantly improves stability, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls.

Utilize Specialized Roof Anchor Systems

Utilize roof anchor systems intended for standing seam roofs. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper sizing, installation, and seam placement, and avoid using anchors that require workers to locate the panel clips.

Take Precautions for Curved Metal Panels

Avoid seam-mounted anchors when dealing with curved metal panels, and consult a trained safety professional.

Establish OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before beginning any project, develop a comprehensive, OSHA-compliant safety plan that includes detailed rescue procedures to ensure worker safety during emergencies.

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 reach out directly to the roof panel manufacturer for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.

Howie Scarboro, C.E.O. and co-founder of Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C., recognized the need for continued improvements in roofing safety during the 2010 MetalCon show in Las Vegas. He joined forces with SnoBlox-Snojax, a leader in snow retention and seam clamping technology for metal roofs, to create the SSRA1 prototype. Tested by Gravitec for OSHA/ANSI certifications, the SSRA1 proved to be the industry's lightest, most robust, and most universal-fit anchor point for standing seam roofs. Fall Protection Distributors, L.L.C. was born in 2015, shaping the future of fall protection and instilling confidence in the industry.