Working in heights can be dangerous on the roofs. That is why if you are a construction firm or a contractor, you must always prioritise the safety of your workers. Remember, you will not be able to make your buildings without them, and the last thing you need is them suing you because you did not give them any protection.
Unguarded roofs are a workplace hazard. That is why you must install a roof guardrail on them. You want to ensure that your workers have something to hold on to every time they work at such heights. But how do you determine what guardrails you should choose?
Besides the size and location of your guardrails, there are other factors that you need to consider. Below are some factors you must consider before installing a guardrail.
Permanent vs. temporary guardrails
When installing a guardrail, one of the few things you need to consider is whether you want them to be permanent or not. If you are going to use temporary guardrails, they will be faster to install because most are clamp-on.
Permanent guardrails are more stable than temporary guardrails and are more durable. The only problem is they take longer to install and can be expensive. Plus, you may not be able to use them again unless you alter their appearance.
That is why, if you are constructing something only for a few months, a temporary guardrail is a better option unless your employer explicitly requires a permanent one.
Ease of Installation
One of the most valuable things you need to consider when constructing a building is time, especially in a contract. Most contracts require you to finish a building in a certain amount of time. If you don’t finish it on time, you might get negative reviews, affecting your reputation. When it comes to roof railings, you will need to make sure that they are easy to install so more time can be invested in your construction.
Choose a guardrail system that does not require drilling so that you will have less material and installation cost. The best rail system for ease of installation is the clamp-on since, as the name suggests, you only need to clamp them.
Flexibility and Versatility
You would also want your guard rail system to be flexible and versatile. If they are not, you might end up buying different guardrails when you have a new project, making your expenses skyrocket. That is why most construction firms and contractors like to use temporary rails since they can handle many different building projects.
If you want to save money, make sure that your guard rails are flexible and versatile.
Durability
Your guardrail will be put to extensive use, so it must be durable to not break when you are working, even if you are just working on a short-term construction. The most durable type of guardrails is metal tubing. Plus, they are also easy to carry around since they are not so heavy.
Constructing a building can be a dangerous job. That is why you must make sure that the workplace is always installed with a roof guardrail to prevent fall accidents. You want your workers to feel safe every time they work, or else you might get a complaint, or worse, sued.
