You have chosen the collective protection of a guardrail? That’s great! It was the best decision for your employees. Now, here are our recommendations for inspecting your guardrails to ensure they meet standards over time.
Inspection Of the Guardrail Configuration
Freestanding guardrails are simple and quick to deploy as they do not need to be anchored in the roof membrane. Their performance is directly related to the arrangement and amount of counterweight that stabilizes them. It is therefore essential that the proper configuration is maintained. Over time, it is possible that different visitors to the roof may move or disassemble the guardrails without reinstalling them properly. Some guardrails are only held in place with a pin, making them easy for anyone to alter them. Non-penetrating guardrails interconnected using a single tool are among the safest because they are more resistant to intrusion. The inspection of the guardrail configuration should be carried out at least once a year, because of course, their compliance is essential.
Inspection Of The Guardrail Set Screws
Continuous length guardrails, such as Delta Prevention’s VSS Classic or VS Compact guardrails, are interconnected by a clamp system that creates the angles and change of direction necessary to adapt the configuration of the guardrails to any type of roof. The junctions are held firmly in place by a single Allen-type set screw. The tightening torque should be properly adjusted during guardrail installation to ensure that the system meets the standards to which it is built. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Should you tighten the guardrail set screws on a regular basis? Do the screws lose their torque? These are relevant questions frequently asked. According to Alex Lajoie, Product Specialist at Delta Prevention, the screws should not be retightened if they have been adjusted correctly from day one. In fact, over-tightening could damage the clamp and render it unusable. It is therefore recommended to leave the screws at their original torque. A visual inspection can quickly detect if a tightening screw has become loose.
Inspecting The Finish Of The Guardrails
In order to reflect your commitment to safety and to create a positive impact on the perception of your visitors, the appearance of the guardrails should not be neglected. Over time, they should blend into the appearance of the building. This is why rusty or tarnished guardrails can not only contrast with the appearance of your building but also leave permanent marks on your roof membrane. It is therefore recommended that you maintain the finish of your guardrails. Ideally, the materials that make up your guardrails should be highly resistant to rust and not coated with paint, which tarnishes and flakes over time. Delta Prevention non-penetrating guardrails, for example, are made of anodized aluminum, which adds to the aesthetics while withstanding the elements. A sure value that lasts!