Fall Protection System

Fall protection

IKO has introduced a demarcation system to add to its range of fall protection accessories for roofs. The IKO D-marc provides a fall protection system for flat rooftops. Applications may be for the purpose of preventing access to hazards during regular rooftop maintenance, to provide a safe access across the roof and to limit the risk of fall. Wherever roof access is required, designers are tasked with creating a sale route which should be identified by a fall protection demarcation system. IKO D-marc has been wind tunnel tested on single ply, bituminous and concrete roof surfaces, resisting wind speeds in excess of 105mph.

IKO D-marc is classed as a form of Collective Demarcation Protection in accordance with the HSE's hierarchy of risk management as set out within the Working at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR). The WAHR 2005 Part 3 illustrates the use of a demarcation system as an "example of taking other additional suitable and sufficient measures to prevent a fall''. This fall protection system is to be placed a safe distance from the fall hazard (normally >2m). Health and Safety Roofwork HSG33 states that "where work is not done at the edge, fall protection barriers can be provided at a safe distance from the edge (usually at least 2 metres). e.g. work on an air-conditioning unit in the middle of a roof." The uprights are manufactured from a 304 stainless steel to EN I .4301. The powder coating process not only enhances lifespan, it gives a quality finish to the product. The upright section has a lattice structure which ensures the wind circulates around and through the system rather than pushing it over. Its three connecting pins do not protrude through the base and therefore do not come into contact with the roof structure. ensuring it cannot damage the roof even if it begins to oscillate. It has a non-protruding integral hook incorporated inside the lattice structure, which ensures the chain cannot lift off the upright in high winds and thereby providing enhanced levels of fall protection..

The plastic chain and connecting links are fully weather-proof, resistant to salt. chemicals and frost. They are also colour-fast, anti-magnetic and can be used within a temperature range of -10°C and +75°C. The trapezoid base shape is aerodynamically designed with four pyramidal sloped sides at 30° which, in extensive wind tunnel testing was shown to be the most stable shape. The underside of the base is sculpted. Ensuring the weight is distributed to its perimeter, minimising the effect of wind uplift. The base is manufactured from recycled tyres complying with BS 1790 for flammability, BS 1006 for UV stability and BS 7188 for slip resistance.