Fall Protection Strategies For Steelway Standing Seam Roofs
Posted by Howie Scarboro - CEO Fall Protection Distributors, LLC on Nov 28th 2025
See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems Standing Seam Panels.
Who Is Steelway Building Systems?
Steelway Building Systems began in 1976 when Glen White started building steel trusses for local farms.
What he created eventually grew into a respected manufacturer that supplies complete building systems for industrial, commercial, agricultural, and institutional projects across Canada and the United States. The company expanded steadily as customers demanded larger, more complex structures. Airplane hangars, grain-handling facilities, retail buildings, and farm operations all became part of Steelway's catalog as its capabilities expanded.
The company introduced its Spaceframe system early in its growth. That product gave customers a cost-effective alternative to the all-wood buildings that had been common in rural markets. Steelway kept building momentum by adding new fabrication equipment, expanding its design services, and focusing on long-term relationships with builders who needed consistent quality. When Glen passed away in 2006, his sons Jason and Bryan continued the company's direction. They kept the business focused on innovation and technical progress.
In 2016, the White family founded Ardent Industries as the parent brand for their growing portfolio of companies. Steelway Building Systems remains one of Ardent's core operations. The company continues to support contractors with dependable steel building solutions, strong detailing, and a team that understands what it takes to deliver projects on schedule.
Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Anchors Critical For Steelway Standing Seam Roofs?
Safe work on Steelway roof systems starts when anchors match the specific seam shape and protect the weather-tight design.
Steelway's standing seam roofs bring structural strength and strong weather resistance to a wide range of building types. Those benefits only hold up when the equipment attached to the roof is compatible with the seam shape and the panel's base metal. Any device that crushes the seam or pierces the metal can cause leaks, cosmetic damage, or warranty issues.
Non-penetrating anchors designed for standing seam systems provide workers with a safe way to tie off without compromising the roof's integrity. When the anchor clamps to the seam using the correct set-screw method, the roof stays intact, and the crew gains a reliable attachment point.
The right SSRA1 system, paired with SSRA2 Roof Jack Adapters and SSRA3 Anchor Plates for standing seam roofs, turns a standing seam roof into a predictable fall protection layout. Workers move with confidence because they trust each anchor to grip the seam correctly.
Ridge-mounted systems, such as the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor, support lighter gauge panels and roofs that cannot accept seam-mounted anchors. The Ridge Pro keeps workers tied off from the ladder up to the ridge and back down again on slopes between 6:12 and 12:12.
RTL-24 Trapezoidal Panels
The RTL-24 panel brings structural strength and weather protection to demanding commercial and industrial projects.
Steelway Building Systems' RTL-24 standing seam roof performs well in environments where weather tightness and wind uplift resistance matter most. This system is standard on industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings that need dependable, long-term protection from the elements. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems RTL-24 Standing Seam Panels.
The RTL-24 uses a wide 24-inch panel that increases coverage while strengthening the overall roof system. Steelway forms this panel from high-strength steel with a typical yield strength of 50,000 PSI. Most installations use 24-gauge long-life Galvalume, though 22-gauge versions are available for projects that require extra durability.
The 3-inch seam height is one of the panel's defining features; it provides a strong shadow line and improves overall structural rigidity. A floating clip design allows for ±1 inch of thermal movement, helping the roof stay smooth and stable over time. These clips are also pre-caulked to help maintain consistent weather protection. The RTL-24 system has undergone extensive testing and carries strong wind uplift ratings.
Additional features include vertical leg seams that interlock above the drainage plane, concealed fasteners that keep the profile clean, and a wide selection of colors and coatings for different architectural needs. Together, these details make the RTL-24 a reliable option for buildings that require strength and visual appeal.
Fall Protection for RTL-24 Panels
RTL-24 panels work well with non-penetrating anchors that protect the seam profile and keep workers safely tied off.
The RTL-24 panel is fully compatible with the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor. This anchor clamps to the seam without penetrating the metal, preserving Steelway's weather-tight roof design while providing a strong attachment point for crews. When workers need walkboards, the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters mount on top of the SSRA1 anchors and support a 10-foot plank, allowing crews to move confidently across steep metal panels.
For projects that require multi-worker protection, SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount on top of SSRA1 anchors and create connection points for temporary horizontal lifelines. The SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides fall protection for multiple workers on larger metal roofs.
Facilities that require ongoing access for HVAC service, inspections, or maintenance can benefit from a permanent system. The Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides year-round tie-off access without penetrating the roof. This kit gives building owners a compliant, ready-to-use fall protection system that speeds up routine tasks and reduces setup time.
For steeper roof slopes, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the best option. It hooks securely over the roof peak and provides a stable, non-penetrating tie-off point on slopes from 6:12 to 12:12. This tool is especially useful during transitions from the ladder to the ridge, helping workers stay tied off through the entire access process.
CapLoc T-Seam Panels
CapLoc panels deliver strength, flexibility, and long-term weather performance for commercial and industrial buildings.
Steelway Building Systems includes the CapLoc standing seam roof system among its high-performance options for projects that require durability and clean architectural lines. These panels have high-strength steel construction, which helps the roof resist denting during installation and throughout its service life. Standard material options include 24-gauge and 22-gauge steel in either pre-painted finishes or plain Galvalume, depending on the project's needs. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Steelway Building Systems CapLoc T-Seam Standing Seam Panels.
The CapLoc profile is available in 16-inch, 18-inch, and 24-inch widths, with a 2-inch seam height. It performs well on low-slope buildings because the floating clips allow the panel to expand and contract without stressing the seam. These clips also come pre-caulked, adding another layer of weather protection. Installers appreciate that many CapLoc projects do not require mechanical seaming, which helps reduce labor time and keeps installations moving smoothly.
This system's combination of strength, installation efficiency, and weather resistance makes CapLoc a reliable option for commercial, industrial, and institutional roofing applications.
Fall Protection for CapLoc Panels
SSRA equipment and Ridge Pro anchors offer safe, non-penetrating options for CapLoc standing seam roofs.
CapLoc panels work exceptionally well with the full SSRA lineup because the seam shape supports reliable clamp attachment without piercing the metal. The SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor grips the seam with low-torque stainless steel set screws, creating a strong, non-penetrating tie-off point that preserves the roof's weather-tight finish. Safety managers can mount SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack Adapters on top of the SSRA1 anchors whenever crews need temporary walkboards for safe movement across steep panel runs.
Workers can also mount SSRA3 Anchor Plates on the SSRA1 anchors to create strong attachment points for temporary horizontal lifelines. When a project calls for maximum worker mobility, the SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary Horizontal Lifeline Kit provides multiple workers with safe anchorage across larger roof areas.
For long-term building access, the Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit is a good fit for CapLoc projects. This permanent system gives facility teams a ready-made tie-off point for inspections, HVAC checks, and routine maintenance without penetrating the standing seam roof.
When crews work on steeper CapLoc installations, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist becomes an integral part of the fall protection plan. It hooks over the ridge and provides a stable, non-penetrating tie-off point for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12. That extra stability helps workers stay secure when navigating higher or more challenging roof angles.
Standing Seam Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility Chart For Steelway Building Systems
| RTL-24 (24 Ga.) | RTL-24 (22 Ga.) | CapLoc T-Seam (24 Ga.) | CapLoc T-Seam (22 Ga.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SSRA 1 |
NO | YES | NO | 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, 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.
Metal Roof Safety Tips For Steelway Building System Roofs
Promote a Culture of Safety
A Steelway job goes smoother when everyone talks through the plan before stepping onto the metal. A simple conversation about wind, slope, tie-off strategy, and the layout of an RTL-24 or CapLoc roof keeps the whole crew focused. A crew that communicates builds a jobsite where safety is something everyone participates in, not just paperwork in a binder.
Use Anchor Systems Built for Standing Seam Roofs
Steelway's RTL-24 and CapLoc systems rely on precision seams and floating clips that must remain undisturbed to maintain roof integrity. For 22-gauge and 24-gauge steel versions, the SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor gives teams a solid, seam-mounted tie-off point without drilling through the panels. It does not require workers to guess where hidden clips are located under the seams, eliminating one of the most common causes of seam damage during anchor installation. This anchor grips the seam with low-torque set screws, protecting the panel shape while giving workers dependable fall protection.
Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems
Standing seam roofs on industrial and institutional buildings require frequent access for electrical work, HVAC maintenance, and equipment inspections. A permanent system, such as the Super Anchor 120-foot Permanent Horizontal Lifeline Kit, gives facility managers a year-round, ready-to-use tie-off system. Crews no longer need to reinstall hardware on every visit, which protects the RTL-24 or CapLoc panel surface and reduces unnecessary rooftop activity. A permanent lifeline becomes one of the simplest ways to improve long-term safety and reduce labor time.
Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability
Steelway's RTL-24 and CapLoc panel surfaces demand footwear that grips firmly and supports the ankle on long spans. Crew members who choose roofing-grade boots with quality traction remain steadier while transporting materials, stepping over seams, or transitioning between tie-off points. Good boots keep workers focused on the task, not on whether their feet will slip as they move across a slippery metal panel.
Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans
Every Steelway project benefits from a written safety plan that clearly specifies where tie-offs and lifelines are located and who will lead rescue operations. A mechanical-lock system, such as RTL-24, requires a different approach than a snap-fit CapLoc layout, so the plan should reflect the roof's seam shape and slope.
Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps
Trauma straps let a suspended worker shift weight, relieve pressure on the legs, and restore circulation during the critical minutes after a fall. On large Steelway roofs where rescue teams may need extra time to reach the worker, trauma straps become essential. Including them in the standard PPE list ensures every worker has a way to protect themselves even after the PFAS has done its job.
Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear
Strong fall protection starts with gear that fits, adjusts, and operates the way it should. Workers need harnesses that match their size, connectors that lock cleanly, and SRLs such as the Malta Dynamics Pygmy Hog or Edgehog that they inspect themselves at the start of every shift. When workers step onto a Steelway RTL-24 or CapLoc roof with dependable gear, they move with confidence and stay focused on the job instead of the equipment.
Set Up Protective Guardrails Near Hazards
Guardrails serve as a simple way to control risk around skylights, eaves, and changes in roof elevation. On large Steelway systems, guardrails help reduce reliance on PFAS alone by creating safe walking and staging areas. They also provide clear visual boundaries that help crews stay aware of where leading edges begin.
Prioritize Ladder Safety Training
Most roofing accidents start before anyone touches the standing seam. Crews maintaining Steelway buildings should review basic ladder practices regularly: maintain the 4-to-1 ladder angle, ensure a stable ground placement, and secure the ladder at the roof edge. Taking a few extra minutes for ladder checks prevents many incidents that disrupt production and cause injuries.
Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels
Curved roof systems require inspections by a trained fall-protection specialist. Curved surfaces may require ridge-mounted anchors, engineered systems, or alternative methods, depending on the panel shape and radius. An expert evaluation ensures the chosen system protects workers while preserving the integrity of the curved steel panels.
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.