If you or your workers are working at height, you know how important it is to take care of security and prevent falls. Our SafetyPro Systems enable maximum freedom of movement and comply with the latest EU standards. To help you to enable secure work at height, we have prepared answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding their use and installation.
What kind of substructure is required for installing the fall protection device?
SafetyPro greenSec can be installed on any roof; the point is to have a geotextile separating layer under the device.
The load-bearing capacity of the roof is low. How can I install the system in that case?
The size of the loading surface of the greenSec fall protection device can be increased with an additional geotextile, the recommended maximum size of which is 3x5 metres. In that case, a 45 kg/m2 ballast weight might be enough.
How can I maintain the system?
As described in the Technical Documentation and the standard, maintenance basically involves examining the presence of the load layer and the integrity of the system components. Minimum maintenance criteria are included in the Technical Documentation as the Installation and Inspection Template. It is recommended to hand over to the client the Installation and Inspection Template or a report similar in content. The so-called protocol certifying the usability of the system can be used as well as the back of a OnePager document.
What kind of ballast/loading layer is required for using the SafetyPro greenSec system?
In most cases, the loading layer is the green roof itself (substrate or gravel). The most important criterion is that the appropriate weight layer is applied (min. 75–80 kg /m2) and covered over the entire surface of the system-forming geotextile.
What is the right place for installing the fall protection system?
On the roof, the danger zone boundary + is 2 metres from the roof edge. According to international practice, fall protection systems are located at a distance of 2.5 m from the roof edge, so that users can connect to the system outside the danger zone, and then after connection, they can now work safely in the danger zone. This can be deviated from based on a project-specific technical plan.
Can I use the fall protection system if a solar system is installed on the roof?
Yes, in accordance with the manufacturer's regulations and relevant international recommendations. At the same time, the professional placement of fall protection systems takes priority over the placement of solar panels. The safety of those working on the roof takes precedence.
Can I use the SafetyPro greenSec system on roofs with sedum mat coverage?
Yes, the required surface weight must be ensured. If necessary, additional geotextile or an additional load layer may be required under the sedum mat. This can be substrate, gravel, crushed stone, etc.
From what height (free fall distance) is the fall protection required?
This may vary from country to country, but in general it requires a solution from a height of 3 m.
Is there a need for a fall protection system on the roof?
Providing fall protection when working at height is necessary. In general, work processes on the roof (e.g. maintenance of roofs, inspection of mechanical equipment, maintenance of green roofs, maintenance of solar panels) take less than 1–2 days. SafetyPro fall protection systems are completely suitable for this work.
What is the right solution for my roof?
It depends on several things. On the one hand, the characteristics of the roof itself, your needs and the regulations in force. In particular, the selection of the correct fall protection must take into account the load-bearing structure of the roof and the level of safety applicable to the roof. Depending on the classification of the roof, the solution may be a single or line fall protection system with individual protective equipment or a railing system for collective protection.
What is the period of maintenance of the fall protection system?
In accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and international recommendations, a review should be performed and documented at least once a year. Depending on the intensity of use, more frequent inspections may be necessary (e.g. in a coastal environment); this inspection should be determined by a specialist in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
In what countries can the products be used?
The products have all the necessary certificates and authorisations. The product has been tested in accordance with the relevant European standards, so it is important to check the specific national regulations in the EU.
Does Knauf support the products with a planning service?
Yes, we are happy to help you with the design process in order to create the best solution. Please send us the project address and the floor plan of the surface with sections and heights. We will then contact you and lead you through our efficient planning process.
What is the fee for the planning service?
The design is basically free. In exceptional cases (e.g. for one-off and large projects) costs may be incurred, which we will discuss with you in advance.
What kind of project details are needed to start the planning?
In order to be able to plan effectively for you, we need the project data, address, floor plan of the surfaces, section, and height dimensions in a digital format (dwg, pdf, etc.).
How long does the project planning take?
The planning time depends on the capacity of our designers; we can usually prepare the design within 3–4 working days during a busy period. We accept your planning requests at our central e-mail address, after which we check whether enough data has been provided for the planning, and then we give you the completion time.
Where can I find further information about installation?
A description of this can be found in the relevant technical documentation.
What is the right solution for high-altitude alpine regions with high snow intensity?
In addition to professional planning and risk assessment, it is possible to install only single-fall protection devices instead of a wire system. In this case, the already installed single-fall protection devices can be connected during the work with the help of a so-called temporary horizontal lifeline, to create a temporary wire system, with which it is possible to perform work on the roof.
Author: Gregor Kovač