The law stipulates that workers undertaking manual and utility job workers have adequate protection when doing their jobs. This is to keep them protected in case accidents occur as they go about their jobs. One of the jobs that have the highest risks is the one that has one has a worker doing their job off the ground. Roofers have to take this risk and it important that they are adequately protected as they do so. Roof anchors are one of the most effective safeguards they can have.
For them to provide the protection they should, it is important that the right ones are chosen. There are temporary and permanent ones and choice should be made depending on how long they will be used. Permanent ones should be used for long term projects and temporary ones for short term ones. The former are made for single person use while temporary ones which cost much less, need to be procured in larger quantities for every worker.
An anchor works by arresting falls thus the term fall arrest anchor. Once they are up, they should be distinctly marked. They should be placed with consideration to how other fall catching devices are aligned. If the hazard of falls is high, it is necessary that they are exchanged from time to time. Annual inspections should be done and as the anchors are placed, it is advisable that bright colors be used so they are easily seen.
Also important is the area that is to be worked on. Anchors are made differently according to work for varying surfaces. If an anchor is to work as it should, the right one has to be chosen. There is a choice from concrete, wooden and metal concrete ones.
While they are built to support heavy loads, an anchor can only support a specified quantity of weight. This is indicated in the weight ratings that are indicated on anchors. If this is exceeded, an anchor can dislodge which predisposes workers to accidents.
There are different kinds of roofs and the dimensions and structure is another factor that counts. If it is a pinched or slating roof that is being worked on, its batten sizes and the tile wrap have to be taken into account. For such roofs, the anchor will have to go up higher than it would be if it is flat tiles that were being put down.
There are various brand names and some are more superior to others. Go for the best possible. Before buying, look into the different brands and manufacturers to get the best option and at the best rates. Keeping in mind that protecting lives is the goal, go for the best possible.
To offer workers maximum protection, they will need not only roof anchors. They also need to be kitted out with other protective clothing such as gloves, boots, hard hats and safety vests. Even without the authorities making it a lawful requirement, the responsible and humane thing to do is to protect the workers that take on the most difficult tasks.
Contractors seeking reliable fall arrest and window washing safety equipment have trusted Pro-Bel Canada to ensure safe working conditions for over thirty years.