Fall Protection Strategies For ExSteel RTL-24 Panels

Who Is ExSteel?

ExSteel, based in Aylmer, Ontario, has established itself as a trusted name in the steel construction industry by producing high-quality roofing and wall systems that can withstand some of Canada's harshest weather conditions. Their manufacturing facility serves as the hub for a full range of precision-engineered products, including the RTL-24 standing seam panel: a versatile choice for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects.

What sets ExSteel apart is its commitment to keeping production in-house and adhering to the strictest industry standards. ExSteel manufactures every product to meet ASTM A792 requirements, ensuring consistency and durability. Since opening their doors in 2004, ExSteel has supplied building components for new construction and retrofit projects across North America. The company's certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, CSA A660, and CWB approval, underscore a system of accountability and quality assurance that customers can trust. ExSteel continues to deliver solutions that strike a balance between strength, functionality, and aesthetics.

Why Are Non-Penetrating Anchors Important for Standing Seam Roofs?

Standing seam roofs, such as ExSteel's RTL-24 panels, are designed for optimal performance and longevity. The raised seams create a watertight barrier, keeping water out and maintaining the roof's strength year after year. That same seam design is also what makes them unique in terms of fall protection. Traditional screw-down anchors may seem like a quick solution, but driving fasteners through a standing seam panel defeats the very purpose of the system. Every penetration risks a leak, voids warranties, and weakens the panel's integrity.

The solution is non-penetrating anchors that clamp directly to the seams. These anchors use specialized set screws to create a secure tie-off point, eliminating the need to drill holes in the roof. By attaching to the seam instead of drilling through it, they protect both the worker and the investment in the roofing system. Contractors gain a reliable fall arrest connection, and building owners avoid costly water damage, rusting, and repair bills down the road.

Fall Protection Systems for ExSteel Panels

To maintain the integrity of these high-performance systems, specialized fall protection is required. The following products provide the primary safety solutions for ExSteel installations:

• SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: The foundation of the system. This anchor provides a non-penetrating, certified 5,000-pound tie-off point using 12 cupped-tip or nylon-tipped set screws.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount directly to the SSRA1 anchors to create level work platforms on steep slopes using 10-foot wooden walkboards.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: Heavy-duty aluminum plates that secure across two SSRA1 anchors to serve as certified endpoints for horizontal lifelines.
• SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit: A complete turnkey system providing continuous tie-off for up to two workers in fall arrest, allowing safe lateral movement across wide spans.
• 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: An industry-exclusive galvanized-steel-cable solution for roofs requiring regular maintenance without penetrations.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist: A peak-mounted system for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, providing 100% tie-off from the ladder to the ridge.

Proper Attachment: Set-Screws and Torque Requirements

Worker safety and the holding power of the SSRA1 anchor depend entirely on correct set-screw application:

• Cupped-Tip Stainless Steel Set-Screws: Use these screws exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque these screws to 90 inch-pounds.
• Nylon-Tipped Set-Screws: Apply these tips to 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque these screws to 180 to 200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.
• Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace these tips every 3 to 5 uses to maintain maximum grip strength.

ExSteel RTL-24 Trapezoidal Panels (SSRA Compatible 22/24 ga. Steel)

ExSteel's RTL-24 trapezoidal standing seam panel combines structural strength, weather resistance, and a modern aesthetic. It is suitable for applications ranging from residential homes to large-scale commercial and agricultural buildings. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for ExSteel Metal Roofing Supply RTL-24 Trapezoidal Standing Seam Panels.

• Material Specs: Manufactured in 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel. It meets ASTM A792 standards with a 50 ksi yield strength.
• Panel Dimensions: Measures 24 inches wide with a robust 3-inch seam height.
• Seam Configurations: Available in RollLoc for standard conditions, TripleLoc for challenging environments, and QuadLoc for high-wind zones.
• Structural Advantage: The trapezoidal seam creates rigidity across wider spans, allowing the system to handle demanding loads without requiring a solid deck beneath.
• Longevity: Designed for a service life often exceeding 40 years. The concealed fasteners eliminate the leak risks associated with exposed screw systems.

Fall Protection For RTL-24 Trapezoidal Panels:

• SSRA1 Seam Anchor: Built from solid 6061-T6 aluminum, it clamps directly to the 3-inch trapezoidal seam to create a 5,000-pound tie-off point.
• SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mounts on top of the SSRA1 to support 10-foot wooden walkboards for staging materials or creating a stable walking surface.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plate: Provides the necessary attachment points for temporary horizontal lifeline systems across the 24-inch panel spans.
• SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit: A turnkey solution including four anchors and two plates to allow two workers safe lateral mobility.
• Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent HLL Kit: The primary choice for industrial and institutional facilities requiring long-term maintenance access.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist: Offers a peak-mounted vertical lifeline solution for steeper RTL-24 roofs or pitches from 6:12 to 12:12.

Traceable Safety: Why Professional Engineering Beats Budget Imports

While the market contains various unbranded, generic imports at low prices, these components often lack the documented performance pedigree required for OSHA and ANSI compliance. Budget anchors may use inconsistent alloys that cannot reliably guarantee a breaking strength of 5,000 pounds under the extreme conditions of a job site.

By choosing American-engineered SSRA hardware, you are investing in safety equipment backed by verifiable data and precision manufacturing. Our anchors meet the exact tolerances of standing seam profiles, ensuring a secure grip that generic alternatives cannot replicate. Prioritizing certified domestic equipment eliminates liability risks and ensures your fall protection is as reliable as the ExSteel roof system itself. We encourage you to review our official SSRA test reports to see the transparent benchmarks that define professional-grade safety.

Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For ExSteel

	RTL-24 Trapezoidal (22 Ga.)	RTL-24 Trapezoidal (24 Ga.)
SSRA 1	YES	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	YES	YES
SSRA2 Roof Jack	YES	YES
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	YES	YES
The Ridge Pro	YES	YES

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Let's work together to make your roofing projects safe, beautiful, and built to last. For more safety tips, refer to the OSHA 48-page Fall Protection Manual. Once you have determined the most suitable anchors for your roof system, download our free Anchor Inspection Form.

Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Promote a Culture of Safety
Equipment and checklists matter, but culture is what truly protects people. A team that looks out for one another, raises concerns without hesitation, and starts every shift with a quick safety talk is statistically less likely to face accidents. When safety becomes a habit rather than an afterthought, workers perform with confidence.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability
On a standing-seam roof, a safe footing is critical. Boots with deep tread, firm ankle support, and slip-resistant soles give workers the grip they need. Proper footwear not only prevents slips but also reduces fatigue, helping crews stay steady and alert.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels
Curved panels can be tricky to tie off. Curved seams don't behave the same way as straight runs, which means not every anchor is appropriate. Before clipping in, it's advisable to have an experienced safety professional inspect the roof. Their expertise ensures that anchors, lifelines, and tie-off methods match the roof system's design, thereby protecting both the panel and personnel working on it.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs
Standing seam panels stay watertight for decades, but they require specialized non-penetrating anchors. Driving a fastener through the seam can lead to leaks, rust, and warranty issues. Seam-mounted anchors clamp directly to the seams with no penetrations, preserving the roof's integrity and giving workers a 5,000-pound tie-off point they can trust.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones
Guardrails are one of the simplest yet most effective safety measures on a roof. Once installed around edges, skylights, or hatches, they require no training and no adjustments. They provide both a visual cue and a physical barrier, turning fall hazards into secured work areas. For busy crews and crowded sites, that passive protection is hard to beat.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans
Every safe project starts long before boots hit the roof. A written plan establishes expectations for fall protection, rescue protocols, and each worker's role. A crew that knows the plan is better prepared to handle surprises without scrambling.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems
Roofs that see regular foot traffic shouldn't rely on temporary setups. Permanent anchors provide ready-to-use tie-off points every time someone climbs. That reliability saves workers setup time and gives owners confidence that safety is always in place, whether it's for maintenance crews, solar installers, or inspectors.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps
Hanging motionless in a harness can quickly cut off circulation, leading to suspension trauma. Trauma straps provide relief by allowing a suspended worker to stand in their harness, thereby restoring blood flow while rescue crews mobilize. For such a simple accessory, they're one of the most innovative life-saving tools available.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear
Even the best anchors won't help if the gear is in bad condition or ill-fitting. A properly adjusted harness, dependable lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines that meet OSHA and ANSI standards give workers confidence in their tie-off. Daily inspections should be standard practice, ensuring that every piece of gear on site is ready to handle a real fall event. In 2025, OSHA clarified that employers must provide workers with properly fitting harnesses and other safety equipment.

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training
Ladders account for a large share of fall injuries, which is why training is essential. Teaching the 4-to-1 placement rule, stressing three points of contact, and securing tie-offs drastically reduce risks. Quick, hands-on refreshers keep crews sharp, especially when job site access points change frequently.