Many rooftop skylights go unprotected because they’re easy to overlook. Others don’t get protective measures because management objects to the cost of dome guarding.
But ignoring the risk is not an option. Cal/OSHA regulations state that uncovered openings like skylights should be protected with screens, railings, or travel restraint systems.
Location
Skylights offer natural light and energy savings but pose a serious fall hazard for rooftop workers conducting inspections, maintenance, repairs, or new construction. Those openings in the roof are not designed to support a worker’s weight and therefore require barriers or railings that meet OSHA regulations.
The best skylight fall protection cages are non-penetrating and anchored to the roof using a freestanding galvanized railing. They’re easily installed and don’t impede the appearance of the skylight. The system is fully welded to ensure safety and compliance with OSHA standards. The cages can be used with existing skylights or added to a new construction project. They’re a cost-effective way to comply with OSHA requirements. The system is available in various sizes and configurations to fit all types of roofs.
Strength
Skylights are a standard roof feature and are usually seen as an asset for allowing natural light to flood into workspaces. However, they can also pose a dangerous fall risk. Whether employees work on the roof to perform repairs, maintenance, or surveys, the risk of falling through skylights is significant.
The solution is to install a safety cage over the skylight or some skylight fall protection screens. This can be either a fixed or freestanding system, and it must meet OSHA requirements, including the 200-pound load test.
A Galvanized or Stainless Steel safety cage meets this requirement and can be easily installed without penetrating the roof sheet. The cages are designed to fit each skylight and assembled using threaded bolts that compress aluminum channels over the frame.
Safety
Skylights provide natural light and ventilation but pose significant safety risks for roof workers conducting inspections, maintenance, repair, or construction. Their solid appearance gives employees a false sense of security that they can withstand human weight, but they are open holes that require protection.
Falling from height is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. Although protective equipment like harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines can help to prevent falls, it’s essential to have additional safety measures in place when working around uncovered openings on a rooftop.
Several roof safety systems, including screens and cages, are explicitly designed for skylights. CAI Safety offers a non-penetrating skylight guard that fits dome-shaped skylights and is OSHA and CAL-OSHA fall protection compliant. It installs quickly without tools and can be a permanent or temporary solution.
Flexibility
Skylights bring natural light into workspaces, creating a healthier and more productive work environment. They also offer energy savings benefits. However, they can pose a fall risk for rooftop workers conducting inspections, maintenance, or repairs.
While it may seem safe to walk around a roof with a skylight, these openings are not designed to support the weight of a worker. A simple fall through the skylight can lead to severe injury or death.
Skylight safety cages prevent this dangerous situation by providing a barrier restricting access to the hazard. They’re available in various sizes to fit almost any skylight and are easy to install. These non-penetrating, OSHA-compliant skylight safety cages can be fabricated to suit any roofing material, making them an excellent choice for industrial settings.
Cost
Skylights offer natural light and architectural interest to industrial rooftops but pose a fall hazard for workers. They must be protected with specialized roof safety equipment like a safety screen, guardrail, or cage.
Skylight screens or cages use a wire mesh to prevent accidental falls through the opening. These systems are designed to withstand snow load weight and provide a visual indicator for anyone working on the roof. They are less expensive than a personal fall protection system and require no training, engineering, or certifications to install or maintain.
Guardrails are a more permanent solution that can be used as an alternative to a skylight cover or cage. This freestanding railing system uses a non-penetrating railing that meets OSHA requirements and allows for the safe movement of workers around uncovered openings on the roof.
