Roof light cover
Roof light cover with ALTIGRID steel grids is an economical alternative to roof railings. It is a common solution to eliminate fall hazard through smoke dampers and roof lights. Falls through smoke dampers and roof lights are one of the most serious risks to life and health when accessing the roof. Unfortunately, installation of ALTIGRID steel grids is limited to smoke dampers and roof lights not exceeding 2 metres in width. By installing ALTIGRID steel grids, we can be sure that our roof meets all the requirements of applicable provisions in this subject.
Use of ALTIGRID steel grids to secure roof lights and skylights
Most skylights, roof lights and vents located on the roofs are made of polycarbonate or other plastics materials. Unfortunately, these materials are not enough strong to prevent a fall in the event of accidental stepping on them. A snowy roofing or a moment of inattention can cause a very serious or even fatal accident for operators working on the roof. In view of this, a common solution for securing roof lights is to install ALTIGRID steel grids.
The ALTIGRID roof light cover have been specially designed to protect roof lights and skylights located on the roofs of buildings and industrial halls. Grids are made of galvanized steel 4 mm thickness wire. 90x90mm meshes ensure a good light and smoke extraction in accordance with applicable regulations.
ALTIGRID roof light cover constitutes a modular solution as it allows connecting several grids to protect long skylights or roof lights. Unfortunately, the widest roof light or skylight we can secure with ALTIGRID roof light cover is 2 meters. In the case of wider skylights, we should install skylight railings.
Roof light cover assembly is very easy and quick. A set of galvanized steel fixings, EPDM seals and Vulca washers ensures perfect roof watertightness. In the case of skylight protection, self-drilling screws Ø 5.5 x 25mm are fixed on the flat part of the metallic kerb of the skylight.
Roof light cover – legal scope and certification
ALTIGRID grids have been designed and tested in accordance with the recommendations of the Rhône Alpes Caisse Regionale d’Assurance Maladie (CRAM) MR72 together with the GIF test protocol (March 1997). According to the NF P08-301 requirements, a dynamic test consisting on a fall of 50 kg spheroconical bag from a height of 2.45 meters passed. This is equivalent to 1200 J (kinetic energy). As for the static test, the device should withstand 300 DaN for one minute.
The 1200 Jules strength test is widely known in all European countries as a resistance proof for fall arrest solutions for skylights. This is the correct way to certify grids as roof light cover. Grids should withstand the required loads during test without tearing.
It is not possible to certify S type safety nets as roof light cover
Please note that small safety nets certification as roof light cover or skylight protection is impossible based on the EN ISO 1263 standard. At point 5.1 of the EN ISO 1263-2 standard (safety netting) you will find: “In the case of installing S type safety nets, safety net area should be at least 35 m2. In the case of rectangular safety nets, the length of the shortest side should be at least 5.0 m”. On the other hand, EN ISO 1263 standard only deals with “safety nets” used as temporary fall protection mainly during construction works at height. It is not a valid standard for permanent fall arrest systems.
Against the above, we can assure that it is not possible to certify safety nets as a solution for skylights or roof lights fall hazards under the EN ISO 1263 standard. Please consider that during a fall from a height, this minimum size safety net area required in the above standard must absorb the dynamic energy generated in the fall. In the event of an accident, the use of small nets that do not comply with the EN ISO 1263 standard may result in an unfavourable legal assessment.
Roof safety solutions from AITANA SAFETY
AITANA SAFETY has been a pioneer in using Collective Protection Measures to prevent falls. We have been designing and installing both roof railings and other roof safety devices for over ten years. All our systems are tested by notified bodies in accordance with European standards.
Final conclusions
Roof light cover with ALTIGRID steel grids is an economical alternative to roof railings. These only two solutions meet the requirements of current health and safety regulations. Solutions based on the EN ISO 1263 standard are “outlaw” as the standard applies only to “safety nets” used as temporary fall protection mainly during construction. EN ISO 1263 is not a valid standard for permanent fall arrest systems. In addition, small safety nets certification as roof light cover is impossible upon the above standard.
Thanks to the wide range of roof safety solutions, we can offer our customers the best option depending on the specifics of the project. Please contact us and we will send you an offer tailored to the needs of the project.
If you want to read more about securing your roof with collective protection equipment (CPE), we recommend you reading our guide. You can save a lot of money throughout the entire operating time of the building.