Roof Penetrations and Rigid Post Horizontal Lifelines

We’ve covered the advantages of tip over post technology in countless prior posts.  Assuming we aren’t dealing with a steep pitch application or thin gauge roofing material, a horizontal lifeline with tip over post technology will reduce shop fabrication and installation time, reducing costs.  More importantly, tip over post lifeline designs minimize roof penetrations which can cause leaks.  There are scenarios where an architect or engineer won’t deviate from a rigid post design—or instances where the pitch of the roof or gauge of the roof deck rules means a rigid post design is the only option.  That said, these installations require making large openings in the roof.  In case you are wondering just how large of an opening we are talking about, the pictures below tell the story.

Each hole needs to be large enough to ensure the post base is in direct contact with the concrete deck below the membrane and insulating material.

The insulation is carefully removed in layers so the material can be re-used to fill the void after the post is installed.

The installers needed to work carefully around two sections of conduit while installing this post. Accidently cutting through conduit with a saw can cause power outages and expose installers to electric shock hazards

The penetration easily accommodates two size 12 work boots

Once the post is secured to the concrete deck, the void is back filled with insulation and the hole is flashed to prevent leaks.

Sometimes pictures are worth a thousand words—and now you have a better understanding of what your fall protection company means when they say a tip over post design will minimize roof penetrations.  If you have questions about rooftop fall protection, or would like to discuss an application, contact Diversified Fall Protection for further assistance.