How To Maintain 100% Tie-off On A Roof With Ridge Pro

Staying Safe From the Ladder To The Roof

As a roofer, safety should always be the top priority. Working at heights presents serious risks, with falls being one of the leading causes of construction-related injuries and fatalities. However, with the right equipment like the  Ridge Pro anchor system and proper techniques, you can mitigate those risks and work confidently on steep rooftops while ensuring your safety at all times.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the importance of maintaining 100% tie off when accessing roofs and highlight the Ridge Pro as an innovative ridge anchor solution that allows you to do just that. We'll cover the setup process for the Ridge Pro system, best practices, and the benefits of using this game-changing steep assist product for safer, more efficient roofing operations.

The Importance of 100% Tie Off

Working on roofs inherently involves the risk of falling, which can result in severe injuries or even loss of life. That's why it's crucial to have reliable fall protection measures like the Ridge Pro ridge anchor in place, and the concept of 100% tie off is at the core of this safety approach.

100% tie off means that you, as a roofer, are continuously connected to an approved anchorage point while working on the roof. This uninterrupted connection ensures that if a fall were to occur, your fall arrest system would activate, preventing you from hitting the ground or any lower-level obstructions.

Traditional methods of roof access often involve transitioning between anchor points, which can leave you temporarily unprotected during these transitions. However, with the right equipment like the Ridge Pro steep assist system and techniques, it's possible to maintain 100% tie off throughout the entire process, eliminating any gaps in your fall protection.

Introducing the Ridge Pro Anchor

The Ridge Pro ridge anchor is a game-changer in the world of roofing safety, designed specifically to facilitate 100% tie off while accessing roofs. This innovative steep assist system provides a vertical lifeline that runs up to the ridge of the roof, allowing you to remain connected at all times as you move across the roof surface until you are safely back to the ladder.

Here's How The Ridge Pro Device Works:

Setup:

Remove the pin and set the Ridge Pro hook at the correct pitch to match the roof. Run the Ridge Pro up the slope on the pole while you remain safely on the ladder. Once it is at the peak, simply flip it over 180 degrees so it can hook over the ridge. The vertical lifeline is now locked onto the ridge of the structure and ready for use.

Connecting:

Once the Ridge Pro steep assist is in place, you can connect your personal fall arrest system (PFAS) to the anchor line using a lanyard with shock absorber and robe grab connected to the dorsal d-ring of your full body harness. This device follows you as you move along the roof surface, ensuring that you remain connected at all times.  

Accessing the Roof:

With your PFAS securely connected to the Ridge Pro ridge anchor, you can safely access the roof surface from the ladder. The steep assist system allows for a continuous transition between the ladder to the roof until the worker is safely back on the ladder, eliminating any gaps in your fall protection.

Mechanically Fastening

For work beyond a 15 minute inspection period, it is recommended that you secure the  Ridge Pro using roofing screws. These holes are then filled with roofing sealant after the screws are removed.

Best Practices for Using the Ridge Pro Ridge Anchor

While the Ridge Pro ridge anchor is designed to provide uninterrupted fall protection, it's essential to follow best practices to ensure maximum safety and efficiency:

Proper Installation:

Ensure that the Ridge Pro ridge anchor is installed correctly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Secure anchoring is crucial for the steep assist system to function as intended.

Inspect Before Use:

Before each use, thoroughly inspect the Ridge Pro ridge anchor system, including the anchor line, base plates, and your PFAS components for any signs of wear, damage, or defects.

Use Approved Components:

Only use components that are specifically designed and approved for use with the  Ridge Pro steep assist system. Using incompatible or non-approved components can compromise the system's effectiveness and put your safety at risk.

Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines:

Carefully review and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for using the Ridge Pro ridge anchor, including weight limits, maximum user capacity, and any specific instructions for your application.

Proper Training:

Ensure that all personnel using the Ridge Pro anchor system have received proper training on its use, inspection, and maintenance. Lack of training can lead to improper use and increased risk.

Benefits of Using the Ridge Pro Anchor

Investing in the Ridge Pro ridge anchor steep assist system offers numerous benefits for roofing professionals, including:

Continuous Fall Protection:

The most significant advantage of the Ridge Pro is its ability to provide continuous fall protection from the ladder to the roof until the worker is safely back on the ladder.  This greatly reduces the risk of falls and ensures your safety throughout the entire roofing project.

Increased Efficiency:

With 100% tie off, you can move freely on the roof surface without having to disconnect and reconnect your PFAS, allowing for more efficient and uninterrupted workflow when using the Ridge Pro steep assist. Other inferior steep assist devices do not allow for tie-offs and require that you remain in a 3-point stance in order to maintain contact with the device.

Versatility:

The Ridge Pro ridge anchor can be used on various roof types and configurations, making it a versatile solution for various steep roofing projects.

Compliance:

By maintaining 100% tie off with the Ridge Pro, you can ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and industry best practices for fall protection, reducing the risk of citations and legal liabilities.

Peace of Mind:

Knowing that you have a reliable and continuous fall protection system like the Ridge Pro steep assist in place can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your work without worrying about the risks associated with falls.

Investing in Safety with the Ridge Pro

While the Ridge Pro anchor steep assist system may require an initial investment, the benefits it offers in terms of safety, efficiency, and compliance make it a worthwhile investment for any roofing professional or company. By prioritizing fall protection and implementing systems like the Ridge Pro, you can create a safer working environment for your team and ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of each workday.

Remember, safety should never be compromised when working at heights. By maintaining 100% tie-off and utilizing innovative ridge anchor solutions like the Ridge Pro steep assist, you can tackle steep roofing projects with confidence, knowing that your safety is a top priority.

For more information or to discuss you project, call Fall Protection Distributors, LLC at 863-703-4522 or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com.

Rapid Fire Q&A For the Ridge Pro

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about using the Ridge Pro ridge anchoring system.

What is the Ridge Pro system and how does it work?

The Ridge Pro is an innovative ridge anchor system designed to allow roofers to maintain 100% tie off at all times when working on steep roof pitches. It consists of vertical lifeline that runs up the roof slope to the ridge, secured by base plates attached to the roof structure. Roofers can connect their personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) to this anchor line using a rope grab and lanyard, allowing free movement while continuously tied off.

Why is 100% tie off so important when working on roofs?

Falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry, especially roofing work. Maintaining 100% tie off by being continuously connected to an approved anchorage like the  Ridge Pro system provides essential fall protection. If a fall occurs, the fall arrest system will catch the worker, preventing them from hitting the ground or any obstacles below.

How is the Ridge Pro installed on a roof?

The Ridge Pro ridge anchor system is hooked over the roof ridge, with the base plates securely anchored to the roof structure using roofing screws or anchors made for the specific roof type. The vertical lifeline then extends down the rope slope for the worker to attach to.

What are the main benefits of using the Ridge Pro system?

Some key benefits of the Ridge Pro steep assist system include continuous fall protection with 100% tie off, increased efficiency by eliminating disconnecting/reconnecting, versatility for different roof types, compliance with OSHA regulations, and peace of mind knowing your team has maximum fall protection. It allows roofers to work confidently at heights. Ridge Pro is also the lightest and lowest priced device in the steep assist anchor category.  Also it is one of the few that allows for tie-off.

Is special training required to use the Ridge Pro anchor?

Yes, all personnel using the Ridge Pro or any other roof anchor system should receive comprehensive training from a qualified source. This covers proper installation, use, inspection, maintenance and overall safety procedures for the system. Lack of training can lead to improper use and increased fall risks.  Read and fully understand the instruction manual before using this equipment.  

How do I inspect and maintain the Ridge Pro system?

Before every use, thoroughly inspect all components of the RidgePro system - the anchor line, base plates, connectors, and your personal fall arrest system. Check for any damage, wear, corrosion or other defects. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for inspection, cleaning, storage and programmed maintenance to ensure the system remains in safe working condition.

Can the Ridge Pro be used on all roof types and pitches?

The Ridge Pro ridge anchor is designed to be versatile for use on most common roof types and steep pitches 6/12-12/12 found in residential and commercial roofing applications. However, you should always verify with the manufacturer regarding maximum/minimum roof slopes and any special requirements for your specific roof structure.

Where can I purchase the Ridge Pro system?

The Ridge Pro and related roofing safety products can be purchased in three different bundles. You can purchase the  hook only, the hook and rope bundle, or the hook, rope, and harness bundle. The Wooster Sherlock R057 poles are too expensive to efficiently ship so we recommend they be purchased at your local Home Depot in the paint department. Investing in quality safety gear like the Ridge Pro is essential for any professional roofing operation.