So many points to consider here
OSHA does not recognize any climbing gear as suitable for fall protection in construction of any kind, so be careful #1. I have been rock and ice climbing since the 70s and would like to add a couple of more caveats, or points to ponder to this discussion. Climbing rope is also called kernmantle. This means there is a sheath woven around the primary nylon core that is the true protection when falling. It is made this way for better handling characteristics during climbing which is an up and down and across rock outcroppings, dragging across obstacles, and becoming more heavy to pull against as you move upward away from the belay point. Also it uses carabiners and other fixed points of protection installed along the way, creating small radius bends when a fall occurs. These additional parts (carabiners) are designed to be lightweight aluminum alloys, tested for strength in both dimensions, and rated with their load bearing values. Again OSHA does not recognize these as suitable for fall protection. The only approved biners I have seen are steel, please dont confuse the two, as it is possible to saw through an Al biner over time with heavy use Being a nylon rope, it is easily damaged by chemicals, repeated falls or heavy loads, as well as UV from sunlight. Due to its construction it is impossible to determine when the core of the rope is damaged. This is the source of climbers going ballistic when someone steps on the rope on the ground dirt and grit is driven into the sheath and core of the rope, where it begins cutting the kern, unseen. Climbing rope is also given a lifetime in number of falls it has been rated to withstand and still deemed to be safe this number is quite small in relation to its cost, but is a fair tradeoff for those whose life was saved by one. Climbing rope is a dynamic rope. It is not meant to be used to hang on, its purpose is to absorb the shock of a fall by dynamically stretching, as the climber is connected directly to the rope, thus not breaking the spine. Cavers use a static line that is designed to be hung on, and climbed directly with proper tools. This type of rope is much closer to the rope OSHA recognizes as suitable for fall protection than dynamic climbing rope. Standard fall protection relies on a static laid (spiral wrapped and visible for inspection) rope as the lifeline, and the shock absorbing protection is provided by a separate device connected between the user and the rope, usually a continuous length of nylon webbing folded back upon itself many times and sewn together that will rip out the stitching at a tested force. All parts of the approved fall protection chain are constructed so that they are easily evaluated for damage with a visual inspection, and most manufacturers provide small logs attached to their equipment for recording who/when they were inspected for damage. You can also buy mechanical automatically retracting fall protection (we have switched our crews to these as we have become larger), that minimizes the installers lines being stepped on or becoming macramé on the roof during the install. All anchors for fall protection need to be installed according to the manufacturers instructions, using recommended anchor screws. Not what you have on the truck, or what you saw someone else using. You are trusting your life and possibly someone elses on these fasteners this is no place to scrimp! I highly recommend that at the very least you obtain a simple roofers kit in a can that is approved by OSHA. If you require the ability to hang from your harness while performing work, many harnesses are available with positioning loops built in for tying off to (as the primary point of attachment for OSHA approved fall protection is high on the middle of the back to keep someone hanging in free air upright). Sorry for the soapbox but I teach PV nights at a local community college and safety is a big part of what we need to promote and explain why it is appropriate and when. It is a common misconception that rock gear is OK for use in our industry, and as we grow and become more mainstream, we must strive to be safe after all we are combining two of the deadliest trades when we are installing on a dwelling Have a great weekend all!! -Glenn Burt From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Rebecca Lundberg Sent: Thursday, April 22, 2010 9:17 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging Hi Ryan, A few thoughts on this. One, it is all about safety, and more than any code or compliance concern, you should be concerned about the safety of you and your crew, because that's basically why code is written. I spent 12-hours today and 12-hours yesterday (who needs the gym?!) hanging from a 12:12 pitch roof to install solar modules on one of my job sites, and my roof safety knowledge was put to the test because I had only 6" to work from on the eave and side edges, so my entire roof safety was based on that roof anchor and my gear -- there was no way to work in a safe way without it. Roof anchors are not a big deal -- they are easy to install and easy to remove and caulk with clear caulk so the attachment point is not visible when you are done. How often does the homeowner inspect the roof peak for goodness sakes? The caulk covering a roof anchor hole would never be visible from anywhere, and if installed right a PV system should not require any kind of maintenance outside of a rare module replacement or something. Sometimes the roof pitch is shallow and perhaps a roof anchor per person is not needed, but my job site this week required one roof anchor for each of us -- your life is at stake here, it is important to understand the value and limitations of these products. I have done PV installs on a standing seam metal roof, and I would argue that a roof anchor installed permanently (and painted) with the original installation on a metal roof is a VERY good idea, because after-the-fact roof anchors are not feasible, and the chance of needing to get up there sometime during the life of the roof is likely, and NO travel on a steep pitch metal roof is safe without being anchored. But putting a roof anchor on a residential roof after the fact is SO not a big deal. Attaching to the truck in the driveway might be a safe solution, but only IF the angle of incidence is correct for your safety, i.e. only if the truck is parked exactly opposite where you will be working on the roof. Also, it is only safe until your partner needs to run an errand to pick something up and forgets you are attached to it. Not really funny, I have heard REAL stories of this happening to a colleague..... Rather than a vehicle I prefer to use a sturdy tree on the opposite side of the house if this is absolutely the best option and a possibility. For a temporary scenario, i.e. a site assessment on a steep roof or on any icy roof in winter, I use my partner as a safety belay on the north side of the house. Yes, we throw a climbing rope over the house and use tried and true climbing gear, knots, communication protocol (with walkie-talkies), and procedure to help us be safe. The person providing the belay needs to be 'sturdier' than the person on the roof, usually, unless they are also tied off to a tree. In short, two suggestions. Yes, take an OSHA course so you are fully informed of the legal requirements and safety reasons for making sure of roof safety. And, and just as important in my opinion, I'd suggest you hook up with someone who can give you some real fixed-ropes climbing experience. I'm not kidding, this is THE most valuable skill I have as a solar installer. I've taught my subcontracted electricians about roof safety, and ensured that my crew has the best oversight possible because I KNOW what it takes. There is nothing akin to hanging off an exposed cliff, hundreds of feet in the air, with nothing but you, your climbing gear, your climbing harness, and your rope, to ensure your safety. This sort of scenario really taught me how to evaluate my gear and various scenarios so that I will live to see tomorrow and pursue my work towards a more sustainable lifestyle for America. Fixed ropes climbing is also fun! My ascending/rappelling skills are used weekly in my work as a residential solar installer, and a good knowledge of safe knot options has been invaluable as-well. If you can't find a climbing gym locally, find an adventure racing team (more here: http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_content <http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemi d=30> &task=view&id=14&Itemid=30) and ask them to spend a few hours training you in -- I'm certain you'll gain some valuable skills from the effort. Sincerely, Rebecca Lundberg NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ® Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green Executive Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Convenor, Solar Minnesota
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