Fall Protection Strategy For ASC Building Products Roofs

Who Is ASC Building Products?

ASC Building Products is a recognized leader in the metal roofing and siding industry, delivering high-quality, durable products to residential, agricultural, and light commercial projects. As part of the larger ASC Profiles group, alongside AEP Span, ASC Building Products benefits from over 50 years of combined expertise in manufacturing premium roofing and siding solutions. Both divisions operate under the umbrella of the global steel giant BlueScope, which supplies metal products and solutions to the construction industry worldwide.

ASC Building Products' catalog includes various metal roofing and siding options, from concealed and exposed fastener systems to architectural panels, available in numerous colors and finishes. This variety makes them a go-to choice for homeowners, contractors, and farmers looking to add lasting value to their structures.

But what sets ASC apart? It's not just about aesthetics or durability but their commitment to sustainability and product performance. With a focus on green building initiatives, ASC Building Products ensures that its panels are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This ties into certifications like LEED, Passive House, and Net Zero Energy, giving customers peace of mind that they're using eco-friendly materials without sacrificing quality.

Their products undergo rigorous third-party testing to meet or exceed structural and fire-resistant standards, ensuring they hold up under harsh conditions. Whether it's extreme weather or the test of time, ASC Building Products has established itself as a trusted name in the metal roofing world.

Why Are Compatible Fall Protection Products Important for ASC Building Products Roofs?

Metal roofs are sleek, durable, and capable of handling some of the most challenging elements, but here's the catch—they can also be incredibly dangerous to work on. When dealing with panels like those offered by ASC Building Products,  specialized fall protection is not just a recommendation; it's essential.

Why? Let's break it down.

ASC Building Products manufactures high-performance roofing systems with concealed fasteners, tight seams, and smooth finishes. While these features provide top-tier weather resistance and aesthetic appeal, these panels can be very challenging for securing standard roof anchors. Drilling into these panels for traditional fall protection systems isn't just risky for workers—it compromises the roof's integrity. Imagine water seeping through a hole you just drilled into a brand-new roof. That's a problem no one wants.

That's where compatible fall protection solutions such as the non-penetrating SSRA1 Seam Anchor are necessary. These systems ensure workers stay safe without penetrating the roof, keeping everything weathertight and structurally sound.

For steeper roofs, like those with a 6/12 to 12/12 pitch, using tools such as the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor can make all the difference. This system hooks over the roof peak, giving workers a stable tie-off point, which is especially important when working on challenging angles. And let's face it, trying to balance on a slick metal roof is already tough enough—adding steep slopes makes specialized fall protection gear even more critical.

In short, using compatible fall protection systems isn't just about compliance or ticking boxes on an OSHA checklist (though that's important, too). It's about preserving the quality of the roof, ensuring worker safety, and maintaining the longevity of your investment. So, before your team steps on an ASC Building Products roof, ensure you have the proper fall protection solutions to keep the workers and the panels in perfect condition.

Skyline Roofing HP Nailstrip Panels

Skyline Roofing HP metal panels have long been a top choice for roofers, contractors, and even DIY enthusiasts. Known for their durability and design flexibility, these panels are popular for new residential constructions, remodels, and commercial projects. With a range of colors, they offer plenty of aesthetic options while being a sustainable building material—100% recyclable after their useful life.

These panels are made of 24-gauge steel and offer a 16" coverage with a minimum slope of 3:12. One of the standout features of Skyline Roofing HP panels is their snap-together design, which eliminates the need for field seaming. Plus, they come with solid structural certifications, including Class A fire ratings and Class 4 hail impact resistance, making them a safe and reliable option for various projects.

With custom panel lengths ranging from 4' to 50'—and the option for even longer panels with special clips—Skyline Roofing HP panels meet specific project needs. Their ability to withstand wind uplift (ASTM E1592) and their overall performance, verified by third-party testing, make these panels a smart choice for many applications.

Fall Protection for Skyline Roofing HP Panels

When working on Skyline Roofing HP panels, proper fall protection is essential to maintain safety while preserving the roof's structural integrity. For 24-gauge steel panels, here's how you can use SSRA products to ensure workers stay safe and the roof remains pristine:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These anchors clamp securely to the standing seams without requiring any penetrations, meaning you can maintain the roof's watertight integrity while providing a solid tie-off point for safety gear. This attachment method is critical on roofs like Skyline HP, where drilling or invasive installation methods could compromise snap-together panels.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: Roof jacks allow workers to install 10-foot wooden walk boards between SSRA1 Seam Anchors, creating a stable working platform. This feature is vital for ensuring safety during longer projects and minimizing the risk of accidents on slippery metal surfaces.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: For larger projects, anchor plates can be mounted on top of the SSRA1 seam anchors to install horizontal lifelines. This mount allows workers to move across the roof safely without constant reconnection. With lifelines stretching up to 100 feet, this system covers a large area, helping to improve efficiency while keeping workers secure.

However, it's important to note that some snaplock seams may not be compatible with SSRA anchor systems, so we recommend that you perform a test fit before installation.

For 26-gauge steel panels, particularly on steep roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 slope, the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is your go-to solution. This system hooks over the roof peak, providing a secure tie-off point that allows workers to maintain 100% tie-off at all times. This solution is especially critical for navigating steeper roof pitches, where safety becomes even more challenging.

With Skyline Roofing HP Nailstrip Panels, the combination of high-performance materials and the proper fall protection systems ensures your project will be safe and efficient. Whether installing or maintaining these panels, using products like SSRA Seam Anchors or the Ridge Pro Steep Assist keeps workers secure without compromising the roof's performance.

Skyline Roofing Panels

Skyline Metal Roofing panels are a popular choice for residential and commercial applications due to their clean lines, lasting performance, and ease of installation. These 26-gauge snaplock panels are available in various colors, offering homeowners' and contractors' design flexibility at an affordable price. Skyline Metal Roofing panels provide a durable and attractive solution, whether you're working on new residential construction, a remodel, or a commercial building project like schools, offices, or retail spaces.

With a minimum slope requirement of 3:12, these panels are well-known for their durability and ability to withstand the elements. They've been rigorously tested for wind uplift (ASTM E1592) and hail impact resistance (Class 4 per UL 2218), and they hold a Class A fire rating when installed on non-combustible decking or framing. Custom panel lengths from 4' to 50' are available, with special clips required for lengths over 40'. The snap-together design of Skyline panels eliminates the need for field seaming, further streamlining the installation process.

Skyline Roofing panels are not only practical but also sustainable. After its useful life, steel is 100% recyclable, making it a greener alternative to other traditional roofing materials.

Fall Protection for Skyline Roofing Panels

When working on Skyline Roofing Panels, using the appropriate fall protection systems is crucial to ensure safety without compromising the roof's structure. Due to the panel's thickness, SSRA1 products are incompatible with 26-gauge steel panels. Instead, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist is recommended, especially for roofs with slopes between 6/12 and 12/12.

The Ridge Pro Steep Assist hooks securely over the roof peak, offering workers a reliable tie-off point. This anchor ensures workers maintain 100% tie-off while on the roof, which is essential for safe navigation on steep roof pitches. The Ridge Pro's non-invasive design also preserves the roofing system's integrity, allowing workers to stay secure without drilling or penetrating the panels.

With Skyline Roofing Panels, you get a roofing system that combines beauty, performance, and sustainability. Pairing them with the proper fall protection equipment, such as the Ridge Pro Steep Assist, can ensure a safe and efficient installation or maintenance process.

Design Span HP Panels

Design Span HP metal roofing panels are an excellent choice for performance-rated, structural standing seam roofing in residential and commercial applications. Whether you're working on retail spaces, civic buildings, or multi-use projects, Design Span HP panels provide the flexibility needed to match nearly any architectural style. Available in several energy-efficient colors, these panels offer a long-lasting, durable, and sustainable roofing solution that seamlessly blends with traditional building materials.

With coverage options ranging from 12" to 18" and made from 22- or 24-gauge steel, Design Span HP panels meet strict industry standards. These panels are tested for wind uplift (ASTM E1592), air infiltration (ASTM E1680), and water infiltration (ASTM E1646), making them a durable choice for various climates. Additionally, they meet the UL580 Class 90 wind uplift and Class 4 impact (hail) resistance per UL 2218, ensuring high protection.

Custom lengths from 5'3" to 45'0" are available, with even longer panels offered for an additional charge. With subtle striations and wide batten caps for a bold look, Design Span HP panels provide performance and flexibility to meet a wide range of aesthetic needs.

Fall Protection for Design Span HP Panels

Ensuring proper fall protection is critical to maintaining worker safety and roof integrity when working on Design Span HP panels. For 22- and 24-gauge steel panels, here are the recommended fall protection solutions:

SSRA1 Seam Anchors: These seam anchors clamp directly to the standing seams without penetrating the roof, ensuring the panel's weathertight seal remains intact. This non-invasive approach is perfect for securing workers' fall protection gear without risking damage to the roof's structural performance.

SSRA2 Adjustable Roof Jacks: These roof jacks allow for installing 10-foot wooden walk boards between the SSRA1 anchors, creating a stable surface for workers to move on. This level surface is ideal for reducing the risk of slips and falls on steeper roofs.

SSRA3 Anchor Plates: The SSRA3 Anchor Plates can be used with SSRA1 Seam Anchors to set up temporary horizontal lifelines for larger roofing projects. These lifelines, which can stretch up to 100 feet, provide continuous fall protection, allowing workers to move freely across the roof while staying secure.

It's worth noting that some snaplock seams may not be compatible with SSRA systems, so we recommend conducting a test fit before proceeding with installation.

For steeper roofs with a 6/12 to 12/12 slope, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist Anchor is a solid option. This anchor hooks over the roof peak, providing a secure tie-off point for workers and ensuring 100% tie-off at all times while navigating the roof. This solution is beneficial on steeper slopes where additional safety measures are critical.

Design Span HP panels provide the perfect balance of strength, durability, and design flexibility. They ensure worker safety and long-term roof performance when paired with the appropriate fall protection systems. Whether installing or maintaining these panels, the proper safety equipment will protect your team while preserving the roofing system's integrity.

Contact Us For More Information

For further details on roofing solutions and fall protection systems, contact us at 863-703-4522 or  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

Ensure Stable Access Points

Properly set up ladders and scaffolding, ensuring stability and removing obstructions. Train workers in ladder safety, including the OSHA-recommended 4-to-1 rule, to reduce the risk of falls when accessing rooftops.

Use Specialized Anchor Systems for Standing Seam Roofs

Choose anchor systems specifically designed for standing seam roofs, and always follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Avoid the use of seam anchors that require mounting over top of clips. These clips are nearly impossible to locate on existing roofs, making the installation dangerous and time consuming.  

Equip Workers with High-Quality Safety Gear

Provide your team with high-quality full-body harnesses and shock-absorbing lanyards. These essential tools reduce the impact of falls and help prevent severe injuries on the job.

Promote a Culture of Safety

Foster a workplace where safety is a top priority. Regular equipment inspections and frequent safety training sessions will help instill awareness and keep workers proactive in maintaining a safe work environment.

Develop OSHA-Compliant Safety Plans

Before any project begins, ensure a detailed safety plan meets OSHA standards. This plan should include a rescue strategy to protect workers in emergencies.

Encourage the Use of Trauma Straps

Include trauma straps in every worker's fall protection gear and provide regular training on their use. These straps are crucial for preventing suspension trauma after a fall.

Consult Experts for Curved Metal Panels

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. Instead, consult with a certified safety expert to develop a custom safety plan that addresses the unique challenges of curved roofs.

Set Up Protective Barriers for Work Zones

Establish safe work zones on low-slope roofs using guardrails or warning lines. These protective barriers help prevent falls and clearly define the boundaries for safer workspaces.

Ensure Proper Footwear for Stability

Equip workers with non-slip footwear designed for stability on metal surfaces. Proper footwear prevents accidents, mainly when working on slick or wet roofs.

Install Permanent Roof Anchor Systems

Consider installing permanent roof anchors for long-term safety during future maintenance or inspections. These anchors provide reliable tie-off points, ensuring continuous fall protection for workers.

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 reach out directly to the roof panel manufacturer for inquiries regarding fall protection compatibility with their products and to address any potential warranty issues that may arise following the installation of our products.