Rooftops can be dangerous places for construction workers, especially if they don’t have adequate fall protection. That’s why a solid hatch railing is so important. Hatches come in various styles and materials, from galvanized steel to aluminum, stainless steel, and copper.
Material
Many factors will determine the best roof hatch railing for your project. One crucial factor is the frequency and reason individuals access the rooftop area, which can influence hatch size. For instance, if maintenance personnel need to carry equipment or large tools onto the roof, a larger hatch with service stairs should be considered. Hatch railings should be able to withstand the elements, including moisture and foot traffic, while also preventing worker injuries. Look for various sizes and configurations of galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel railings. In addition, consider the material based on its corrosion resistance. For example, highly corrosive environments like chemical plants require high-corrosion materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
Design
The design of the roof hatch will depend on your needs, such as how often and why personnel needs to access a roof. For example, if the hatch is needed to pass equipment and materials from the building interior to the roof, it may be more significant to accommodate stair and ladder access.
If workers must walk around a roof hatch opening or near a rooftop edge, installing protective railings is important. Not only is this a requirement from OSHA, but it’s also a safety concern that can lead to worker injury and death. The right roof hatch design will allow easy operation and prevent accidental slamming. Look for one with compression springs or a counterbalance to allow for controlled opening and closing, even if the hatch is large and heavy. Also, opt for a model with automatic hold-open arms to prevent the hatch from slamming shut in high winds. This feature is significant if you’re using the roof for ventilation.
Safety
When selecting a roof hatch railing, it is important to consider the system’s overall safety. In addition to meeting OSHA requirements and preventing fall hazards, it is vital that the roof hatch safety railing is designed with the specific needs of the roof in mind. For example, if workers will be transporting large equipment through the roof access hatch, it is recommended that a larger opening size and double-cover hatch be chosen. This can prevent the slamming of the roof hatch cover on equipment or workers. Additionally, a system that uses compression springs to counterbalance the lid will ensure safe operation and require minimal effort. Automatic hold-open arms will also prevent the lid from accidentally shutting on a worker as they enter or exit the hatchway. These features are essential to maintaining a safe work environment. They will help prevent debilitating injuries caused by a loss of balance or footing on a ladder rung or a fall through an open hatchway.
Installation
Roof hatches provide a safe way to pass workers, materials, and equipment between the building interior and the roof. They are commonly accessed by stairways or ladders from inside the building. These access points should be protected with safety rails and ladder safety posts. The right kind of safety equipment for a roof can make all the difference in making commercial building rooftops safe and comfortable work areas. Leaving roof openings unprotected is an obvious safety risk that can lead to worker injury and even death.
Choosing the right type of railing for a roof hatch depends on how it will be used. If a crew will be climbing up and down ladders to and from the hatch, choosing a system that can mount onto the top two rungs of a ladder and adjust to fit the ladder’s size makes sense. A temporary guardrail that can be easily assembled and disassembled is also an option for projects requiring frequent safety equipment adjustments.