Fall Protection Solutions For Varco Pruden Panels

Varco Pruden Buildings: A Legacy of Innovation and Quality

Varco Pruden Buildings has been a leader in the pre-engineered steel building industry since its inception. The company traces its origins to R.G. Varner Steel Products and Pruden Products. R.G. Varner Steel Products, established in 1948 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, focused on manufacturing equipment for farm buildings. Pruden Products, founded in 1950 by Clark Prudhon in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, initially produced farm-building equipment before transitioning to steel-building components. In 1968, the two companies merged to form Varco Pruden Buildings, combining their expertise in pre-engineered steel building systems.

Over the decades, Varco Pruden expanded its product line, manufacturing capabilities, and network of authorized builders across North America. In the early 2000s, Varco Pruden was acquired by BlueScope Steel, an Australian global steel manufacturing company, becoming part of their BlueScope Buildings North America subsidiary. Today, Varco Pruden is an industry leader in pre-engineered steel building solutions, with nearly 1,000 authorized VP Builders serving the U.S. and Canadian markets.

It is important that installers and owners of Varco Pruden standing seam systems understand how to provide fall protection anchor points on these unique roof panel systems. This article highlights compatible fall protection products that can be used on Varco Pruden panel systems. Varco Pruden manufactures three standing seam profiles, so let's discuss each panel and the corresponding compatible  fall protection equipment.

SLR II Architectural Standing Seam Roof

The SLR II Roof system from Varco Pruden provides aesthetic appeal and robust performance. SLR II panels are factory-formed, punched, and notched to VP's specifications. This panel preparation ensures better fit and modularity on longer panel lengths. These panels are field-machine seamed in place, creating a single-unit membrane that enhances weather resistance.

The SLR II panels feature 16" coverage with 2" seam height, making them ideal for various architectural applications. They can be installed over multiple substrates or open framing and are suitable for low or high slope applications. Available in 24-gauge steel and 22-gauge AZ50 steel, these panels come in various cool roof colors, enhancing energy efficiency.

Fall Protection Systems for SLR II Panels

Ensuring worker safety during installing and maintaining SLR II panels is crucial. The following fall protection systems are compatible with SLR II panels:

1.  Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): Specifically designed for standing seam roofs, the SSRA1 anchor system is easy to install without penetrating the roof surface, preserving the integrity of the panels. Made from high-strength materials, it ensures reliable performance and long-term durability. Six pairs of opposing set screws provide the necessary grip strength to the seam for a reliable anchor point.

2.  SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: The SSRA2 can be mounted on top of two SSRA1 anchors to mount 10-foot walkboards without panel penetrations, offering adjustable height options for various seam heights.

3.  SSRA3 Anchor Plates: For comprehensive safety across larger projects, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates, combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, provide a robust solution for temporary horizontal lifelines for two workers. Each SSRA3 Anchor Plate spans across two seams and mounts on top of two SSRA1 seam anchors.

4.  Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor hooks over the roof ridge, creating a secure temporary anchorage point for workers. The Ridge Pro anchor keeps workers tied-off from the time they step off the ladder until they return safely back to the ladder.

SSR Standing Seam Panel System

The SSR (Standing Seam Roof) panel system by Varco Pruden is known for its long-term, low maintenance, and weathertight performance. SSR panels are factory-formed and field-machine seamed in place, creating a single-unit membrane with a patented ridge system requiring only one weather-sealed joint.

SSR panels offer 24" coverage with 3" high trapezoidal ribs and are available in 24-gauge and 22-gauge steel options. They are also available in cool colors in acrylic-coated Galvalume® coated sheet steel or KXL. The unique clips that attach SSR panels to structural members allow panel movement up to 1-5/8" in either direction to compensate for thermal effects, minimizing the need for through-the-roof fasteners.

Fall Protection Systems for SSR Panels

The following fall protection systems are compatible with SSR panels to ensure worker safety during installation and maintenance:

1. Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): The SSRA1 anchor system, designed for standing seam roofs, is easy to install without penetrating the roof surface. It preserves the integrity of the SSR panels and ensures reliable performance with its high-strength materials.

2. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: A pair of SSRA2 mount on top of two SSRA1 anchors to secure a 10-foot walkboard without panel penetrations. The adjustable height legs accomodate a wide range of seam heights.

3. SSRA3 Anchor Plates: For maximum mobility, SSRA3 Anchor Plates, combined with the Malta Dynamics HLL3001 Horizontal Lifeline System, provide workers with temporary horizontal lifelines.

4. Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor hooks over the roof ridge to provide a secure temporary anchorage point.

HWR (High Wind Roof) Panel System

The Varco Pruden HWR (High Wind Roof) panel system withstands extreme weather conditions, providing superior protection and durability. These panels are ideal for regions with high winds and severe weather events.

HWR panels offer 24" coverage with 3" high ribs, providing excellent structural strength and stability. They are available in 24-gauge and 22-gauge steel options, ensuring robust performance under extreme conditions. The panels are also available in acrylic-coated Galvalume® coated sheet steel or KXL cool colors, providing enhanced energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

Fall Protection Systems for HWR Panels

The following fall protection systems are compatible with HWR panels to ensure worker safety during installation and maintenance:

1. Standing Seam Roof Anchor (SSRA1): Specifically designed for standing seam roofs, the SSRA1 anchor system is easy to install without penetrating the roof surface, preserving the integrity of the panels. Made from high-strength aluminum, it ensures reliable performance and long-term durability. The SSRA1 is compatible with about 95% of today's standing seam profiles, including the HWR panel.

2. SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter: A pair of SSRA2 can be mounted on top of two SSRA1 anchors to mount 10-foot walkboards without panel penetrations, offering adjustable height options for various seam heights.

3. SSRA3 Anchor Plates: The Malta Dynamics HLL3001 100' Horizontal Lifeline System combines with a pair of SSRA3 Anchor Plates to provide a temporary horizontal lifeline for two workers.

4. Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor: For roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor hooks over the roof ridge, creating a secure temporary anchorage point for workers.

Ensuring Safety With Varco Pruden Panels

Varco Pruden SLR II, SSR, and HWR standing seam panel systems offer exceptional durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal for various applications . It is crucial to utilize compatible fall protection systems such as the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapter, SSRA3 Anchor Plates, and Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor. These products will ensure the safety of workers installing and maintaining these roofing systems. By integrating these advanced fall protection solutions, building owners and contractors can maintain a safe working environment while benefiting from the superior performance of Varco Pruden's standing seam panels.

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

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.