Fall protection for flat roofs

Fall protection on flat roofs is of the utmost importance for anyone carrying out maintenance or installation work there. Even a fall from a low height can lead to serious injuries. For this reason, it is essential that all flat roofs are equipped with reliable and easy-to-use fall protection.

Flat roofs and flat-sloped roofs are used in multi-storey and high-end residential buildings as well as in commercial and industrial buildings. What all flat roofs have in common is that they are often considered to be less dangerous working areas due to their low pitch. A surrounding parapet and possible greenery further underline this. But this assumption is misleading. Flat and low-sloped roofs can become particularly slippery in rain, frost or leaves, and wind on open roof surfaces is usually considered to be weaker than it actually is. With full concentration on the work, it can also happen that the edge of the roof disappears from view.

LUX-top® guardrails offer an optimum solution for every type of flat roof, whether with or without parapet, greened, partially used or with or without penetrations. This is an uncomplicated way to ensure safety when working on the roof. As specialists in fall protection, we ensure that your flat roof meets the highest safety standards!

Flat roof fall protection – what fall protection options are there?

The preferred solutions for a flat roof safety system – also known as collective protection – are parapets or guardrails. These can protect several people from falling at the same time and ensure safe working on the flat roof for all user groups. If a guardrail cannot be installed for technical reasons, a system of fall arrest systems such as safety nets or protective scaffolding can be used for short-term work.

Another option for fall protection in areas where there is a risk of falling is personal fall protection equipment (PPE) in combination with appropriate anchorage devices. Ideally, the anchorage devices are already taken into account when planning a structural system and selected according to the maintenance intervals of the respective components of the flat roof. The combination of individual anchor points with traversable cable systems enables the user to work comfortably and safely with PPE and is a good solution for more safety on the roof.

Anchor devices can be divided into five types in accordance with DIN EN 795:

1. Single anchor pointswhich are permanently attached to the roof surface (type A)
2. Temporary Anchor points (type B)
3. Rope safety systems (Type C)
4. Rail safety systems (Type D)
5. Devices that are held by their own weight (type E)

Certification and regulations for fall protection

In Germany, there are numerous regulations and recommendations for the protection of persons. Various standards also define the requirements and test procedures for protective systems. Examples of these are

• Technical rules for operational safety (TRBS): Possible hazards are described here and suitable safety measures are suggested.
• German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV): DGUV regulation 38 specifies the regulations for safety on construction sites (accident prevention regulation).
• Employer’s liability insurance associations: The relevant trade associations provide information on occupational safety in the event of a risk of falling. They also provide information on appropriate preventive measures.
• DIN 4426: This standard is all about the planning and implementation of fall protection systems. It deals with the various types of anchorage devices as well as the requirements for the substructure of roofs, façades and windows.
• DIN EN 795: The standard regulates safety requirements for anchor devices. Test procedures and certifications for market approval are defined by this DIN EN standard for Europe.
• DIN EN 13374: This standard can be applied specifically to flat roof side protection. It specifies requirements and test methods for temporary side protection systems.

These regulations and requirements are to be understood as guidelines that are also intended to provide information. However, the measures required for fall protection differ from roof to roof, meaning that an individual risk assessment must always be carried out.

We are your contact for special constructions and individual projects. Our professional specialists will be happy to help you make your flat roof as safe as possible!