Which type of fall protection system is recommended for steep roofs?

For steep roofs, both guardrail systems and personal fall arrest systems are recommended as effective fall protection solutions. A guardrail system provides a physical barrier that can prevent a worker from falling off the edge of the roof. It consists of rails or barriers that are installed along the roof's edge, which can effectively mitigate the risks associated with a fall.

On the other hand, a personal fall arrest system is designed to safely catch a worker in the event of a fall. This system includes components such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, which work together to stop a fall before serious injury can occur. Using a personal fall arrest system is especially important on steep pitches, where the risk of falling is greater.

Since both systems have unique advantages and safeguard workers in different ways, employing both a guardrail system and personal fall arrest systems can provide comprehensive protection on steep roofs. This dual approach ensures that workers have multiple layers of safety, accommodating different situations and preferences. Safety nets are typically recommended for situations where the risk of falling cannot be effectively managed by the other systems, but that is not the primary recommendation for steep roofs specifically.