Rooftop platforms or rooftop walking platforms enable workers to safely navigate on roofs and get to their work areas. They prevent industrial roofs from being punctured by foot traffic.
They function in the same manner as insurance but don’t offer any protection if something goes wrong. They prevent costly problems from ever happening, and they help improve daily operations.
What Is A Roof Platform?
A rooftop platform is a combination of ladders or platforms that allows safe access to pipes, walls, and ductwork. These platforms are often found in large flat-roofed commercial and industrial buildings.
Similar equipment is called rooftop walking platforms. These platforms are usually slightly elevated and make a walkway across a rooftop. Although many places require them, they can be attached to roof plant platform. These walking paths don’t have railings as do rooftop platforms.
Rooftop platforms and rooftop-walking platforms both have support feet designed to distribute weight and prevent roof damage.
Do I Need A Rooftop Platform?
It is the responsibility of property owners and business managers to assess the activity on the roofs of their buildings. You should also consider safety and liability.
- How many people are needed to work on the roof and how often?
- Where are they working?
- What are their tasks?
- Are they crossing over pipes, ductwork, or walls? Are they carrying equipment or ductwork?
- Are they working and walking close to the edge?
- How vulnerable is the roofing material to foot traffic and dropped tools
- What does the warrant from my last roof job cover?
Answering these questions will allow them to weigh the costs associated with an injury or death of a worker, damage to the roof and the cost of fixing it; and the cost and benefits of a rooftop platform.
The Specifications Of The Rooftop Platforms Are:
- Aluminum, 1 inch by 2.25-inch rectangular tube construction
- 500 lb. capacity
- These steps are 36 inches in width and come with bridge spans and guardrails.
- Grip Strut non-slip tread surface
- Non-Penetrating caddy feet that distribute weight evenly and protect the roof surface
- 42-inch guardrail height
- You can combine 40-inch long bridge spans to get up to 120 inches of uninhibited clearance length
These Specifications Are For The Rooftop Walking Platforms:
- Aluminum construction
- 500 lb. capacity
- Adjustable height range: 11″ to 14″
- Grip Strut Platform 36″ x 36″
- Non-Penetrating caddy feet that distribute weight evenly and protect the roof surface
How To Build A Rooftop Platform?
A three-step process to help building owners determine what components they need.
Select ladders by height and incline: You can choose from one of three ladder types depending on how tall you want your platform to be and how much space is available for the base.
The Bridge Span Platforms are your best choice: They measure 40 inches by 36 inches. As many platforms as necessary to cross the obstacle’s distance, you will need a “legit” to support the platforms if you are crossing more than 120 inches.
Choose the Configuration: Special units are known as “turn platforms” that allow you to make different configurations such as straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, or Z-shaped.
What Is The Most Commonly Used Type Of Roof Fall Protection?
To ensure roof safety, workers employ four types of fall protection systems: position, suspend retrieval, fall arrest, and positioning.
Fall Arrest
This system consists of a roof anchor and a body harness. A lanyard made from rope, cable, or another material is also included.
Positioning
This safety equipment allows workers the freedom to use both hands and sit in a harness.
Retrieval
Section 3 of a fall protection program describes how to recover a worker who is injured.
Suspension
This applies to the protective equipment used by window washers, painters, and other professionals. The suspension system must also include a fall arrest device.