Exterior building contractors: Rooftop anchors

If work is to be carried out on the roof edge without a guardrail or on the face of a building over 3 metres (10 ft) above grade, then it is the responsibility of the building owner to ensure that suitable anchorage is available for the installation of suspension and tieback lines and a fall restraint or fall arrest system, as required.

Anchorage: A fixed support to which the anchorage connector is connected. An anchorage is generally a structural member - a beam, girder, column, etc. - or a fabricated anchor attached to a floor, roof, or wall.

When contractors are doing the work, the primary responsibility rests with the contractor to:

• Utilize adequate anchorage
• Provide a written fall protection plan if workers will be working at a location from which a fall of 7.5 metres (25 ft) or more may occur
• Have a qualified person inspect the anchors and connecting equipment before each workshift

The building owner is still responsible for ensuring that suitable anchorage is available on the building for use by the contractor before any work is carried out. For the building owner's responsibilities, see section 119 of the Workers Compensation Act.

Note: Independent of WorkSafeBC requirements, the manufacturer or a professional engineer may specify annual inspection of permanent anchors to ensure that the integrity of the anchorage/anchors is maintained.

Developing a rigging plan

Make a rigging plan - a description (drawings) of how the suspended equipment is to be tied back and anchored. Also indicate planned drop locations around the roof perimeter.

Developing a written fall protection plan

Before the contractor develops a written fall protection plan, complete a survey of the areas to be worked on. Ask the owner for a list of known or potential hazards.

In addition, consider the following when developing your written fall protection plan:

• Make a plan of the roof area showing the anchorage locations intended for use.
• Indicate the method of access and egress to a roof area. (This could be by stairs or a vertical ladder through a hatchway.)
• Check the integrity of railings, parapet walls, cornices, and any other part of the structure that may be used as anchorage.
• Check the integrity of any anchors and that they are certified by a professional engineer to be able to take a load of 22 kN (5,000 lb).
• Ensure that workers inspect all of the personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to use.
• Ensure that all the workers are trained and qualified in fall protection procedures.
• Develop a rescue plan in case of a breakdown of the equipment or a worker injury, illness, or any other circumstance that may require a rescue.
• Will the fire department be required to execute a rescue?

For the contractor's responsibilities, see sections 11.3 and 11.4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

This bulletin has been produced with the co-operation of the Exterior Building Contractors Association EBCA (BC).