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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>So many points
to consider here…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>OSHA does not
recognize any ‘climbing gear’ as suitable for fall protection in
construction of any kind, so be careful #1.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>I have been
rock and ice climbing since the 70’s and would like to add a couple of more
caveats, or points to ponder to this discussion. Climbing rope is also called
kernmantle. This means there is a sheath woven around the primary nylon core
that is the true protection when falling. It is made this way for better
handling characteristics during climbing which is an up and down and across
rock outcroppings, dragging across obstacles, and becoming more heavy to pull
against as you move upward away from the belay point. Also it uses carabiners
and other fixed points of protection installed along the way, creating small radius
bends when a fall occurs. These additional parts (carabiners) are designed to
be lightweight aluminum alloys, tested for strength in both dimensions, and
rated with their load bearing values. Again OSHA does not recognize these as
suitable for fall protection. The only approved ‘biners I have seen are
steel, please don’t confuse the two, as it is possible to saw through an
Al biner over time with heavy use…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>Being a nylon
rope, it is easily damaged by chemicals, repeated falls or heavy loads, as well
as UV from sunlight. Due to its construction it is impossible to determine when
the core of the rope is damaged. This is the source of climbers going ballistic
when someone steps on the rope on the ground – dirt and grit is driven
into the sheath and core of the rope, where it begins cutting the ‘kern’,
unseen. Climbing rope is also given a lifetime in number of falls it has been
rated to withstand and still deemed to be safe – this number is quite
small in relation to its cost, but is a fair tradeoff for those whose life was
saved by one.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>Climbing rope
is a dynamic rope. It is not meant to be used to hang on, its purpose is to
absorb the shock of a fall by dynamically stretching, as the climber is
connected directly to the rope, thus not breaking the spine. Cavers use a
static line that is designed to be hung on, and climbed directly with proper
tools. This type of rope is much closer to the rope OSHA recognizes as suitable
for fall protection than dynamic climbing rope.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>Standard fall
protection relies on a static laid (spiral wrapped and visible for inspection)
rope as the lifeline, and the shock absorbing protection is provided by a separate
device connected between the user and the rope, usually a continuous length of
nylon webbing folded back upon itself many times and sewn together that will
rip out the stitching at a tested force. All parts of the approved fall
protection chain are constructed so that they are easily evaluated for damage
with a visual inspection, and most manufacturers provide small logs attached to
their equipment for recording who/when they were inspected for damage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>You can also
buy mechanical automatically retracting fall protection (we have switched our
crews to these as we have become larger), that minimizes the installer’s
lines being stepped on or becoming macramé on the roof during the install.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>All anchors for
fall protection need to be installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, using recommended anchor screws. Not what you have on the truck,
or what you saw someone else using. You are trusting your life and possibly someone
else’s on these fasteners – this is no place to scrimp!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>I highly
recommend that at the very least you obtain a simple ‘roofers kit in a
can’ that is approved by OSHA. If you require the ability to hang from
your harness while performing work, many harnesses are available with ‘positioning
loops’ built in for tying off to (as the primary point of attachment for
OSHA approved fall protection is high on the middle of the back to keep someone
hanging in free air upright).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>Sorry for the
soapbox… but I teach PV nights at a local community college and safety is
a big part of what we need to promote and explain why it is appropriate and
when. It is a common misconception that rock gear is OK for use in our
industry, and as we grow and become more mainstream, we must strive to be safe –
after all we are combining two of the deadliest trades when we are installing
on a dwelling…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>Have a great
weekend all!!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'>-Glenn Burt<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:11.0pt;color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div style='border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in'>
<p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span></b><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces@lists.re-wrenches.org] <b>On Behalf Of </b>Rebecca
Lundberg<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, April 22, 2010 9:17 PM<br>
<b>To:</b> re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org<br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [RE-wrenches] Roof anchors and proper rigging<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Hi
Ryan,<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.....<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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: <a
href="http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=30">http://mandatorygear.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=30</a>)
and ask them to spend a few hours training you in -- I'm certain you'll gain
some valuable skills from the effort.<br>
<br>
Sincerely,<br>
Rebecca Lundberg</span><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>NABCEP
Certified Solar PV Installer ® </span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Owner/CEO,
Powerfully Green</span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Executive
Board Member, Minnesota Renewable Energy Society</span><span style='font-family:
"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Convenor,
Solar Minnesota</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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