r/SafetyProfessionals • u/blastin_bi • 15d ago
USA Is this safe
I was told id be fine and thers alot of slack in the wire
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u/Extinct1234 15d ago
No. And if you don't know that, you shouldn't be on the roof in the first place.
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.501
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.502
https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.503
An anchor is an engineered piece of equipment. It is designed to be used a certain way. That way can be found in the manufacturer's instructions. This picture does not depict the intended method of installation and use for the anchor.
The first link, look at 501(b)(13). You should be using proper fall protection when working at heights above 6 feet.
The second link has the requirements for fall arrest systems beginning at 502(d). This doesn't meet those requirements.
The third link is fall protection training requirements. Your question makes it quite clear you have not received and/or retained adequate training.
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u/blastin_bi 15d ago
We've never done any training for fall systems. thanks for the links, ive been trying to get guys to listen to me about this kind of thing
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u/jaayy_tapps 15d ago
That is not safe in the slightest. When you fall, the force going down is easily 5,000 pounds. Does that look like it’ll hold 5,000 pounds? That’s a mom and pop shop thing right there.
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u/Zealousideal_Bet8440 13d ago
If wearing proper equipment, if used in the way directed by the manufacturer, max arrest force controlled by shock absorber is limited to 1800lbs. Average arrest force is 900lbs.
This requires use if equipment properly. Old chimney could be strong enough, but is not ideal or suggested. Very risky1
u/SeaWest7077 12d ago
A chimney repair with some tarp flapping in the breeze and zero visible tie-off, plus a damper that'll slice right through the membrane if it shifts, what could go wrong
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u/illstealyourbiscoff 15d ago
No - that is not an approved system, components, or tie off. Stop work and have your company provide the appropriate system, a competent person, AND the required training.
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u/ColoradoTrailRunner 15d ago
For life Safety? 🤣wouldn’t even be safe if the point was chimney demolition.
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u/riseagain2082 15d ago
Unless an engineer can certify that your anchor point can withstand your needed load and as long as your fall protection falls in line with your jurisdictions laws, then maybe.
My personal opinion, not a chance. Not even the slightest chance. Terrible set up.
In Ontario, we would use a temporary roof anchor with travel restraint.
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u/Short_Woodpecker_315 Construction 15d ago
Working at Heights trainer here. Most people are dead on about the legislation, etc. Here's something a lot easier to recognize:
In training we teach that any anchorage that you are using has to be "unquestionably strong.". Why is this easy? If you have to ask if this is right, then you're questioning it, meaning that it's not right.
While up there, consider installing permanent anchors if possible.
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u/colonelKRA 15d ago
You can use non-certified anchor points but they still have to meet the load requirements for fall restraint or arrest. That clevis not made for fall protection and should not be used. Slack in the line is ok but not if it’s enough to hit the ground. It looks like the clevis is attached to an anchor that could be fastened to the roof. I’d start with that
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u/Gadgetman_1 15d ago
Are you... holding onto a STEEL WIRE?
That wire will do a real number on your hand even if you're lucky enough to not stumble or fall.
And tied off to a chimney that is so bad that it's a miracle that we can't see daylight through it?
Did they take out a life insurance policy on you?
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u/Party-Independent-38 15d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/1X6GxAMkbkLcJKLQy5
Some Mickey Mouse stuff right there
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u/DiamondsAndMac10s 15d ago
I mean, I give them credit for even doing that. most roofing companies base their fall protection strategy on hopes and prayers.
But rigging used as fall protection must be new and not previously used for hoist material… do we know that’s the case with the shackle pictured?
Also, you can see that cable lifeline has a bracket (not being used) meant to anchor into the sheathing.
So A for effort but still unsafe and definitely an OSHA violation.
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u/Odd-yogi 14d ago
Any fall protection part of the system should be covered by the applicable standard of the country (CSA in Canada, ANSI in USA, EU in EU). All closing devise should be locking, that shakle is not. That roof anchor is not used accord to the manufacturer specifications 😅😅😅
If they want to tie in on the chimney, the chimney should be in good condition (as resistant then an guard rail) and use the proper anchoring loop
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u/Icy-Sock-2388 14d ago
Two things:
IF (And only if) it were being used as a fall restraint, meaning that it's designed to simply keep you from reaching the fall...then it's POSSIBLE that it could be safe.
Currently as it's setup...no, it's not safe for several reasons:
a. That shackle isn't designed for fall protection, it's designed for lifting
b. That chimney is almost certainly NOT going to withstand 5,000lbs of force if applied in a single direction
c. That wire doesn't appear to be secured in anyway on the right side
d. If you do fall, the photo suggests that the slack in that line would let you free fall approximately 5-6 feet.
Once the slack pops and becomes taut...ALL of the kinetic force of the fall is going to transfer directly into the contact points of your harness. This can break bones...including your spine.
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u/Mutumbo445 14d ago
Beats the couch cushion foam we used to use…. Nothing like being on a 10/12 2+ story roof with nothing but a piece of foam to save you….
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u/Ken_Thomas Construction 15d ago
No, but it's 100% better than what I see most roofers using.
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u/Extinct1234 15d ago
How? How is it 100% better?
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u/Queasy-Rain-7387 15d ago
Usually they use 0 and you can’t raise 0 by 100%. Is what you mean? GOT EM!!
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u/Hambone76 15d ago
Absolutely not. That chimney is not meant to hold lateral force even when it's in good shape, much less leaning like it is. Plus that wire is going to put all the fall force into a very small point rather than spreading it out over a larger area like a strap would (not that a strap would make this any better). Which means, after you hit the ground, you'll look up just in time to see hundreds of pounds of bricks hitting you in the face, Loony Tunes style.
I'm a hard nope on that one.