[RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging

[Rebecca Lundberg]

Hi Ryan,

A few thoughts on this. One, it is all about safety, and more than any code
or compliance concern, you should be concerned about the safety of you and
your crew, because that's basically why code is written. I spent 12-hours
today and 12-hours yesterday (who needs the gym?!) hanging from a 12:12
pitch roof to install solar modules on one of my job sites, and my roof
safety knowledge was put to the test because I had only 6" to work from on
the eave and side edges, so my entire roof safety was based on that roof
anchor and my gear -- there was no way to work in a safe way without it.

Roof anchors are not a big deal -- they are easy to install and easy to
remove and caulk with clear caulk so the attachment point is not visible
when you are done. How often does the homeowner inspect the roof peak for
goodness sakes? The caulk covering a roof anchor hole would never be visible
from anywhere, and if installed right a PV system should not require any
kind of maintenance outside of a rare module replacement or something.
Sometimes the roof pitch is shallow and perhaps a roof anchor per person is
not needed, but my job site this week required one roof anchor for each of
us -- your life is at stake here, it is important to understand the value
and limitations of these products. I have done PV installs on a standing
seam metal roof, and I would argue that a roof anchor installed permanently
(and painted) with the original installation on a metal roof is a VERY good
idea, because after-the-fact roof anchors are not feasible, and the chance
of needing to get up there sometime during the life of the roof is likely,
and NO travel on a steep pitch metal roof is safe without being anchored.
But putting a roof anchor on a residential roof after the fact is SO not a
big deal.

Attaching to the truck in the driveway might be a safe solution, but only IF
the angle of incidence is correct for your safety, i.e. only if the truck is
parked exactly opposite where you will be working on the roof. Also, it is
only safe until your partner needs to run an errand to pick something up and
forgets you are attached to it. Not really funny, I have heard REAL stories
of this happening to a colleague.....

Rather than a vehicle I prefer to use a sturdy tree on the opposite side of
the house if this is absolutely the best option and a possibility. For a
temporary scenario, i.e. a site assessment on a steep roof or on any icy
roof in winter, I use my partner as a safety belay on the north side of the
house. Yes, we throw a climbing rope over the house and use tried and true
climbing gear, knots, communication protocol (with walkie-talkies), and
procedure to help us be safe. The person providing the belay needs to be
'sturdier' than the person on the roof, usually, unless they are also tied
off to a tree.

In short, two suggestions. Yes, take an OSHA course so you are fully
informed of the legal requirements and safety reasons for making sure of
roof safety. And, and just as important in my opinion, I'd suggest you hook
up with someone who can give you some real fixed-ropes climbing experience.
I'm not kidding, this is THE most valuable skill I have as a solar
installer. I've taught my subcontracted electricians about roof safety, and
ensured that my crew has the best oversight possible because I KNOW what it
takes. There is nothing akin to hanging off an exposed cliff, hundreds of
feet in the air, with nothing but you, your climbing gear, your climbing
harness, and your rope, to ensure your safety. This sort of scenario really
taught me how to evaluate my gear and various scenarios so that I will live
to see tomorrow and pursue my work towards a more sustainable lifestyle for
America. Fixed ropes climbing is also fun! My ascending/rappelling skills
are used weekly in my work as a residential solar installer, and a good
knowledge of safe knot options has been invaluable as-well. If you can't
find a climbing gym locally, find an adventure racing team (more here:
http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=30)
and ask them to spend a few hours training you in -- I'm certain you'll gain
some valuable skills from the effort.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Lundberg

NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer ®

Owner/CEO, Powerfully Green

Executive Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society

Convenor, Solar Minnesota
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