[RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging

[Phil Undercuffler]

Rebecca,

A great post, with lots of good information and a wonderful attitude.
However, there are some small nits that I feel compelled to pick, hopefully
without distracting from the value of your message.

Clear caulk has little to no UV resistance, and will degrade much quicker
than colored.  In addition, most caulks are not compatible with the asphalt
base of most 3-tab or architectural shingles.  Read the label before
proceeding.

Tying off to a vehicle is a really, really bad idea, for just the reasons
you bring up.

Rock on!

Phil Undercuffler






On Thu, Apr 22, 2010 at 7:17 PM, Rebecca Lundberg <
Rebecca.Lundberg at powerfullygreen.com> wrote:

> 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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