Fall arrest anchors are an essential part of safety gear whenever people must work six feet or more above the ground or the bottom of an excavation. Laws mandate the use of roof anchors on commercial buildings and construction sites, and a secure lifeline makes sense for homeowners, as well.

A fall arrest anchor does just what its name suggests – stop your tumble from a height so you don\’t break your neck or some other part of your anatomy. Millions of people are hurt every year in unprotected falls, and many are killed. Pain, suffering, loss of income, permanent injury, and loss of life are high prices to pay for failing to take elementary precautions.

Of course, it will only work if you are secured to the anchoring point by a line or lines that fasten securely to your safety harness. Just because you see many people climbing around construction projects or fixing a leak in their roof without this kind of protection does not mean that you should join them in taking a wholly unnecessary risk.

Strategically placed roof anchors are now an integral part of the architectural design for tall commercial buildings. Regular maintenance workers, repair people, electricians, and climate control technicians need to have convenient points to attach their lifelines, so this routine safety measure is not overlooked. Buildings may even have these devices on the walls as part of their window washing equipment.

Homeowners can also buy and install a roof anchor, or a whole row of them, for little expense. Most residential units are designed to be easily installed on an underlying roof rafter and removed after the job is finished. The homeowner need only lift a shingle and nail the unit to a rafter using the pre-set holes provided for attachment. After the repairs are done, simply pry out the nails and replace the shingle.

Kits are sold that have all the hardware you need, load tested to withstand the weight of a falling worker with tools and materials perhaps still clutched in the hand. The lines needed – the lifeline that attaches you to the anchoring point and perhaps a \’grab line\’ in case you lose your balance – and a safety harness can also be found at a hardware store. The other important piece of gear is a ladder that is tall enough to give you a handhold while you step off onto the roof.

It is important to make sure that all gear is well-fitting, designed for the purpose, and in good condition. Non-slip shoes are important, as well as ones that fit securely so they themselves are not a trip hazard. In other words, don\’t use your husband\’s overlarge safety harness and try to work in flip flops. Common sense will dictate that safety gear works best when proper attention is paid to the demands of the job.

State and federal laws require the use of fall arrest anchors for many construction projects, buildings over a certain height, and certain occupations. Business owners should be conversant with laws that apply to their situation. Construction companies are responsible for the safety of their workers. Homeowners need to protect themselves.

Author Bio: Contractors seeking to address their Window Washing Equipment options would be hard-pressed to find a better one-stop solution for all of their design, engineering, installation and inspection needs.

Category: Business Management
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