If ever there was a growth industry, it is the transference and storage of digital data through telecommunications towers and data centers.
If ever there was a hazardous job, it is servicing the cell towers and building services equipment on the rooftops of these facilities.
Cell towers need to stand tall and operate ceaselessly. Structural integrity must be assured. Antennas and dishes must be tested and calibrated for signal strength. Weatherproofing and security measures must be in place and looked after.
Data center roofs typically host environmental control equipment, backup power supply, and other systems crucial to the establishment’s efficient and productive operation. Inspections, maintenance, and repairs are an ongoing priority.
Maintenance workers who access the roof need OSHA-compliant fall protection to perform their tasks confidently and expediently. It begins with safe access to the roof and continues with the assurance that every step they take is a protected measure.
All holes barred to ensure safe access.
A roof hatch is a literal hole in the roof. Although a skylight is covered, OSHA also considers a skylight a hole in the roof because many skylights cannot support the weight of one worker who might step or slip on a skylight. Roof hatch and skylight kits provide necessary fall protection.
A roof hatch kit features corrosion-resistant aluminum or galvanized steel railings with a self-closing safety gate that creates an OSHA-compliant barrier against workers from falling back through the hatch. They are available to fit all standard hatch sizes and configurations.
Skylights can be protected with screens and railing kits. Mesh-style screens attach securely to curb-style skylights to cover the “opening” without blocking sunlight. They are made from galvanized or stainless steel to withstand the weather.
Skylight railing kits surround the skylight or dome with corrosion-resistant railings set in heavy-duty, weighted bases made from recycled PVC.
Protect the roof perimeter.
The most apparent hazard on a roof is the unprotected edge, and workers within six feet of the edge must have compliant fall protection. Installing a perimeter guardrail system offers collective protection for multiple workers, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or training. An aluminum or galvanized steel guardrail system with PVC counterbalance weights meets OSHA standards and is strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
Modular in design, roof guardrail systems can be adapted to fit virtually any flat or low-sloped roof configuration and installed without penetrating the roof membrane—protecting equipment inside from moisture, dust, and debris. Portable railing sets are also available.
Safe travels over and around rooftop obstacles.
In addition to icy, wet, or windy conditions that make navigating a rooftop perilous, telecommunications and data center rooftops will have cables, conduits, piping, ductwork, and other trip hazards. Rooftop walkway systems and crossover platforms help ensure safe passage.
Built with sturdy, corrosion-resistant frames and anti-slip, non-bounce, self-draining treads for steps and walkway surfaces, roof walkways distribute pedestrian load uniformly throughout the system. They provide sure footing for the workers and protect the roof against repeated foot traffic. Walkways can be fitted with OSHA-compliant guardrails for added fall protection.
Crossover platforms feature a modular design of pipe-fitted frames and railings with walkway treads to enable workers to navigate significant obstacles or a change in roof level. Smaller “stepovers” can be used for minor hindrances.
Elevated work at work platforms
Workers often need to reach elevated areas to service larger equipment. Ladders are an easy solution, but they present their own hazards. Considering the frequency and extent of work needed, constantly using—and moving—a ladder is unproductive compared to employing modular work platforms.
Like crossover platforms, they are constructed of pipe-fitted bases, frames, and guardrails with anti-slip treads, which are used as stairs and platform decks. Static or stationary work platforms are designed to be built in place to accommodate frequent use. Mobile work platforms, with heavy-duty locking casters, provide flexibility in use from station to station. Since rooftop equipment in data centers can offer complex challenges, custom work platforms might be the best solution. They can be engineered for adjustable height and fitted with connections for shop services, such as air, water, and electrical.
Cast a lifeline and anchor.
Horizontal lifeline systems give up to three workers freedom of movement on the rooftop throughout 39 feet. Installed by trained, certified personnel, they are comprised of galvanized and stainless-steel components. They can be secured by permanently installed fixed (tieback) anchors or with mobile (freestanding) anchors.
Freestanding roof anchors are used on flat or low-slope roofs and feature connected counterweight bases with a central pedestal as the anchor point. They are easy to assemble and disassemble for placement where and when needed.
See us for your safety solutions
If you are responsible for worker safety at a telecommunications and data center, are you confident you have OSHA-compliant rooftop fall protection in place? Contact Lighthouse Safety. We will discuss your concerns about regulations and what it will take for you to comply. Our services can include as little or as much as you need, from design, engineering, and fabrication to installation, training, and other support. We typically start with a hazard assessment of your facility and then provide consulting and planning services so you can decide what you need to ensure the safety of your workers.
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