Fall Protection Strategies For North Star Metals Roofs
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Jan 13th 2026
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for North Star Metals Standing Seam Panels.
Who Is North Star Metals MFG?
Since 1994, North Star Metals MFG has stood as a premier manufacturer of high-performance metal roofing and siding solutions. Based in Eastern Ohio, they specialize in engineering durable standing seam profiles for the agricultural, industrial, and architectural markets throughout the Midwest and the Great Lakes region.
North Star Metals leverages recycled American steel and state-of-the-art roll-forming technology to produce panels that withstand the heavy snow loads and high winds common to the Ohio Valley. Their commitment to quality ensures that their hidden-fastener systems arrive at the job site in pristine condition, ready for a weathertight installation.
Why Non-Penetrating Fall Protection Is Critical For North Star Metals Standing Seam Roofs
North Star Metals' standing seam profiles rely on a "floating" design to manage thermal expansion and contraction. Traditional anchors that screw through the panel into the roof deck "pin" the metal in place, effectively fighting against the panel's natural movement. This installation mistake commonly leads to unsightly oil-canning and hidden leaks. Furthermore, using penetrating anchors on a new North Star Metals installation will likely void the weathertightness warranty.
The SSRA Component System: Modular Fall Protection for Every North Star Profile
The SSRA1 Seam Anchor is the foundation of our safety system for North Star Metals' steel panels. Weighing just 4.5 lbs, it is the lightest 5,000-lb certified anchor on the market, using 12 non-penetrating stainless steel set screws to grip the seam securely. The SSRA1 Anchors fit about 95% of today's standing seam profiles.
To expand the functionality of the SSRA1, we utilize two critical adapter plates:
- SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters: These allow crews to stage materials or create level walkboards on North Star roofs with pitches from 6:12 to 12:12. By mounting the SSRA2 directly to the SSRA1 anchors, you make a stable workspace without damaging the panels.
- SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These high-strength aluminum plates are essential for lifeline systems. They provide the necessary tie-off points for our 100-foot SSRA HLL kits, ensuring the load is distributed correctly across the North Star seams.
Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) Solutions For North Star Metals Roofs
For maximum worker mobility on North Star roofs with a pitch up to 4:12, we offer two distinct configurations:
- 100-foot SSRA HLL Kit (Temporary): This kit includes four SSRA1 anchors, two SSRA3 Anchor Plates, and a 100-foot kernmantle rope. It allows two workers to move freely across the roof surface while remaining 100% tied off. This temporary kit installs and removes quickly by the workers.
Pro-Tip: While the mounting assemblies can stay on the roof as long as necessary, you should take the kernmantle rope down at the end of each workday to prevent UV degradation. - 120-foot Super Anchor Kit (Permanent): For facilities requiring regular long-term maintenance, this permanent system utilizes a 3/8-inch galvanized steel cable and non-penetrating 5-inch riser posts for decades of safety without compromising the roof's seal. The galvanized steel cable can withstand decades of exposure to the elements.
The Ridge Pro for Steep North Star Roofs Fall Protection
The Ridge Pro provides the best solution for fall protection on steeper roofs with slopes of 6:12 to 12:12. When a North Star Metals roof exceeds a 4:12 pitch, OSHA 1926.501(b)(11) requirements become more stringent. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the indispensable "first-man-up" tool for keeping workers 100% tied off. By hooking securely over the roof peak with a lightweight extension pole, the Ridge Pro provides immediate tie-off the second a worker leaves the ladder.
NS-18 Mechanical Panel (SSRA Compatible)
The NS-18 panel is a high-performance structural standing seam system engineered for maximum durability. This 18-inch wide panel features a robust 2-3/8-inch tall seam, providing exceptional structural support. Manufactured from 24-gauge steel, the NS-18 utilizes the En-Dura Star coating system (Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000®) to ensure long-term color retention and resistance to acid rain, salt spray, and UV degradation. Workers will use mechanical seamers to seal each seam for maximum durability and waterproofing of the roof system. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for North Star Metals NS-18 Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Integration for NS-18 Profiles
Because the NS-18 is a mechanically seamed structural panel, it is one of the most stable platforms for the SSRA safety suite. Here is how to protect your crew on this specific profile:
- Seam-Mounted SSRA1 Anchors: The 2-3/8-inch seam height provides ample vertical surface for the SSRA1 Seam Anchor. The anchor's 12 stainless steel set screws achieve a balanced grip on the 24-gauge steel without puncturing the Kynar finish or the weathertight seal.
- Staging & Mobility (SSRA2 & SSRA3): For NS-18 projects requiring material staging, use SSRA2 Roof Jacks to provide a level work platform. For larger crews, the SSRA3 Anchor Plates enable rapid Horizontal Lifeline (HLL) setup across seams.
- Steep Slope Peak Access (The Ridge Pro): On NS-18 roofs with a pitch between 6:12 and 12:12, the Ridge Pro allows the worker to secure a 100% tie-off at the ridge as an alternative to seam-mounted solutions.
Snap Star Snap Lock Panels (SSRA Compatible)
The Snap Star Panel features a 1.5-inch snaplock seam and 24-gauge steel construction. This system utilizes the Dura-Star color system to provide a resilient barrier against environmental pollutants for up to 40 years. The Snap Star panel is 16 inches wide. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for North Star Metals Snap Star Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategies for Snaplock Seams
Non-Penetrating Seam Anchors (SSRA1): The SSRA1 Seam Anchor is compatible with the 1.5-inch Snap Star seam. Its 12 set screws provide the necessary grip for a 5,000-lb certified tie-off without distorting the snaplock mechanism. Compression-style panels can crush the seams with high-torque bolts; that's why set screws are the best option to protect the seams.
Use SSRA2 Roof Jacks mounted on SSRA1 Anchors to create stable walkboards on steeper Snap Star panels. For multi-worker setups, SSRA3 Anchor Plates facilitate temporary horizontal lifelines. The SSRA HLL kit provides temporary protection for two workers on larger roofs up to a 4:12 pitch. The Super Anchor 120-foot HLL kit provides permanent lifelines to protect maintenance workers. It utilizes non-penetrating base plates and galvanized steel cable.
The Ridge Pro for Steep Slopes: For Snap Star installations on pitches between 6:12 and 12:12, we highly recommend the Ridge Pro Steep Assist as an alternative to seam-mounted anchors.
Loc Star Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Recommended)
The 16-inch Loc Star panel system is a nailstrip snaplock profile featuring a 1.5-inch seam height. Constructed from 24-gauge steel protected by the Dura-Star coating system, these finishes provide a 25-to-40-year warranty, even in harsh Ohio Valley climates. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for North Star Metals Loc Star Standing Seam Panels.
Fall Protection Strategies for Nailstrip Profiles
Nailstrip panels, such as the Loc Star, are only partially compatible with advanced seam-mounted anchors due to variations in the roll-forming process. Therefore, we recommend the following approach:
- The Ridge Pro Steep Assist (6:12 to 12:12): The Ridge Pro is the ideal solution for Loc Star. By hooking securely over the peak, it provides 100% tie-off without requiring attachment to the seams.
- First-Man-Up Safety: Deploy the Ridge Pro with a lightweight extension pole to anchor the installer securely to the roof peak before they ever step onto the Loc Star surface. This proactive approach eliminates the risk of unanchored ladder transitions. It ensures 100% tie-off compliance from the very start of the project.
- Seam Anchor Caution: While SSRA1 anchors are versatile, the varying shapes of nail strip panels make them questionable for compatibility with seam-mounted anchors. We recommend switching to ridge-mounted anchors, such as the Ridge Pro, for nailstrip roof systems.
Standing Seam Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For North Star Metals
| NS-18 24 Ga. Panel | Snap Star 24 Ga.Panel | Loc Star NailStrip Panel | |
|---|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
NO | NO | NO |
SSRA1 Nylon Tip |
YES | YES | NO |
SSRA2 Roof Jack |
YES | YES | NO |
SSRA3 Anchor Plate |
YES | YES | NO |
The Ridge Pro |
YES | YES | YES |
Contact Us for Expert Standing Seam Fall Protection Advice
For expert guidance, contact us today at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. 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.
10 Essential Safety Tips for North Star Metals Standing Seam Projects
1. Prioritize Non-Penetrating Seam Anchors
To protect North Star Metals panels, avoid any anchor that requires drilling. Non-penetrating clamps like the SSRA1 use 12 stainless steel set screws to secure the worker without breaching the steel's protective Kynar coating. This strategy ensures the roof remains weathertight for its intended lifespan.
2. Transition to Personal Fall Arrest Systems at 4:12
OSHA standards are clear: once a roof exceeds a 4:12 pitch, it is a "Steep Roof." At this point, horizontal lifelines, safety monitors, and warning lines are no longer sufficient. You must transition to conventional fall protection, such as the Ridge Pro or SSRA1 devices, to account for the increased momentum of a slide hazard on a metal surface.
3. Use Nylon-Tipped Set Screws on 24-Gauge Steel Panels
When installing anchors on Snap Star or NS-18 profiles, always use nylon-tipped set screws. Unlike standard cup tip set screws, nylon tips provide a 5,000-lb certified grip without scratching the metal.
4. Secure "First-Man-Up" Protection with the Ridge Pro
The most dangerous transition on any job site is moving from the ladder to the roof. By utilizing the Ridge Pro Steep Assist with an extension pole, your lead installer can secure a tie-off point at the ridge before their feet ever leave the ladder. This solution ensures 100% tie-off compliance from start to finish.
5. Factor "Slide Distance" into Fall Clearance
A worker falling on a steep metal roof won't drop vertically; they will slide. When calculating your total fall clearance, you must add the "slide distance" to the free-fall and deceleration distance. Failing to account for this can lead to a worker hitting a lower level before the lanyard or SRL (Self-Retracting Lifeline) fully engages.
6. Store Kernmantle Ropes Away from UV Exposure
While the aluminum and steel components of the SSRA system are nearly impervious to the sun, the kernmantle rope in your 100' HLL kit is not. UV rays degrade the fibers over time, leading to a "crunchy" texture and reduced strength. Always take your ropes down at the end of the day and store them in a cool, dark place.
7. Inspect Seam Integrity Before Anchoring
Inspect the North Star panels for correct seaming before you ever attach an SSRA1 anchor. On mechanically-seamed profiles like the NS-18, the structural capacity for a 5,000-lb load depends entirely on a proper mechanical fold. Ensure you have at least 6 feet of properly seamed panels in every direction from the mounting area to provide a safe, stable foundation for your fall arrest system.
8. Wear Soft-Sole, High-Traction Footwear
Metal panels are notoriously slick when exposed to morning dew, frost, or even fine construction dust. Crew members should wear footwear with specialized soft-rubber soles that maximize friction on Kynar-coated steel. If the roof has frost or active moisture, stay off the panels until they are dry.
9. Account for Thermal Expansion in HLL Selection
If you are installing a permanent horizontal lifeline, use a non-penetrating system that allows for thermal expansion of the panels. "Pinning" the seams with rigid, non-flexible anchors can cause the panels to buckle or the clips to fail over time.
10. Equip Every Harness with Suspension Trauma Straps
In the event of a fall, "suspension trauma" can become life-threatening in as little as 15 minutes. Every harness on your crew should include trauma straps that allow the fallen worker to stand up and relieve pressure on their femoral arteries.
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 with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise after installation of our products.