Every good solution begins by clearly identifying the problems.
We understand the problems.
We understand the problems.
SLATOR LIFE SAFETY ROOF ANCHOR DESIGN PRINCIPLES:
Understand the responsibility to create a safe work environment: OSHA.
Understand the Structure's Current and Future Needs: Supporting Components, Roof Materials, Maintenance Requirements, Accessibility, Inspectability.
Understand the Environment and Materials: Moisture Movement, Heat Transfer, Material Compatibility/Durability, Expansion/Contraction, 3rd Party Problems.
Understand different people's perspectives, behaviors, and responsibilities (Roofers, Other Workers, GC, Engineer, Architect, Owner) : Knowledge, Communication, Motivation, Skills, Training.
Understand the Structure's Current and Future Needs: Supporting Components, Roof Materials, Maintenance Requirements, Accessibility, Inspectability.
Understand the Environment and Materials: Moisture Movement, Heat Transfer, Material Compatibility/Durability, Expansion/Contraction, 3rd Party Problems.
Understand different people's perspectives, behaviors, and responsibilities (Roofers, Other Workers, GC, Engineer, Architect, Owner) : Knowledge, Communication, Motivation, Skills, Training.
SLATOR PRINCIPLES OF LIFE SAFETY ROOF ANCHOR DESIGN PRIORITIES:
1. Redundancy.
Identify what parts of the entire system are most likely to fail, eliminate them when possible, and design back up safety measures to prevent failure. Eliminate buried/hidden fasteners, welds, materials that require paint or plated finishes. Eliminate point loads whenever possible. Spread the load. Save the system and the worker. Utilize geometric anchor advantages, along with the building structure to create natural bearing surfaces to reinforce load resistance.
2. Complete Inspectability.
Some anchor systems have hidden fasteners and then need to be periodically load tested (while on the roof) to certify that they can still meet a specific load requirement. This practice creates a long-term expense and requires workers to be on the roof ... just to test anchors that may seldomly be used.
Our designs normally plan for ALL parts of the anchor system to be easily inspectable one hour, one day, one year, 100 years after the installation. If you cannot inspect it, how can you trust it? Eliminate the need for periodic, expensive, and damaging load tests by building in complete inspectability from the safety of the attic whenever feasible.
3. Compatibility.
Design the anchor so it is compatible with many roofing materials (metal, asphalt shingle, slate, tile, and synthetics). Design the anchor to be compatible with a variety of supporting structures (trusses, rafters, steel supports). INTRODUCE US TO YOUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EARLY IN THE PROCESS ... BEFORE THE TRUSSES ARE DESIGNED AND MADE (especially if you are utilizing a light gauge metal truss system). A simple calculation, increased flange size, depth or location of a truss chord, or added reinforcement at a key location will make it easy for your structure to resist OSHA's mandatory 5,000 pound anchor load requirement ... and save your project from surprises, delays, or cost overruns.
4. Loading.
Design so the anchor can be loaded (utilized by the worker) in any direction without compromising the system, or the safety of the worker whenever possible.
5. Design to be Discreetly Attractive.
Be noticed for the right reasons.
1. Redundancy.
Identify what parts of the entire system are most likely to fail, eliminate them when possible, and design back up safety measures to prevent failure. Eliminate buried/hidden fasteners, welds, materials that require paint or plated finishes. Eliminate point loads whenever possible. Spread the load. Save the system and the worker. Utilize geometric anchor advantages, along with the building structure to create natural bearing surfaces to reinforce load resistance.
2. Complete Inspectability.
Some anchor systems have hidden fasteners and then need to be periodically load tested (while on the roof) to certify that they can still meet a specific load requirement. This practice creates a long-term expense and requires workers to be on the roof ... just to test anchors that may seldomly be used.
Our designs normally plan for ALL parts of the anchor system to be easily inspectable one hour, one day, one year, 100 years after the installation. If you cannot inspect it, how can you trust it? Eliminate the need for periodic, expensive, and damaging load tests by building in complete inspectability from the safety of the attic whenever feasible.
3. Compatibility.
Design the anchor so it is compatible with many roofing materials (metal, asphalt shingle, slate, tile, and synthetics). Design the anchor to be compatible with a variety of supporting structures (trusses, rafters, steel supports). INTRODUCE US TO YOUR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER EARLY IN THE PROCESS ... BEFORE THE TRUSSES ARE DESIGNED AND MADE (especially if you are utilizing a light gauge metal truss system). A simple calculation, increased flange size, depth or location of a truss chord, or added reinforcement at a key location will make it easy for your structure to resist OSHA's mandatory 5,000 pound anchor load requirement ... and save your project from surprises, delays, or cost overruns.
4. Loading.
Design so the anchor can be loaded (utilized by the worker) in any direction without compromising the system, or the safety of the worker whenever possible.
5. Design to be Discreetly Attractive.
Be noticed for the right reasons.
