Skylights - will we ever solve the problem?
Why do so many workers and building occupants die from falling through plastic skylights? Why do we have a BLS.gov line item on falling through skylights, average about 16-20/year work deaths in the USA through 2017?
Isn't it easier to place a screen (cage or other cover) over the dome or flat panel? The upcoming ASTM standard is to test the design with proposed 600 lbs lead weights (10" dia) through a six foot fall. Yet many skylight manufacturers have not done this test yet on their current models? Do manufacturers think they will get lucky and avoid a worker fall while dragging a hose backwards, or owners not forecasting building resident(s) sitting on a dome to take in the evening scene of the Hollywood Hills. No-one talks of the extreme danger of partially painting a dome even polycarbonate as opposed to the typical acrylic material. No-one appears to be educating (Safety 101) warehouse building owners or roofers despite two available NIOSH.gov documents. Please check your roofs and take action to save lives now.
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3 年Nigel, thanks for sharing!
Safety Engineering P.E. and CSP at EFSS
5 年Latest Standard wording is 600 lbs free fall through three feet and the committee has received a video from one manufacturer Art Valentz at VTech Industries. Call John Westerfield, Chair, for video copy or [email protected]
Owner, VTECH Skylights
6 年If fall protection is the problem. The problem has been solved ( VTech Skylight )
Owner, VTECH Skylights
6 年More people like you need to talk about this problem and do it often.
Fall Protection Solution Provider at Pursuit Of Safety
6 年Nigel, I fully agree. The minimum that building owners should do is post warnings at each roof access point.