Roof Anchors and Window Washing Anchors for Fall Protection
Roof Anchors

A large number of workplace accidents are caused by falls from high places. Roof fall protection systems can prevent these accidents. One component of the system is the roof anchor. The roof anchor is attached to the building; other components such as safety harnesses and lead lines are attached to the anchors.

Anchor Installation

There are multiple types of roof anchor systems, with the best one being permanent fixed roof anchors. These are load-rated anchors which are specifically designed and permanently installed as fall prevention and safety system setups.

The permanent fixed system we recommend will meet all OSHA regulations and will keep your team safe while giving you the confidence to keep the job moving smoothly.

What are the Advantages of Certified Roof Anchors for Fall Protection?
There are several reasons roof anchors for fall protection are beneficial:

• Compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): An employer who does not comply with OSHA with the proper roof anchors can be assessed a penalty. Certified roof anchors are compliant with OSHA regulations. Part of this compliance does require annual visual inspections and renewed certification every 10 years.
• Enhanced Safety: A roof anchor system that is certified is one that is designed to the building’s specific needs. This allows vendors and subcontractors to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
• Cost Benefits: A certified roof anchor system can reduce your roof costs over time. In addition, vendors have more flexibility in how they perform their services which can decrease their fees.

Window Washing Anchors

Window washing presents a unique set of circumstances since it involves a person or persons to be suspended over the side of a building.

Specific standards have been set by the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) as well as ANSI and OSHA.
Building owners must have documentation stating they have had certified window washing anchors installed.
As with roof anchors, window washing anchors must be inspected annually and be recertified every 10 years.
PRO Roofing looks forward to working with you. 

Inspections and Re-Certification of Roof Anchors

Roof anchors are part of a personal fall protection system. It is necessary and required that after installation, years of use, and/or roof repairs, roof anchors be inspected. These inspections are regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as other organizations. 

Why Safety Anchor and Fall Protection Equipment Inspections and Re-certifications?

The benefits of these inspections include:

• Identifying problems early which can help keep repair costs to a minimum
• Decreasing potential safety risks to workers
• Eliminating a delay or shutdown that could occur if a system is not certified
• Ensuring that a third-party independent organization performed the inspection, eliminating potential biases
• Being a requirement by many insurance companies 

Inspections

Anchorage systems must be inspected every year by a qualified person. As defined by OSHA, a qualified person is “one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems related to the specific subject matter, the work, or the project.” 

During the inspection all single anchor points and lifeline systems are inspected. Part of the inspection involves looking for cracks, deformities, and signs of deterioration in the roof anchors. If there is any type of damage, the roof anchor may need to be repaired or replaced. 

Following the inspection, the building owner will receive a report detailing the results of the inspection. The building owner must maintain a log book which contains these inspection reports. 

Re-Certification

Annual inspections are a minimum requirement. In addition to these annual inspections, 10-year re-certification is required for suspended maintenance anchorages, which includes window cleaning systems. However, depending on the type of anchorage and the condition of the anchorage system, it may need to be certified and tested at more frequent intervals in order to comply with existing standards and regulations. 

PRO Roofing Solution

It is necessary to have quality safety and protection systems in place to reduce the possibility of rooftop hazards and potential accidents. PRO Roofing can carry out the necessary inspections and re-certifications that are required. Give us a call at (850) 733-7904 to schedule.