As we know, the roofs are all different from each other, generally divided into flat, inclined and complex geometry.

For this reason, precise lifelines and precise anchoring systems are used to guarantee the worker adequate height safety.

Let's find out which anchoring systems it is good to choose depending on the roof.

For altitude safety, first of all prevention

Working at height means being subjected to multiple risks and if some of these are easily perceivable, others unfortunately are not.

For this reason, before choosing any fall protection system, it is important to make a careful assessment of the risks present in the work area, in order to guarantee total safety for workers.

And it is precisely during the risk analysis that the type of coverage is identified, identifying the access points, the connecting routes, the workplaces and any high altitude transit routes to eliminate, as far as possible, the risk of fall from above.

Today, however, we want to focus on the anchoring systems and their correct choice depending on the roof, that is, if you are dealing with flat, sloping or complex geometry roofs.

Height safety: anchors for flat roofs

As underlined by the INAIL's notebook " Safe execution of roof work. Prevention and protection measures ", simple flat roofs or with shed and / or domes require positioning of the linear anchoring system, which can be either inside of the roof or in its perimeter and, if possible, that it is also set back from the side edges.

However, if the distance from the edge is not sufficient to prevent a possible fall from above, then it is good to pay attention to the air tie.

If the latter is also not adequate, additional fall arrest systems must be used to reduce the risk of falling from above as much as possible.

Safety at height: anchors for inclined roofs

There are different types of inclined roofs and they are indicated as: single-pitched roof, with two pitches, hipped roofs or vaulted roofs.

Each of these requires the right choice and installation of the anchoring systems.

Therefore

Single-pitched roof

For the single-pitched roof, the anchoring system must be positioned linearly in the upper part of the roof and, if possible, set back from the side edges.

This anchoring system must also be completed with deviation anchoring systems, connected to the linear anchoring system, which have the function of anti-pinch.

Gable roof

For this type of roof, the linear anchoring system should be positioned near the ridge, with end anchors set back from the heads.

The whole can then be completed with deflection systems that always have the function of anti-pinch.

Pavilion roof

Pavilion roofs, on the other hand, need an anchoring system that is positioned in the cusp area. It can be made with point anchoring and / or with a linear system.
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Vaulted roof

As for the gable roof, also for the vaulted roof, the anchoring system must be positioned near the ridge, with end anchors set back from the heads.

It must be completed with point deviation anchoring systems, placed along the perimeter and / or the elevation path with anti-pinch function.

In this type of roofing, it is also necessary to evaluate the slope variation throughout the vault development and define where type C devices can be used or where only type A or D devices should be provided.

Height safety: anchors for complex roofs

Lastly, as regards complex roofs, defined in the INAIL notebook as "combination of flat and inclined ones," the anchoring system must be positioned taking into account the nature of the roof, that is, whether it is mainly flat or inclined.