Skylights are among the most dangerous obstacles workers at heights face. Companies, which offer roof services, must teach their employees about the hidden dangers of skylights and provide sufficient safety equipment to prevent accidents.
Many workers assume that skylights are safe. However, this isn’t always the case. Even if you are working in new buildings that seem to be meeting the safety standards for “man-safe” skylights, you must be careful. Weather elements, such as UV light could damage the layers of skylight protection and cause the material to become brittle.
Falling through a skylight is just as dangerous as falling off the edge of the roof. However, when it comes to safety training, the roof edges get much more attention.
All contractors and property owners should pay special attention to skylights. It’s the responsibility of a property owner to keep the skylights in top shape to maintain their “man-safe” status. It’s up to the contractors to provide proper training and equipment to the employees to prevent injuries.
Sufficient protection against falls is required for all workers, who do their jobs on or next to fragile materials. Your employees must have proper protection, including guardrails, safety nets, and harnesses. Walking on the roof, even if there aren’t any skylights in sight, can’t be allowed without safety equipment.
Installing Skylight Protection
To ensure extra safety while working near skylights, contractors and property owners can invest in skylight protection coverings. They are installed on top of fragile skylights so workers can walk safely near them without the risk of falling.
This type of equipment can be used together with roof walkaways so in case someone falls sideways from a walkaway, he or she doesn’t break through the skylight.
Different types of skylight protection exist, such as guardrails and screens. Both protective solutions are easy to install. They nullify the danger of workers accidentally falling through the skylight.
