Need advise on fall protection technique and safety equipment.
#1
06-04-11, 10:33 AM
Need advise on fall protection technique and safety equipment.
Hello, I need some advice on fall protection technique and equipment. I've done A LOT of research, but this isn't a topic well covered for beginners.
I want to purchase some quality safety equipment for my annual gutter cleaning of my 2 ½ story townhouse. I can’t just move the ladder, so I’ll have to actually get on the roof.
I’ve looked at the ‘kits in a bucket’ but was thinking of purchasing something a little nicer. I'm considering a Falltech harness:
With a 100’ Guardian lifeline:
I don’t want to remove or damage any shingles, so I’m not planning to use an anchor. Instead, I want to tie the rope off to a sturdy object opposite the side I’ll be working and throw it over the roof, letting it hang to the ground on the opposite side. Then I’ll use a rope grab for fall arrest in case I fall from the roof. I’ll also have a friend assist for rescue/recovery.
So, that’s my plan. Any suggestions or advice on the harness I’ve selected or my technique? I’ll also need suggestions for a lanyard and rope grab.
Thanks for the help.
I want to purchase some quality safety equipment for my annual gutter cleaning of my 2 ½ story townhouse. I can’t just move the ladder, so I’ll have to actually get on the roof.
I’ve looked at the ‘kits in a bucket’ but was thinking of purchasing something a little nicer. I'm considering a Falltech harness:
With a 100’ Guardian lifeline:
I don’t want to remove or damage any shingles, so I’m not planning to use an anchor. Instead, I want to tie the rope off to a sturdy object opposite the side I’ll be working and throw it over the roof, letting it hang to the ground on the opposite side. Then I’ll use a rope grab for fall arrest in case I fall from the roof. I’ll also have a friend assist for rescue/recovery.
So, that’s my plan. Any suggestions or advice on the harness I’ve selected or my technique? I’ll also need suggestions for a lanyard and rope grab.
Thanks for the help.
#2
06-04-11, 03:50 PM
Why can't you move the ladder? I'd much rather clean a gutter from a ladder than perched at the end of a roof. A friend of mine built a contraption to clean his gutters when he got too old to climb a ladder. Basically it was some PVC that hooked to the garden hose went up and then made a U-turn to spray out the gutter. I've seen a similar attachment for pressure washers.
#3
06-04-11, 06:50 PM
My ladder will only reach the roof in the back yard, and I still have some obstructions, so in my case I think it will be easier to just get on the roof (I actually watch my neighbor do it every year with no safety equipment). Regardless, I want to invest in the equipment so I can get on the roof safely when I need to (gutters, cleaning, dish TV). Thanks
#4
06-04-11, 08:46 PM
Group Moderator
If this is going to be an annual thing maybe there is a way to install a permanent attachment point on the roof. Then you could do each side of the house at the same time. Just food for thought.
#5
06-04-11, 10:51 PM
I have considered that, but I'm a little concerned about making any alterations to the roof/shingles. The rope over the top seems like an easy approach; however, I can't find much to confirm this is an acceptable technique. I'm not scared of walking on the roof, but I want to be safe!!
I'm trying to find something on rope grabs. How they work and which model I should get.
I'm trying to find something on rope grabs. How they work and which model I should get.
#6
06-05-11, 04:24 AM
Way back when I used to paint a lot of old farm house roofs. Didn't have much in the way of safety equipment 
Since there isn't much trusty worthy to secure the rope to on an old house, I used a 100' of manila rope and tied it off to my truck on the other side of the house. The main thing is to make sure the rope is secure!
Since there isn't much trusty worthy to secure the rope to on an old house, I used a 100' of manila rope and tied it off to my truck on the other side of the house. The main thing is to make sure the rope is secure!
#7
06-05-11, 05:20 AM
Originally Posted by marksr
Way back when I used to paint a lot of old farm house roofs. Didn't have much in the way of safety equipment Since there isn't much trusty worthy to secure the rope to on an old house, I used a 100' of manila rope and tied it off to my truck on the other side of the house. The main thing is to make sure the rope is secure!
Since there isn't much trusty worthy to secure the rope to on an old house, I used a 100' of manila rope and tied it off to my truck on the other side of the house. The main thing is to make sure the rope is secure!
For all the money you are about to spend on safety equipment, why don't you pay someone to install some quality gutter screens and never have to worry about it? Also, you say you live in a townhouse. Why doesn't the association clean the gutters for you?
#8
06-05-11, 05:46 AM
Group Moderator
Originally Posted by RickDel
I have considered that, but I'm a little concerned about making any alterations to the roof/shingles. The rope over the top seems like an easy approach; however, I can't find much to confirm this is an acceptable technique.
What about this? : https://www.gutterclutterbuster.com/product.php
#9
06-05-11, 01:32 PM
Originally Posted by drooplug
Yeah, and to make sure you don't leave the keys in the ignition either! 
Fortunately nobody ever tried to move my truck while I was on the roof.
#10
06-05-11, 02:00 PM
Not only the shingles, but it will be pulling on the gutter on the opposite side as well. I would advocate a permanent attachment point. It can be installed and waterproofed with little problem. Not only that, but a plain rope is not sufficient. You will need a shock section to soften the fall. All the ones we use have a one time use shock portion in the tether. The one you have pictured is a little unwieldy. A lighter lesser expensive one is pictured here Universal Harness Guardian - SnugHarness.com. You will note the single hook on the back. Lighter, cooler, safe. You won't be hanging from this all day. It is just in case of a fall, and won't be in the way as the larger ones will.
Oh yeah, only make your tether as long as the edge of the roof.
Oh yeah, only make your tether as long as the edge of the roof.
#12
06-13-11, 07:45 AM
Thanks for the advise guys! I actually bought a pretty nice set up (much more than I needed, but I tend to do that purchasing tools). I purchased everything but the anchor, and I'll probably buy that too when I learn how to mount it properly without damaging the roof. Thanks Again!
