Solution Summary: Non-penetrating Fall Protection System
Non-penetrating fall protection for sloped roofs uses eave hooks to tension horizontal anchor lines, providing continuous anchor points for worker safety.
Description:
A non-penetrating fall protection system, designed for commercial and residential sloped roofs, is a quick and damage-free installation which requires no nails or screws. It uses two hook clamps that serve as tie-off points for a horizontal anchor line to secure to eaves on opposite ends of a commercial or residential building.
Eveook Non-penetrating Fall Protection System
A non-penetrating fall protection system, such as the Eveook System by Ballantyne Gear, Inc., is designed to enhance safety for individuals working at heights, specifically on sloped roofs. The system requires two people to install, using ladders, a throwline, and an anchor line tensioned at an eave hook anchor (an Eveook, Figure 1). By ensuring that the anchor line is securely and correctly positioned across the roof and perpendicular to Eveook wheels and supporting ridges (Figure 2), the system minimizes the risk of falls, and provides a secure point of attachment for individuals. The system is certified to hold up to 8 people on an anchor line that is up to 300 feet long. (See Additional Considerations below).
Figure 1. Eveook eave hook anchor. (Photo courtesy of Ballantyne Gear, Inc.)
Figure 2. Aerial view of two workers tied off to an installed Eveook System. (Photo courtesy of Ballantyne Gear, Inc.)
System Installation
For more detailed information and part names, please refer to the Ballantyne Gear Technical Manual: Eveook Systems. To install the Eveook System using two people and ladders:
1. Start by positioning the ladders under the eaves on opposite sides of the building or house, ensuring they extend 2-3 feet above the roof edge.
2. On the first side there will be an Eveook, clamped to a roof eave and attached to a rope and a throwline.
3. Tie the throwline to the ladder, on the first side of the roof, ensuring it can cross the house to the opposite side without landing in obstacles.
4. The first installer, from the ground or atop the ladder, launches the throwline (figure 3) across the house, laying out the path for the anchor line to follow.
5. On the opposite side, the second installer pulls the throwline, and the attached rope, until the first Eveook is lifted and secured to the roof edge on the first side.
6. The second installer attaches himself/herself to the tensioned rope, coming from the first Eveook, with his/her fall arrester (Goblin) to maintain tension.
7. On the rope, below the Goblin attachment, second installer attaches and suspends a second Eveook, slightly above the ground, using a progress capture pulley (Giant). As a counterweight, the second Eveook holds the first Eveook in place.
8. Still attached to the Goblin for fall protection, second installer climbs the ladder, pulls up the second Eveook using the Giant, secures the Eveook to the second side, and tensions the horizontal anchor line.
9. Rope protectors are placed at the primary ridge (highest ridge) to protect the anchor line and the roof.
Figure 3. An installer launching a throwline across the house. (Photo courtesy of Ballantyne Gear, Inc.)
Risks Addressed:
Working at heights on commercial and residential roofs without adequate fall protection exposes workers to fall risks. Falls from heights can result in serious injuries or fatalities, especially when protective measures are not in place. In addition, traditional anchoring methods often damage structures or fail to meet safety standards, adding to the risk.
How Risks are Reduced:
The Eveook System by Ballantyne Gear mitigates these risks through its non-penetrating design, offering secure anchoring solutions. The system can support the required safety loads for up to 8 users. Workers can attach their personal fall restraint/fall arrest systems to the horizontal anchor lines that cross the roof. The Eveook System ensures that workers, including installers, are safeguarded against falls, adhering to rigorous safety standards and reducing the likelihood of severe injury from falls.
Additional Considerations:
The Eveook System complies with safety standards meeting the requirement of ANSI Z359.6-2016 and CSA Z259.16-15, as well as exceeding requirements of OSHA CFR 1910.140 & 1926.502.
During ISO testing, the Eveook System showed a minimum break strength of 9,627 pounds. The Maxibraid rope shows a minimum break strength of 16,704 pounds.
The Eveook Travel Restraint and Clearance Calculator is a resource aimed at assisting users in calculating safe restraint and clearance distances when using the system. This tool likely helps ensure compliance with safety standards and optimizes the use of the fall protection gear included in the system.
As is the case with any construction tool and equipment, users should follow manufacturer safety recommendations and comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations.
Please visit Personal Fall Arrest Systems for more information.
Contributors:
Jean Christophe Le, MPH - CPWR The Center for Construction Research and Training
Availability
Ballantyne Gear, Inc.
To obtain information, visit https://www.ballantynegear.com/
or contact 1-888-996-3565 info@ballantynegear.com
