The importance of roofs is that they are the number one cause of death from falls onsite. This applies to construction when insulation and decking is laid, to skylight installation to roof maintenance and repair
The importance of warehouses is that they are a major cause of fall deaths and injuries due to stepping into the racks from ladders or pickers with edge hazards and platform collapse hazards, stepping off picker platforms or pallets.
Hazard recognition, fall protection design engineering, proper equipment selection and inspection and training for situations at height are the keys to a strong safety program related to elevated work, followed by periodic worker testing before the work begins, and diligent observation.
Proper anchorage selection, engineering and installation are paramount to the safety of those performing work activities at elevation. During this session, two specific case studies will be examined in order to demonstrate the need for the proper relationship between engineering, maintenance and safety.
The following issues as well as associated parameters and constraints will be discussed:
Definition of an anchorage
Anchorage selection, criteria and considerations
Engineering considerations
Installation considerations
Proper anchorage planning, certification, labeling, and maintenance
Case Study #1 - Roof Anchorage
Case Study #2 - Warehouse Anchorage
Anchorages within the context of this presentation are connections to either a new or existing building structure. The older term of "tie-off" is/has been replaced with more technical ones; these being "anchor or anchorage". These terms have a more powerful meaning, especially for engineers.
Anchorages can be horizontal, vertical or some combination thereof. For example, they may be standalone roof anchors or end anchors for the connection of a horizontal lifeline system or stationary/mobile anchorage points. (see examples shown on the following pages)
Figure: Some Examples of Stationary Roof Anchors - courtesy of Thaler Metals, Buffalo NY. www.thalermetals.com (available in full paper)
Figure: Some Examples of End Anchorages/Anchorage Connectors - courtesy of DBI/SALA, Red Wing Minnesota, www.salagroup.com. (available in full paper)
Anchorages can take forms other than the ones outlined herein. Some examples are D-rings, beamgrips, eyebolts, hoist rings, padeyes, etc.
Review of functionality as well as the advantages/disadvantages of each of the various types of anchorages available, performance parameters, characteristics and limitations will be addressed in the presentation.
Figure: The Engineer's Anchorage Principle (available in full paper)
The following issues will be addressed in the presentation:
Anchorage Independence
Anchorage qualification by an OSHA qualified person
Minimum attachment heights
Sufficient strength as required by regulation and manufacturer guidelines
Protected mobility as in the case of lateral movement under a Horizontal lifeline system
Minimum clearance requirements
Self recovery and rescue considerations in the event of a fall hazard event
