hOw aRChITECTS CaN RISE TO ThE ChallENGE Of ChOOSING ThE
RIGhT fall PROTECTION SYSTEM Design aesthetics, multiple test standards and changing construction materials all can pose challenges to architects when it comes to choosing the right fall protection system. Stuart Pierpoint, specification sales manager, UK and Netherlands at MSa Safety, looks at the heritage of fall protection systems and what architects may benefit from considering when selecting fall protection.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES FACING ARCHITECTS TODAY WHEN IT COMES TO SPECIFYING FALL PROTECTION?
Buildings are constantly evolving in complexity and, as a result, a roof has a lot more happening on it today. Architects need to consider the multiple products present on a modern roof, when designing a roof’s capacity, such as: solar panels, CCTV, air conditioning units, lightning protection, green roofing systems, roof lights, general roof maintenance, and more. With this comes the planning of safe access for their installation, as well as planning future access to service these products, and maintain other high-risk areas, for the lifespan of a building. The challenge for architects is to incorporate
a fall protection system that enables safe access, whilst also addressing their other priorities, such as the freedom to design aesthetically pleasing buildings. Architects need systems that complement their designs. Then, of course, there is the challenge of how
to position a fall protection system. This is where MSA Safety’s free design service can really help. If architects provide architectural roof drawings, we can recommend system designs to help them maintain their architectural integrity, whilst not compromising user safety.
WHEN, AND WHY, SHOULD FALL PROTECTION BE A KEY CONSIDERATION IN THE DESIGN PHASE?
Working at height is still the biggest cause of workplace deaths, with an average of more than two workers a month in the UK losing their life from falls in 2021/2022. Fundamentally, fall protection systems are designed as one layer of protection to prevent loss of life and keep workers safe. This is a massive responsibility for architects when selecting fall protection systems. This decision can benefit from consideration at the start of the design process, alongside the access and maintenance strategy. Additionally, putting the user at the forefront of future maintenance will support long-term safeguarding of both workers and the building.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM?
As previously discussed, building complexities are continuing to evolve and fall protection systems need to keep pace. Architects often like to be ahead of the curve, so when it comes to worker safety, they want to know they are choosing a solution that is both innovative and proven. Some key considerations for fall protection
systems for architects include ease of installation, compliance, worker safeguarding, building/roof protection and meeting standards. Whilst this may seem like a lot to consider, a well-designed fall protection system will do what the architect deems as important
for the application, whilst still helping to protect the integrity of the roof. It is important to note that if a system is not
practical or easy to use, workers may not use it properly and could put themselves and others at risk. Architects should also consider the walkways and other exterior paths that workers use to access a fall protection system, remembering that it’s not always dry and sunny and that workers may need access when it is raining, windy or in sub-zero temperatures – all conditions that increase the risk of workers slipping.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT REGULATIONS AND LEGISLATIONS THAT UK ARCHITECTS NEED TO BE AWARE OF?
The key UK regulations that architects need to understand and comply with, both at the design stage and throughout the specification stage, are the Work at Height Regulations. These were updated in 2007 and apply to all work at height where there’s a risk that a worker can fall and sustain an injury. They combine Construction Regulations, The Workplace (Health and Safety Welfare) Regulations and CDM (Construction Design Management) Regulations.
WHAT TEST STANDARDS APPLY TO FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN THE UK?
Test standards are regularly updated, in line with changes in construction which are driving the development of fall protection systems. Currently, the European standards for anchor devices (these also apply in the UK) are EN
50 CONNECTING INDUSTRY 20Th aNNIvERSaRY EDITION
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
