Working at height can be dangerous, especially if the surface you’re working on is uneven. That's why it's important to have roof safety systems in place that are designed specifically for work at height on uneven surfaces.
These innovative solutions provide an extra layer of protection against falls and other accidents while working at heights, ensuring that workers remain safe and secure no matter what kind of terrain they're dealing with. From rooftop guardrails to specialised safety lifeline systems with safety harnesses, plenty of options are available to ensure your employees remain protected while on the job.
In this article, we'll discuss some of the most popular roof safety systems for uneven surfaces, explaining how they work and why they’re essential for any project involving heights. We'll also look at how the installation of these systems can help reduce workplace injuries and increase productivity by keeping workers safe from harm.
So read on to learn more about keeping your team safe when working at heights!
It's important to understand the risks associated with working on uneven surfaces. Slopes, steps and other irregularities pose a particular hazard to those not properly trained or equipped for the situation.
Without proper safety measures in place, workers may slip or trip and fall from the rooftop. This can lead to serious injury or even death.
Things to consider when reviewing major roofing systems and safety systems:
- Changing Levels: Uneven surfaces often involve different levels or heights that can pose a risk to workers due to slipping and tripping.
- Ridges: Uneven surfaces may also include ridges, which create sudden changes in height that can be difficult for workers to navigate, leading to falls or other accidents.
- Obstructions: Objects such as ductwork, cables, pipes and wiring can obstruct the path of a worker on an uneven surface, creating potential hazards if they are not seen in time.
- Steep Inclines: Slopes and steep inclines may cause workers to lose their footing while working at height on an uneven surface, increasing the risk of serious injury from falling.
- Risk of Falling: The greatest hazard posed by working on uneven roof surfaces is the risk of falling due to any one of these obstacles or hazards mentioned above.
That’s why it is essential to have roof safety systems in place that are specifically designed for uneven surfaces. These solutions provide protection against trips and falls by helping workers maintain balance and stability during their work tasks.
When looking at roof safety systems for uneven surfaces, the three most commonly used are:
Non-slip surface treatments and materials are also crucial for reducing slips and falls while working at height on uneven surfaces.
Specialised non-slip coatings can be applied to floors, decks, and other surfaces to improve traction and prevent accidents due to slippery conditions. Using non-slip mats or other anti-slip materials can help keep employees safe even in wet or icy environments.
Kee Walk is a revolutionary roof safety system designed to work on flat roofs and in conjunction with step over units and platforms. It provides an extra layer of protection against slips and falls, and offers a safe access and demarcation route from A - B when manoeuvring across a rooftop. Kee Walk can also be installed with guardrail attached offering the very best collective protection in rooftop safety.
With its innovative safety solutions for working at height on uneven surfaces, Kee Walk offers the best protection against workplace injuries and accidents in order to keep your employees safe.
Key Features:
- Customised guardrail option for extra protection against falls from heights.
- Self-leveling platforms that can be quickly adjusted to any height.
- Can also work in conjunction with safety lifeline systems.
- Non-slip surfaces and materials to reduce slips and falls in wet or icy conditions.
Benefits:
- Increased security while working at height personnel working on uneven surfaces.
- Improved traction on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents due to slipping or tripping.
- Extra layer of protection against falls from heights by preventing workers from accessing dangerous areas or steep inclines.
- Quickly adjustable systems allow access to low- and high-level areas without needing fixed ladders or manual labour.
When it comes to choosing the right roof safety system for your project, there are a few key factors that need to be taken into consideration.
The Hierarchy of Control for Working at Height should always be the first step in ensuring the safety of workers when working at height.
The hierarchy of control consists of four steps: eliminate, substitute, isolate and protect. Eliminating potential hazards should always be the first step; if this is not possible, you should substitute risky activities with less hazardous ones.
Isolating hazardous areas is also important to ensure workers remain safe and protected while working at heights. Lastly, protecting employees with appropriate safety systems such as guard rails, handrails, and safety harnesses should be a priority when working on an uneven surface.
In the context of working at heights, the hierarchy of control follows:
When selecting the right roof safety systems for your project, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Understand the environment: It is essential to understand the terrain you are working on and identify any potential hazards before making a decision about what kind of roof safety system you need; this will help ensure that you select a system that will best suit your needs and will provide safe access and adequate protection for your employees.
2. Consider all available solutions: Many different types of roof safety systems are available for uneven surfaces, so make sure to consider all your options before settling on one solution. Ensure the solution you choose enables your workers to carry out their works efficiently and safely.
3. Opt for quality over quantity: When choosing roof safety systems, it's important to opt for quality over quantity; investing in higher quality equipment is better than buying cheap alternatives that may not provide sufficient protection for workers at height. Quality products often come with a guarantee which can give you peace of mind when using them on-site.
4. Check local regulations and standards: Make sure you know regulations and standards before making any decision, as these can affect the type of roof safety system you’ll need to comply with laws and regulations in your area. This will help ensure that everything is up-to-date and meets legal requirements so that workers remain safe while working at heights on uneven surfaces without putting themselves at risk unnecessarily.
Following these tips will help ensure that you select an appropriate roof safety system for your project which provides sufficient protection against falls from height while still meeting local regulations & standards as well as other legal requirements applicable in the area or region where work is being carried out.
Working on uneven surfaces can be dangerous if the appropriate safety precautions are not taken. As such, it is essential to have proper training and best practices in place to ensure that workers remain safe while working on a rooftop.
Employees should be properly trained in the use of all installed roof safety equipment, including. If collective protection such as rooftop guardrail and skylight protection roof safety systems such as Kee Cover or Kee Dome are not installed, workers should know how to properly attach their personal protection equipment to a secure anchor point before beginning work and also understand any potential risks associated with using the equipment.
It is important that workers are aware of any potential hazards present when working at height on an uneven roof surface. These could include obstructions such as ductwork, cables, pipes or wiring; steep inclines; or a risk of falling due to slips or trips. It is important for employees to be aware of these hazards so that they can take steps to mitigate them by using appropriate roof safety systems such as guardrails, handrails and safety harnesses.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your roof safety systems are essential to ensure they function correctly and provide adequate protection against falls from height. All roofs and equipment should be inspected periodically for wear and tear or damage caused by weather conditions or other external factors; any issue should be addressed promptly to prevent potential accidents.
At A2M, we understand the importance of safety when it comes to working at heights on uneven surfaces.
We are experts in roof safety systems and can provide you with all the information and advice needed to ensure your workers remain safe while carrying out their duties.
Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to select a system that meets all local regulations and standards as well as other legal requirements applicable in your area or region.
So if you're looking for quality roof safety equipment backed up by exceptional service, give us a call today!
