[RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging

[R Ray Walters]

On Apr 23, 2010, at 3:56 PM, benn kilburn wrote:

> Does anyone use roof jacks regularly for steeper roofs? 

Yes, they're especially helpful when first installing the rails, and to catch falling tools.

> I noticed in the recent HP issue that the installers were using the module mounting rails as 'roof jacks"!  Convenient maybe, but personally i would be quite hesitant at adding all that extra strain going up and down on the rails and the L-feet roof penetrations.  Please enlighten me if i'm being too cautious here.  Its not like i've never braced myself on the rails/L-feet before, but i've never solely relied on them as a working platform or for keeping me on the roof. 

IMHO, if the rails can't take the weight of installers, there's a problem with the total design. Wind loads of 50 lb/ sq. ft. x the array area are much greater than a 165 lb man.

> 
> I frequently go on roofs without being tied-off, but you have to be very confident in yourself and your abilities.  However it is always good to be reminded that confidence is useless in a free fall, ...slips and trips happen!   

Its just not avoidable sometimes. For instance how do you get up to install the anchor, or even scope the roof out for system layout and safety planning? At some point you probably have to free climb to set that anchor.

> I install (and use) roof anchors whenever possible.  I have shutdown jobs before because i felt that the roof was too steep to work off of safely, and felt that working from ropes would be too time consuming, so i would end up getting a lift.  Which also helps drastically reduce wear and tear on the roof material itself.  Have you ever noticed how much roof material is left in the gutter after you've spent some time on the roof (mainly from asphalt shingles)?

Lifts are awesome, whenever you can make the work. Shutting down a job BEFORE someone gets hurt? I want to work on your projects!

> 
> So aside from cowboyin' it,

I'd fire the cowboy, before he hurts himself or someone else. That gets the point across to the rest of the crew that you're serious about keeping everybody safe.

> what are some preferred, tried, tested and true methods for safely installing a steep roof PV system?

We use a combination of secured ladders, roof jacks, ropes tied to solid anchors, and everyone should have hard hats for stuff falling off the roof. For less steep roofs, a guardrail system can meet OSHA standards. 
Having regular safety meetings to make sure everyone is staying aware of the danger is also very important.
The only deviation I might make from OSHA, is sometimes we use lighter weight rock climbing harnesses. Our reasoning is that the heavier gear is more likely to get in your way, thus causing a trip hazard. 
I'm a big fan of the new sliding rope grabs. THey allow you to move up and down the rope easily, but grab the rope if you fall.

Ray Walters

> 
> I look forward to sharing some ideas on this topic.
> 
> cheers,
> benn
> 
> DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 
> benn at daystarsolar.ca
> 780-906-7807 
> HAVE A SUNNY DAY
> 
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> 
> Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 22:09:54 -0600
> From: solarphil at gmail.com
> To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging
> 
> 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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