Skylights are essential because they let in natural light in the building. However, they are a fall hazard to employees and individuals using the building. OSHA defines them as holes on roof surfaces dangerous to people working or walking on the roof, requiring buildings to install skylight fall protection to meet all safety guidelines.
If you just installed a skylight or plan on installing one, there are different protection options to choose from based on your budget and skylight size.
Skylight Screens
These wired meshes surround the skylight to ensure that misplaced steps or accidental falls protect people from falling or damaging the skylight. The mesh is usually wide enough to let enough light through while being robust enough to keep people from falling through.
Skylight screens are the most affordable skylight protection option, and you can find them in different sizes. You can also choose dome, trapezoidal, corrugated metal, or hailstone screens.
Skylight Guardrails
These are the easiest to spot, making it easier for people to see them even if they have never been on the roof before. You can install permanent or temporary guardrails depending on your budget and whether you still have ongoing work on the skylight.
They use the non-penetrating railing and must be at least 42″ to be OSHA compliant.
Skylight Cover Guard
These non-penetrating safety options are among the easiest to install. They go over the skylight, and you only need to secure them with four rubber-tipped bolts against the skylight curb.
Safety Rail Source LLC is known for manufacturing safety products for the roofing industry that clients can use in institutions, manufacturing plants, hospitals, and hotels. Inquire about their product range or order your skylight fall protection online at https://safetyrailsource.com/.