Fall Protection Strategies For Inland Buildings Roof Systems

Who Is Inland Building Systems?

Inland Building Systems is one of the oldest names in the American metal building industry, with roots dating back to 1910. The company began as part of Inland Steel Corporation and built its early reputation supplying steel products for large industrial and infrastructure projects nationwide.

A significant turning point came when Inland Steel merged its metal building division with Ryerson Corporation, forming Inland Ryerson, commonly known as INRYCO. That transition led to the opening of a dedicated manufacturing facility in Cullman, Alabama, in 1974, which remains central to Inland's operations today.

Inland Building Systems operated under the INRYCO name until 1986, when Inland Steel divested its metal building business. The company entered a new growth phase under private ownership by Dubin and Clark, followed by acquisition by Behlen Manufacturing Company in 1996. Behlen continued operations for more than a decade, strengthening Inland's manufacturing capabilities and market presence.

In 2008, Schulte Building Systems acquired Inland's assets, bringing the brand under an organization widely respected for engineering discipline, customer service, and long-term building performance. Today, Inland Building Systems operates as part of Schulte Building Systems, continuing its legacy of custom-engineered metal building solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.

From early design coordination through final installation, Inland Building Systems focuses on delivering projects on time and within budget, aligned with long-term performance expectations. Their standing seam roof systems play a key role in that promise, offering durability, clean architectural lines, and reliable weather resistance across decades of service.

What Is The Most Compatible Fall Protection For Inland Roofs?

Inland standing seam roof systems require fall protection that keeps workers safe without compromising the roof's engineered performance.

Inland's standing seam panels rely on hidden clips and thermal expansion to achieve long-term weather resistance and structural reliability. Traditional penetrating anchors work against those design principles. Drilling through panels or seams introduces stress points, interferes with clip movement, and creates water leaks that often do not appear until years after installation. Once that happens, roof performance and warranty coverage are both at risk.

Non-penetrating fall protection systems provide the safest and most compatible solution for Inland roofs. Seam-mounted anchorage products clamp directly to the standing seam without puncturing the panel, preserving the roof's weather-tight seal while creating dependable tie-off points for workers.

The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor provides a single-worker tie-off point by clamping to the seam with non-penetrating set screws. This approach protects the panel, avoids contact with concealed clips, and allows the roof system to expand and contract as intended. When walkable working surfaces are required, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters mount on top of SSRA1 anchors and support walkboards, giving crews stable footing on sloped metal roofs without loading the panels incorrectly.

For applications that require greater mobility or multiple workers, SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount atop SSRA1 anchors and provide rigid attachment points for horizontal lifeline systems. These assemblies allow crews to remain continuously tied off across wider roof areas without relocating anchors every few feet.

For temporary installation phases, the SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit offers a complete multi-worker solution that installs quickly and removes cleanly once the work phase ends. On buildings that require frequent access for maintenance or equipment service, the Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit creates consistent tie-off locations for future crews while reducing repeated setup and teardown.

For Inland roof systems where seam-mounted anchors are not compatible, or on steeper roof slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides a ridge-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off option. Workers can connect a vertical lifeline before stepping onto the metal surface, maintaining continuous protection while keeping the roof free of penetrations.

Matching the fall protection system to the roof panel design, material, and pitch allows crews to work safely while preserving the performance, appearance, and longevity of Inland Building Systems' standing seam roofs.

TS-324 Mechanical Standing Seam Panel (SSRA Compatible)

The TS-324 standing seam roof system delivers structural performance, weather resistance, and installation efficiency for demanding commercial and industrial applications.

This panel features a 3-inch seam height and a 24-inch coverage width, providing the system with excellent uplift resistance and long-term durability across a wide range of roof loading conditions. The patented seam design has proven itself in harsh environments where wind, rain, and thermal cycling constantly stress the roof assembly.

A defining advantage of the TS-324 system is its adaptability. The panel supports all three roof weather zones using one of three on-site seaming configurations. That flexibility simplifies planning, speeds installation, and reduces overall construction costs without sacrificing performance.

TS-324 panels are roll-formed from standard 24-gauge steel and are available in Galvalume®, Ceram-A-Star® 950, and Fluropon® 70% Kynar finishes. These coatings provide long-term corrosion resistance and color stability for projects where durability and appearance matter equally.

The system carries extensive third-party validation, including UL-90 Classification Construction No. 562, Corps of Engineers CEGS 07416 uplift testing, ASTM E1592 uplift testing, and air infiltration and water penetration testing. These certifications confirm the TS-324's ability to perform under severe wind and weather conditions.

Three seaming options allow the TS-324 to match site-specific demands. The Roll-and-Lock seam uses hand-seaming at each clip to lock the panel securely while protecting the sealant during high-wind events. The Triple-Lock seam adds structural isolation through a mechanically seamed 360-degree plus 90-degree configuration, increasing uplift resistance. In the most extreme wind zones, the Quadri-Lock seam, formed with a specialized electric seamer, delivers uplift performance of 64 to 120 PSF.

Fall Protection for TS-324 Panels

TS-324 panels, fabricated from 24-gauge steel, are compatible with non-penetrating, seam-mounted fall protection systems that preserve panel performance and seam integrity.

The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor clamps directly to the mechanically seamed rib without penetrating the panel, providing a secure single-worker tie-off point while allowing normal thermal movement. Workers can attach the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters to the SSRA1 anchors to secure the walkboard. The SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount on top of SSRA1 anchors and create attachment points for horizontal lifeline systems, allowing continuous tie-off without frequent anchor relocation.

The SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides short-term lifeline protection for multiple workers. In contrast, the Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides long-term tie-off locations that reduce repeated setup and help maintain consistent safety practices over the life of the roof.

For steeper roof slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist offers a ridge-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off option that allows workers to connect a vertical lifeline before stepping onto the metal surface.

Using fall protection systems matched to the TS-324 panel design ensures worker safety while preserving the roof's weather-tight seal, structural performance, and long-term durability.

VS-216 Mechanical Standing Seam Panel (SSRA Compatible)

The VS-216, also known as the Vertical System, is a mechanically seamed standing seam roof panel engineered to deliver high wind and weather performance under demanding roof loading conditions.

VS-216 panels are available exclusively in 24-gauge steel with a 16-inch coverage width. Finish options include Galvalume Plus and Kynar 500, providing long-term corrosion resistance and color stability for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications.

As wind uplift requirements and testing standards have advanced, the VS-216 system introduced a patented seam technology developed specifically to meet modern performance demands. Rather than relying on external clamps or secondary components, the system achieves uplift resistance through seam geometry and controlled load transfer. This approach delivers strong wind and water resistance while maintaining clean architectural lines and installation efficiency.

The VS-216 system uses Inland's TripleLok™ seam, formed by seaming the entire rib with an electric mechanical seamer. This configuration provides an allowable wind uplift load of 48 psf and features a unique 360-degree plus 90-degree seam geometry. By structurally isolating the seam from panel deflection forces, the design reduces stress during severe wind events. It prevents the seam sealant from being displaced, maintaining long-term water resistance.

For extreme wind environments, including coastal regions, the QuadLok™ seam is available. Also formed with an electric seamer, QuadLok increases allowable uplift capacity to 63 psf, or up to 97 psf with a 2-foot-6-inch purlin spacing. Notably, this performance is with 24-gauge steel, matching or exceeding uplift values that many systems achieve only with heavier material.

VS-216 panels incorporate a 360-degree Pittsburgh seam formed using Inland's proprietary electric seaming equipment. Panels attach to secondary framing with concealed clips at each purlin, joist, and sub-purlin location, allowing controlled thermal movement while maintaining structural stability. Factory notching at both ends provides installation to begin or end from either side of the building.

Inland offers the VS-216 system with multiple weather-tightness warranty options, including Limited and Premium warranties, reinforcing its suitability for long-term, performance-driven projects.

Fall Protection for VS-216 Panels

VS-216 panels, fabricated from 24-gauge steel, are compatible with non-penetrating, seam-mounted fall protection systems that preserve seam performance and roof integrity.

The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor clamps directly to the mechanically seamed rib without penetrating the panel, providing a secure single-worker tie-off point while allowing normal thermal movement. Workers can mount SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters on top of SSRA1 anchors to attach walkboards. SSRA3 Anchor Plates also mount atop SSRA1 anchors and provide attachment points for horizontal lifeline systems, enabling continuous tie-off without frequent anchor relocation.

The SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides short-term lifeline protection for multiple workers. At the same time, the Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit creates long-term tie-off locations that reduce repeated setup and support consistent safety practices over the life of the roof.

For roof slopes between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist offers a ridge-mounted, non-penetrating tie-off option that allows workers to connect a vertical lifeline before stepping onto the metal surface.

Using fall protection systems matched to the VS-216 panel design keeps workers protected while preserving the roof's weather-tight seal, structural performance, and long-term durability.

Contact Us for Expert Standing Seam Fall Protection Advice

For expert guidance on standing seam roof anchors, lifeline kits, and fall protection systems that protect both your crew and your panels, contact us today at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. Our safety specialists can help you match the right non-penetrating anchor to your specific roof profile and slope. Let's make your next metal roofing project safe, compliant, and built to last. For continued learning, download OSHA's 48-page Fall Protection Manual and our free Anchor Inspection Form once you've selected the ideal anchors for your roof system. Together, we'll help you stay ahead of OSHA standards while preserving your roof's weather-tight seal.

Safety Tips For Standing Seam Roofs

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training

Most incidents happen before anyone steps onto the roof. Crews who take a moment to check ladder condition, confirm solid footing, set the proper four-to-one angle, and secure the ladder at the top remove some of the most significant risk factors on the site. A careful ladder setup usually signals a disciplined jobsite from start to finish.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Seam-mounted anchors such as the SSRA1 protect compatible steel seams without crushing ribs or interfering with thermal movement. When seam shape or material prevents seam attachment, ridge-mounted systems like the Ridge Pro provide a reliable tie-off without penetrating or damaging the roof.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

A clear safety plan removes guesswork. It defines tie-off and lifeline locations as well as rescue responsibilities before work begins. As weather shifts or tasks change, updating the plan keeps everyone aligned and prevents the confusion that often leads to close calls.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Harnesses adjusted correctly, leg straps checked before climbing, and SRLs such as the Pygmy Hog or Edgehog tested for smooth operation set the tone for the entire day. When gear fits properly and functions as expected, workers move with confidence and stay focused on footing and task execution.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Standing seam metal can turn slick with dew, dust, or temperature changes. Boots with aggressive tread, solid ankle support, and unworn soles help maintain traction during transitions between tie-off points. Worn footwear removes a critical layer of protection that no anchor system can replace.

Promote a Culture of Safety

The safest job sites start with open conversations. Brief discussions about weather, access routes, and problem areas on the roof help crews anticipate hazards before they appear. When workers feel comfortable speaking up, minor issues are addressed early rather than becoming serious problems.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Large Inland buildings often require repeated rooftop access for HVAC, solar, inspections, or signage. Permanent horizontal lifeline systems eliminate the need for repeated setup and reduce the temptation to improvise tie-off points. Crews clip in immediately and follow familiar lifeline routes every time they return.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones

Guardrails create clear boundaries around skylights, roof edges, openings, and staging areas. On wide roof surfaces where crews and materials move throughout the day, guardrails provide passive protection, allowing workers to stay focused on their work rather than constantly monitoring hazards.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Once the PFAS arrests a worker's fall, suspension trauma becomes the next concern. Trauma straps allow a suspended worker to stand in the harness, relieve leg pressure, and maintain circulation while rescue procedures are underway. Lightweight and easy to carry, they make a meaningful difference in real-world rescue situations.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Curved standing seam roofs introduce forces and attachment challenges that standard anchors may not accommodate. A trained fall protection professional should review the panel design, curvature, access points, and anchorage options before work begins. That evaluation protects workers, preserves the roof system, and prevents costly mistakes.

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 for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise after installing our products.