Fall Protection Solutions for Kingspan Standing Seam Panels

See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kingspan Group Standing Seam Panels.

Who Is Kingspan?

Kingspan Group is a global leader in the energy-efficient, high-performance metal roofing industry. Founded in 1965 by Eugene Murtagh, the company began as Kingscourt Construction in Ireland, initially focusing on steel frame buildings and structural sections. Over the years, Kingspan diversified its operations, starting with producing insulated panels and environmental products in the 1970s.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Kingspan expanded its manufacturing capabilities, establishing plants across the UK and Ireland. By 2000, Kingspan had ventured into new markets, including Access Flooring in the UK and USA, significantly strengthening its presence in the North American Insulated Metal Panel market. Kingspan operates in over 80 countries, with over 210 factories and a workforce exceeding 22,000 employees.

Kingspan has been at the forefront of innovation in the metal roofing industry. In 2019, the company launched three new insulated metal roofing systems: KingSeam, KingRib 3, and KingRib 5. These systems provide architects and specifiers with easy-to-install, low-maintenance roofing options that offer superior thermal performance and fire protection. The KingSeam panel, for example, mimics the appearance of traditional standing seam roofs while incorporating the benefits of insulated metal panels.

Kingspan's commitment to innovation and sustainability is evident in its global operations. In 2019, Kingspan achieved Net Zero Energy across all its manufacturing and office facilities and launched the 'Planet Passionate' sustainability program to enhance its environmental stewardship further. The company also opened the IKON global innovation center in Ireland, underlining its dedication to advancing building technologies.

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

This article informs workers and building owners about the most effective fall protection solutions for Kingspan's standing seam roof panels. Making informed decisions regarding fall protection is essential to creating a safe and efficient work zone.

Kingspan's standing seam panels require specialized fall protection anchors. In the following sections, we will explore the specific fall protection strategies and recommend products that ensure comprehensive safety measures while working on Kingspan's high-quality roofing systems. Let's start with the KingSeam panel system.

KingSeam Panels

The KingSeam panel system from Kingspan offers a blend of classic aesthetics and high-performance functionality, making it an ideal choice for both building owners and architects. These insulated standing seam roof panels provide the traditional look of metal roofing and deliver exceptional energy efficiency and durability. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kingspan Group KingSeam Standing Seam Panels.

One of the standout features of KingSeam panels is their superior insulation performance. Using CFC-free polyisocyanurate foam insulation, these panels achieve impressive R-values ranging from 12 to 49, depending on the thickness. This level of thermal efficiency makes KingSeam panels perfect for projects where energy savings are a priority. Moreover, the panels are fabricated from high-quality steel in 22-gauge, 24-gauge, and 26-gauge options, ensuring long-lasting performance and resistance to foot traffic damage, thanks to their unique trapezoidal rib design.

Installation of KingSeam panels is straightforward and efficient. Available in a standard width of 40" and lengths from 8' to 50', these panels have fast installation times and low labor costs. The standing seam joint, which is mechanically seamed using a power seamer, ensures a tight, weather-resistant fit, making them suitable for low-slope applications.

KingSeam panels are also known for their excellent airtightness and weather resistance. Rigorous testing ensures these panels remain airtight over the building's life, preventing heat loss or gain due to air leakage. The panels can be used without underlayments and applied directly over open purlins or decking, further simplifying installation.

The KingSeam panels are 22-gauge, 24-gauge, or 26-gauge steel, with Galvalume® and factory-applied paint for long-lasting weather resistance. The panels also come in various finishes, including non-embossed, stucco, and mesa embossing, offering design flexibility to suit different architectural styles. The superior thermal and airtight design of KingSeam panels can significantly lower building operational energy demands.

Fall Protection For KingSeam Panels

The SSRA product line is fully compatible with the 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel versions of KingSeam panels, providing reliable and secure solutions for various safety needs.

The Standing Seam Roof Anchor SSRA1 attaches securely to KingSeam panels without penetrating the roof. This system is ideal for creating safe anchor points and preserving the integrity of the panels. TheSSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter mounts on top of the SSRA1 anchors for added flexibility and safety. It supports 10' walkboards without requiring roof penetrations. It offers adjustable height options for different seam heights, making it perfect for various installation or maintenance tasks.

The SSRA3 Anchor Plates, when used with theMalta Dynamics HLL3001 100' Horizontal Lifeline System, provide a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines. This combination supports up to two workers, ensuring comprehensive fall protection and mobility during extensive roofing work.

For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor hooks over the ridge to create a secure anchorage point. TheRidge Pro offers 100% tie-off safety for workers navigating steep slopes. These systems provide stable and reliable anchorage, ensuring long-lasting safety measures for workers on lower-pitched roofs.

By utilizing these recommended fall protection systems, contractors can ensure safe and efficient work on KingSeam panel installations, maintaining worker safety and preserving the panels' structural integrity. Following these guidelines and using the appropriate equipment will help create a secure working environment while upholding the high performance and aesthetic appeal of Kingspan's KingSeam panels.

KingZip Panels

The KingZip panel system from Kingspan is an advanced standing seam roofing solution that creates intricate architectural forms, including angular, convex, concave, and tapered designs. This flexibility makes it a top choice for projects requiring a unique aesthetic and high-performance roofing. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Kingspan Group KingSeam Standing Seam Panels.

One of the standout features of KingZip panels is their versatility in materials and applications. These panels come in 12" and 16" widths and are available in aluminum and steel substrates. They can be roll-formed in various lengths ranging from 5' to an impressive 500' when site rolled or up to 50' when factory rolled. This range of dimensions provides significant flexibility for different project requirements.

KingZip panels are particularly suitable for curved applications. Using 0.9 mm thick aluminum can be curved to a 16' radius for convex shapes and a 26' radius for concave shapes. KingZip panels are ideal for creating dynamic and visually striking roofscapes. However, having curved roof systems inspected on-site by a qualified safety professional is crucial to ensuring appropriate fall protection measures.

Designed for use on roofs with a pitch of ½:12 or greater, KingZip panels handle various roofing challenges, from continuous sheet runs from ridge to eaves to welded end lap joints and roof penetrations. KingZip's flexibility and performance make it a robust choice for various architectural and functional applications. The panels are constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and long-term performance. The standing seam design contributes to the system's superior weather resistance and thermal efficiency, which helps maintain the building's energy performance. Additionally, KingZip panels provide excellent acoustic performance, reducing noise transmission and enhancing occupant comfort. The system's fire performance characteristics ensure safety, making it a reliable choice for various building types.

Fall Protection for KingZip Panels

Ensuring safety during the installation and maintenance of KingZip panels is critical. The compatibility of fall protection products with KingZip panels varies based on the panels' material. The SSRA products are compatible with the 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel versions of KingZip panels but are not suitable for aluminum versions. Here are the recommended fall protection systems:

Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): The SSRA1 anchor system attaches securely to the steel KingZip panels without penetrating the roof, preserving the integrity of the panels while providing a reliable anchorage point for fall protection equipment.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: When mounted on SSRA1 anchors, supports 10-foot walkboards without needing roof penetrations. It offers adjustable height options for different seam heights, enhancing worker safety and flexibility during installation and maintenance tasks.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: When combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates offer a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines. They can support up to two workers, ensuring comprehensive fall protection and mobility during extensive roofing work.

Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: This anchor is ideal for roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch. It hooks over the ridge to create a secure anchorage point, ensuring workers remain 100% tied off while working on steep slopes.

For curved roof systems, it is crucial to have a trained safety professional conduct site inspections and develop a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the unique challenges posed by curved surfaces. By following these recommended guidelines and using the appropriate fall protection systems, contractors can ensure safe and efficient work on KingZip panel installations, preserving worker safety and the panels' performance.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Kingspan Group

Contact Us to Discuss Your Project Needs

Call 863-703-4522 or visit us at www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. For additional insights on fall protection, refer toOSHA's comprehensive 48-page manual.

Best Practices for Fall Protection on Standing Seam Roofs

Provide Workers with Premium Safety Gear

Equip your team with high-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These essential tools significantly lessen the impact load during falls, reducing the risk of severe injuries or fatalities.

Establish Secure Work Zones

Implement guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers on low-slope roofs to create secure work zones and prevent falls.

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Workers should wear non-slip footwear designed for smooth metal roof systems and avoid working on wet roofs. Proper footwear enhances stability and minimizes the likelihood of slips and falls.

Use Roof Anchor Systems Specifically for Standing Seam Roofs

Ensure you use roof anchor systems designed specifically for standing seam roofs. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for correct sizing and installation, placing the anchors precisely on the seam and applying the proper torque settings. Steer clear of anchors that attach over clips, as locating clips on existing roofs can be challenging and potentially unsafe.

Encourage Regular Equipment Inspections and Training

Foster a safety culture by scheduling regular equipment inspections and conducting continuous training sessions. This proactive approach helps uphold high safety standards and significantly minimizes the risk of accidents.

Ensure Stable and Safe Access Points

Set up ladders and scaffolding safely to reduce fall risks, ensuring they are obstacle-free. Provide comprehensive OSHA-compliant ladder training for workers, and always adhere to the 4-1 rule for ladder positioning to guarantee stability and safety.

Develop a Comprehensive Safety Plan

Before starting any roofing project, 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 the event of an accident, ensuring all necessary safety measures are in place from the outset.

Invest in Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchor systems to provide secure anchorage points for future roof work and inspections. These permanent systems enhance long-term safety and make ongoing maintenance easier.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Safety managers should instruct 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.

Take Extra 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 develop a comprehensive safety strategy tailored to the unique challenges posed by curved surfaces.

Adhering to these best practices can ensure a safer working environment for your team and maintain the integrity of your standing seam roofing systems.

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, as well as to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.