Fall Protection Strategies for Mid-West by NCI
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jan 21st 2026
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for MBCI, Mid-West by NCI Standing Seam Panels.
Who Is Metallic Building Systems?
With over 75 years of industry leadership, Metallic Building Systems has solidified its position as a premier supplier of custom-engineered metal buildings across North America. Following the strategic integration of Mid-West Steel Building Company, Metallic Building Systems has expanded its reach, combining 125 years of shared expertise. Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, and operating with a massive manufacturing footprint in Houston, Texas, the company specializes in high-performance solutions for the Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico markets. Their deep local knowledge of regional wind-uplift requirements and Southwestern environmental stressors makes them a trusted partner for builders from Albuquerque to Monterrey. As a flagship brand of Cornerstone Building Brands, every Metallic profile is engineered for durability and precision, defining the modern industrial building envelope.
Why Specialized Fall Protection is Crucial for Metallic Roofs
Safety is paramount when working on high-performance standing seam panels. Because Metallic Building Systems (formerly Mid-West) utilizes concealed fasteners and floating designs to manage thermal expansion, traditional penetrating anchors are not compatible. Drilling into these panels can cause hidden leaks and void the manufacturer's warranty. Contractors must utilize specialized, non-penetrating anchors that clamp to the standing seams to preserve structural integrity while providing a certified tie-off.
To ensure a 100 percent tie-off without voiding manufacturer warranties, we recommend the modular SSRA system. The SSRA1 Seam Anchor serves as the foundation of this system, featuring a robust, one-piece body with no moving parts. Its patented, universal-fit design accommodates approximately 95 percent of today's standing seam profiles, eliminating the risk of incorrect assembly due to varying seam shapes and the financial burden of purchasing multiple anchor styles for different projects.
For Metallic Building Systems standing seam projects, you have two primary fastening options:
- Cupped Tip Stainless Steel Set Screws: Use these for 22-gauge steel panels. The cupped tip creates a solid mechanical lock on the seam. You must torque these to 90 inch-pounds using a calibrated torque wrench.
- Nylon-Tipped Set Screws: Use these for 22- or 24-gauge steel panels where preserving the paint finish is the priority. You must torque these to 180-200 inch-pounds.
The SSRA1 serves as an adaptable mounting solution for several expansion adapters:
- SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: Mount directly to the SSRA1 to support 10-foot wooden walk-boards for stable footing on steep slopes.
- SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These plates connect two SSRA1 anchors into a single assembly, creating endpoints for horizontal lifelines.
- 100-foot SSRA Horizontal Lifeline Kit: Allows two workers to move the entire length of the roof for temporary projects.
- 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL: A reliable, long-term solution using non-penetrating 5-inch riser posts that allow the floating roof to move naturally.
- The Ridge Pro Steep Assist: The essential First-Man-Up solution that secures to the roof peak before the worker leaves the ladder.
Double-Lok Mechanical Trapezoidal Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The Double-Lok is a structural mechanical standing seam system featuring a 3 inch seam height and 18 inch or 24 inch panel width. Fabricated from 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, these panels utilize a trapezoidal seam profile. This system is engineered for industrial and retrofit projects, using interlocking clips to manage thermal movement on slopes as low as 1/4:12. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for MBCI, Mid-West by NCI 24 Gauge and 22 Gauge Double-Lok Mechanical Trapezoidal Panel Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Solution for Double-Lok
This panel is fully compatible with the entire SSRA modular product line. The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps directly to the trapezoidal rib, preserving the panel's weather-tight integrity while providing a certified tie-off. For wide-area mobility, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates and 100-foot SSRA Horizontal Lifeline Kit are the preferred solutions. On steep slopes, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters provide stable footing, and the Ridge Pro ensures 100 percent tie-off for the first man up.
SuperLok Mechanical Vertical Leg Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The SuperLok is a high-performance mechanical standing seam panel with a 2 inch vertical rib and panel widths of 12 inch or 16 inch. Available in 22, 24, and 26 gauge steel, this vertical leg profile is designed for extreme weather resistance. SuperLok requires a minimum roof pitch of 1/2:12 and is compatible with both open framing and solid substrates. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for MBCI, Mid-West by NCI 24 Gauge and 22 Gauge SuperLok Mechanical Vertical Leg Panel Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Solution for SuperLok
For 22-gauge and 24-gauge versions, this profile is fully compatible with the entire SSRA modular product line. The SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a non-invasive tie-off point on the vertical rib. For larger crews, the 100-foot SSRA Horizontal Lifeline Kit (using SSRA3 plates) offers continuous protection. For 26-gauge panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the recommended alternative for safe ridge-mounted protection.
Ultra-Dek Snap-Together Trapezoidal Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The Ultra-Dek system features a snap-together trapezoidal standing seam with coverage widths of 18 inch and 24 inch. With a 3 inch seam height and availability in 22 and 24-gauge steel, this panel eliminates the need for mechanical seaming tools. Ultra-Dek is optimal for slopes as low as 1/4:12 and features a unique upper rib shape for a secure, streamlined seal. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for MBCI, Mid-West by NCI 24 Gauge and 22 Gauge Ultra-Dek Snap-Together Trapezoidal Panel Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Solution for Ultra-Dek
This profile is fully compatible with the entire SSRA modular product line. The SSRA1 Seam Anchor attaches directly to the snap-seam without penetrating the surface. To support material staging or stable walkways, SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters mount to the anchors. For projects requiring extensive lateral movement, the 100-foot SSRA Horizontal Lifeline Kit maximizes worker efficiency with SSRA3 Anchor Plates for stability. The Ridge Pro is an excellent alternative for 6:12 to 12:12 pitch roofs.
BattenLok HS Structural Vertical Leg Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The BattenLok HS is a structural mechanical standing seam system featuring a 2 inch vertical seam and coverage widths of 12 inch and 16 inch. Crafted from 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel, this vertical leg profile is for high-wind environments and fascia transitions. BattenLok HS requires a minimum roof pitch of 1/2:12 and can be field-curved for unique architectural designs. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for MBCI, Mid-West by NCI 24 Gauge and 22 Gauge BattenLok HS Structural Vertical Leg Panel Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Solution for BattenLok HS
Non-curved BattenLok HS panels are fully compatible with the entire SSRA modular product line. The SSRA1 Seam Anchor serves as the mounting system, while the SSRA3 Anchor Plates allow for the installation of temporary horizontal lifelines. For permanent maintenance, the 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL is compatible, and the Ridge Pro protects workers during the initial ladder-to-roof transition.
Curved BattenLok HS panels require specialized fall protection systems. An experienced fall protection expert should inspect a curved roof system before determining the most suitable fall protection equipment to use.
Mitigating Corporate Liability: The High Cost of Uncertified Fall Protection
A Metallic Building Systems building represents a premium investment in engineering, and your fall protection must meet that same professional standard. Deploying unbranded or generic imported anchors is a direct threat to your firm’s financial and legal standing. Regulatory inspectors now actively target non-serialized hardware that lacks verifiable, third-party engineering data.
Failure to produce a certified test report confirming compliance with OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI standards during a site inspection can trigger immediate, severe penalties. Beyond Willful Violation fines exceeding 100,000 dollars, you face site-wide shutdowns and project delays. For a contractor, these disruptions lead to liquidated damages, lost bonding capacity, and irreparable damage to your safety rating. If an anchor lacks a documented third-party paper trail, it is a liability that has no place on a professional job site.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 24 Gauge Mid-West Panels by NCI
| Double-Lok (24 Ga.) | SuperLok (24 Ga.) | Ultra-Dek (24 Ga.) | BattenLok HS (24 Ga.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
NO | NO | NO | NO |
SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For 22 Gauge Mid-West Panels by NCI
| Double-Lok (22 Ga.) | SuperLok (22 Ga.) | Ultra-Dek (22 Ga.) | BattenLok HS (22 Ga.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSRA 1 |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
| The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES | YES | YES |
Contact Us for Expert Standing Seam Fall Protection Advice
For expert guidance on standing seam roof anchors 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. For continued learning, download OSHA's 48-page Fall Protection Manual and our free Anchor Inspection Form.
10 Essential Safety Guidelines for Metallic Building Systems Projects
- Enforce First-Man-Up Protocol: On pitches between 6:12 and 12:12, never step onto the roof without The Ridge Pro. This device ensures the worker is 100 percent tied off the moment they transition from the ladder to the peak.
- Verify Torque Settings Daily: Set-screw tension is not a set-and-forget task. Use a calibrated torque wrench before each use to ensure anchors remain at their required specifications.
- Eliminate Clip-Location Guesswork: Traditional anchors force contractors to search for hidden clips beneath the panel to ensure a secure hold. The SSRA1 eliminates this frustration by securing directly to the seam, providing a certified 5,000-pound tie-off point regardless of clip location.
- Stop No-Name Liability: Avoid unbranded, imported knock-off anchors. If an anchor lacks a verifiable 3rd-party test report demonstrating compliance with OSHA 1926.502, it poses a liability risk that could lead to a Willful Violation and a 100,000 dollar fine.
- Neutralize the Pendulum Effect: Always calculate your dynamic sag and fall distance. Keep the work zone within a 30-degree arc of the anchor point to prevent dangerous swing falls that could result in collisions with the ground or structure.
- Preserve Thermal Flexibility: Standing seam panels float to manage extreme temperature swings. Only use non-penetrating clamps that allow for this natural thermal expansion, preventing the panels from buckling or oil-canning.
- Defend Against Galvanic Corrosion: Never mix incompatible metals. Use only Stainless Steel set screws on steel panels to prevent chemical reactions that lead to rust and structural failure.
- Mitigate Suspension Trauma Risks: Equip every worker's harness with trauma relief straps to prevent suspension trauma while waiting for rescue teams to arrive.
- Protect the Panel's Structural Integrity: High-torque, two-piece anchors can crush standing seams, damaging the roof and voiding warranties. Prioritize the SSRA1 low-torque design, which requires only 90 inch-pounds to achieve a full-strength lock.
- Consult Pros for Complex Roof Shapes: Custom projects often feature curved, serpentine, or convex rooflines. A qualified safety professional must perform a mandatory on-site inspection of these specialized profiles before deploying any fall protection.
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 about fall protection compatibility.