Fall Protection Strategies For Tri County Metals

Who Is Tri County Metals?

Tri County Metals began bending coil in Trenton, Florida, back in 2003. They now run nine branches that cover every corner of the state and reach into South Georgia. A family-owned culture still drives the business even as the numbers look all pro. They have maintained 98% on-time and complete deliveries since 2020. In 2023, they shipped nearly 15 million items with 99.9% accuracy.

The company has recorded just one warranty claim for every 600 roof projects over the past 15 years. Every standing-seam panel earns High-Velocity Hurricane Zone and Miami-Dade NOA approvals. They offer 45 Energy-Star "Cool Roof" colors and StealthBond certification.

Why Do Compatible Fall-Protection Anchors Matter on Standing-Seam Roofs?

Standing-seam panels owe their leak-free reputation to concealed clips. These clips allow the roof system to mount securely without penetrations. This feature allows the panels to expand and contract in the heat without damage. Non-penetrating seam anchors mount without any penetrations. They spread impact loads across the seam to protect the panel system.

The following specialized products provide the primary safety solutions for Tri County Metals systems:

• SSRA1 Standing Seam Roof Anchor: The core of the system. It 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: These mount directly to the SSRA1 anchors. They allow the staging of 10-foot wooden walkboards to create level work platforms on steep slopes.
• SSRA3 Anchor Plates: These heavy-duty aluminum plates secure across two SSRA1 anchors. They serve as the certified endpoints for a temporary horizontal lifeline system.
• SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit: This kit provides continuous tie-off for up to two workers in fall arrest. It allows for safe lateral movement across large roof spans.
• 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit: This galvanized-steel-cable solution is for roofs requiring regular maintenance. It provides a permanent safety backbone without penetrations.
• Ridge Pro Steep Assist: This is the ultimate solution for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12. It hooks over the ridge to provide 100% tie-off from the moment a worker leaves the ladder.

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 exclusively on 22-gauge steel panels. Torque them to 90 inch-pounds for a secure, non-penetrating lock.
• Nylon-Tipped Set-Screws: Apply these to 22-gauge or 24-gauge steel panels to achieve certified holding power. Torque them to 180–200 inch-pounds for maximum strength.
• Maintenance: Treat nylon tips as consumables. Replace them every 3 to 5 uses to maintain maximum grip strength.

Tri County Metals SL-LOK Panels (SSRA Compatible 24 ga. Steel)

The SL-LOK panel is for projects requiring long runs of 30 feet or more. It offers the clean and modern look of hidden fasteners. As a snap-lock system, SL-LOK uses floating clips to allow natural thermal movement. It features a 1.5-inch rib height and performs on slopes as low as 0.25:12. Tri County manufactures the SL-Lok panel in 24-gauge steel and .032 aluminum. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Tri County Metals SL-LOK Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for SL-LOK Panels

For 24-gauge steel installations, proper safety measures protect both workers and the roof system.

• The SSRA1 Seam Anchor delivers a non-penetrating and 5,000-pound tie-off point.
• The SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapters mount directly to the anchors to support 10-foot wooden walkboards for stable footing.
• The SSRA3 Anchor Plates mount across two anchors to create an endpoint for the SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit.
• The 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit is the best solution for roofs requiring regular access.
• For aluminum panels, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the top choice on 6:12 to 12:12 roofs.

Tri County Metals SS-LOK Panels (SSRA Compatible 24 ga. Steel)

The SS-LOK panel offers the same snap-lock beauty as the SL-LOK. This panel has a taller 1.75-inch rib for added strength on long runs. It is available in 24-gauge steel or heavy-duty .040 aluminum. This panel handles intense Florida sun and storm cycles through a floating-clip system. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Tri County Metals SS-LOK Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for SS-LOK Panels

On 24-gauge steel SS-LOK roofs, compatibility ensures OSHA compliance without roof damage.

• The SSRA1 Seam Anchor provides a secure and non-penetrating anchor point.
• Combined with SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapters, the system provides a staging platform for 10-foot wooden walkboards.
• The SSRA3 Anchor Plates create a certified anchorage point for the SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit.
• The 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit offers a steel-cable solution that stays in place for regular maintenance.
• On all other substrates, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the best option for slopes between 6:12 and 12:12.

Tri County Metals MS-LOK Panels (SSRA Compatible 24 ga. Steel)

The MS-LOK panel is the heavy-duty choice designed for commercial projects. The mechanical-seam design requires a mechanical seamer to fold and lock the seams. This panel delivers exceptional strength and weather-tightness. It is available in 1.5-inch or 2-inch rib heights in 24-gauge steel. This panel is a go-to for demanding commercial applications. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Tri County Metals MS-LOK Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for MS-LOK Panels

For 24-gauge steel MS-LOK roofs, the SSRA1 Seam Anchor delivers a powerful tie-off solution.

• The SSRA1 Seam Anchor clamps securely onto the mechanical seam.
• Adding the SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jack adapter allows crews to install 10-foot wooden walkboards for a stable staging area.
• The SSRA3 Anchor Plates create a certified endpoint for the SSRA HLL 100-foot Temporary HLL Kit.
• The 120-foot Super Anchor Permanent HLL Kit establishes a permanent fall-protection line for long-term access.
• For aluminum or where seam contact is not advisable, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist provides an excellent alternative on 6:12 to 12:12 slopes.

Tri County Metals TCM-LOK Nailstrip Panels (Ridge Pro Only)

TCM-LOK is popular with homeowners who want a clean look without visible fasteners. Each panel includes an integrated nailstrip flange. Installers secure it directly to the deck, and the next course hides the screws. It features a 1-inch seam and works on any roof with a pitch steeper than 1/4:12. This concealed-fastener design shrugs off hurricane winds and coastal salt. Tri County produces the TCM-Lok panel in 24- and 26-gauge steel and aluminum. See the Roof Anchor Compatibility Chart for Tri County Metals TCM-LOK Standing Seam Panels.

Fall Protection for TCM-LOK Panels

This panel profile is incompatible with seam-clamping anchors. The Ridge Pro Steep Assist is the best fall-protection solution on 6:12 to 12:12 roofs. This system hooks over the peak to ensure 100% tie-off coverage without penetrating the roof system.

Avoiding Liability from Untested Standing Seam Imports

Choosing high-quality, American-made equipment is an investment in both safety and long-term value. While global marketplaces offer inexpensive alternatives, these cheap imports often lack the verifiable third-party testing required to meet strict OSHA 1926.502 and ANSI Z359.18 standards. When a crew is working hundreds of feet in the air, there is no room for structural uncertainty.

The SSRA system eliminates this risk through the transparency of domestic engineering. We manufacture and certify every component in the United States to provide our customers with documented compliance, not empty promises. To ensure your crew has total peace of mind, you can review our official SSRA test reports to see the data for yourself. Investing in certified safety equipment is the only way to ensure your team remains protected by the highest reliability standards in the industry.

Metal Roof Anchor Panel Compatibility For Tri County Metals

	SL-LOK (24 Ga.)	SS-LOK (24 Ga.)	MS-LOK (24 Ga.)	TCM-LOK NailStrip
SSRA 1	NO	NO	NO	NO
SSRA1 Nylon Tip	YES	YES	YES	NO
SSRA2 Roof Jack	YES	YES	YES	NO
SSRA3 Anchor Plate	YES	YES	YES	NO
The Ridge Pro	YES	YES	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, check out OSHA's 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

Prioritize Ladder Safety Training

Safe roofing begins before a worker ever reaches the panels. Ladder mishaps are a leading cause of preventable injuries in the construction industry. You should train your crew to inspect ladders for defects and properly secure the base. Following the 4-to-1 rule for ladder angles ensures a stable climb from the ground up.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Suspended workers face the silent threat of suspension trauma. This condition can set in within minutes and restrict blood flow to the heart. Every harness should include affordable trauma straps that allow workers to stand up and relieve leg pressure while awaiting rescue.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Curved or radiused roofs are visually striking, but they present unique safety challenges for standard anchors. Before attempting fall protection on these complex surfaces, you should consult a qualified expert. A specialist can design a system tailored to the specific curve to maintain both worker safety and roof integrity.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

A strong safety plan sets clear expectations before work begins. These plans should include site-specific hazard assessments and well-defined rescue procedures. Planning safety into every project eliminates confusion and keeps unnecessary risk off the roof.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Permanent anchors are invaluable for commercial buildings with regular rooftop traffic for HVAC or solar maintenance. These fixed tie-off points simplify compliance and speed up work by eliminating the need for temporary setups. They provide season-after-season reliability without the need for constant reinstallation.

Set Up Protective Guardrail Barriers for Work Zones

Guardrails create clear visual and physical boundaries that help workers avoid dangerous edges or skylights. These simple systems are highly effective at preventing falls in high-traffic areas. Whether temporary or permanent, these barriers turn hazardous zones into much safer workspaces.

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Quality fall-protection gear is the foundation of every safe roofing project. You should issue certified harnesses and self-retracting lifelines that meet strict OSHA and ANSI standards. When workers trust their equipment, they are far less likely to cut corners on the job site.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Safety is a team mindset, not just a checklist on a clipboard. Crews that join toolbox talks and watch each other's backs create job sites where confidence replaces risk. Everyone goes home safe when safety becomes a daily habit for every team member.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing-Seam Roofs

Standing-seam roofs require non-penetrating anchors designed for the profile gauge. These seam-mounted anchors clamp securely without penetrations, preserving the roof's watertight integrity. Nothing else compares to OSHA-compliant safety for protecting both the crew and the manufacturer's warranty.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Your boots are a critical first line of defense against gravity. Roofing-specific footwear with aggressive tread grips slick or angled metal surfaces to boost balance. This seemingly small detail often makes the difference between a confident stride and a dangerous stumble on a steep metal slope.