MSA Safety
Area of Expertise: Fall Protection Solutions for Roofing
MSA Safety has been a leader in safety solutions since 1914. Today, they are at the forefront of innovative fall protection solutions, including engineered fall protection systems for rooftop maintenance works. With their global reach, they consistently deliver high-quality safety solutions precisely when and where they are needed, all whilst meeting relevant international standards.
As an industry leader in rooftop safety, we offer unparalleled, adaptable, high-level quality products. MSA Safety collaborate closely with major roofing manufacturers to provide a comprehensive range of fall protection systems suitable for a wide range of roof constructions.
Phone +44 778 5462 274
Address MSA Middle East
7th Street Musaffah West 5, B Block S2
Musaffah Industrial Area
Abu Dhabi UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Website https://ae.msasafety.com/latchways/roof-fall-protection
Fall protection systems: an essential briefing for architects
What are the most important things to consider when designing safety in buildings?
Stuart Pierpoint, Specification Manager for MSA Safety, offers top tips for ensuring a robust fall protection regime.
1. Design in safety
Falls from height are still one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction sector.. The design stage can be crucial, considering safety from the very outset means we are literally designing for safety rather than making it an afterthought.
Getting the specifications early on will help fall protection measures and systems to provide the appropriate level of safety on individual structures.
2. Remember the key considerations
There are a few key things to think about:
- The hierarchy of fall protection: eliminate the risk, guard the hazard, protect the person.
- System choice: fall restraint vs fall arrest.
- Working at height regulations: making sure all systems are tested to the latest standards.
However, it’s not just about the architect's initial design choices . We have sometimes seen a well-thoughtout specification at the front end, but the system gets downgraded as we move through to construction and maintenance. So, involve all stakeholders to make sure appropriate levels of safety are adhered to.
And of course, from an architect’s perspective there is also a substantial aesthetic benefit - nobody wants a beautiful building with an obtrusive safety system. Considering complete fall protection from the design phase can give a more positive outcome, that extends beyond safety.
3. Get the balance right
In deciding what is “reasonably practicable” and the most effective solution for your particular building, you will want to question where the right balance lies. Innovation versus proven systems? Creativity in design versus confidence and safety? Cutting edge or compliant? These are the questions that architects and principal designers ask themselves every day, as they grapple with the challenge of fall protection safety.
Aesthetics are fundamental. Long-lasting fall protection systems are essential. Budgets are an important consideration. But, most importantly, you will want to keep the risks of working at height to the absolute minimum, getting safety right from a business, ethical and moral perspective.
4. Understand the test standards
Once you have decided what kind of fall protection system is most suitable for your particular structure, your next challenge is to choose a system that meets the right test standards.
Currently there are no specific Middle East regulations in place – however, the tendency in the region is to follow EN (European) or ANSI (US) standards. Some major international organsiations are setting minimum requirements based on these.
As well as checking test standards, it is important to check that the system has been tested on the structure or base material it will be used on, because anchors perform differently on different materials and roof structures when force is exerted.
5. Industry collaboration
For us at MSA, partnerships and collaboration are important. By knowing what your responsibilities are, taking them seriously, and partnering with a trusted and innovative supplier of fall protection systems, you can stay compliant - and help keep workers safe.
