Roof anchor - No need to find a tie off point

Scott D.

Member
I was just reading the thread about Jonathan Ellis and saw that one of Henrys guys just fell off a roof and thought it would be a good time to post this.

The biggest excuse I hear about guys not using a harness or tieing off, is that

1. They dont want to drill holes in the roof for an anchor
2. Its hard to find something solid enough to tie off to that will hold them on the ground.

This was thought up by one of AC Lockyers from Mallards Techs about 12 years ago. Ive been using it for about 3 months now and it has already saved me from falling at least once.

You just attach your lanyard to the D ring on your harness, attached the other end to the loop on the top of the anchor, and drop the pole down into a roof vent pipe. These arent made to let you drop 20 feet and catch you as you dangle from the roof mind you. But if you keep the rope tight behind you, and you lose your footing it WILL catch you and keep you from falling.

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Great idea, how does it hold up with PVC and if you slip does it damage the flashing at all when the pipe is pulled out of position?

My bet is it would damage the pipe, though it is probably ABS, not PVC. My thought is that I would rather pay to replace a piece of pipe then to pay an employee to be out.
 
I'd think it would be used as a safety device for falls only. If you used it as a way to traverse a roof with a lot of tension on it from all directions it could definitely cause an issue with tearing the boot loose or cracking it.
 
@ Scott - You beat me to it. I would MUCH rather replace a pipe than take someone to the hospital.

@ Rick - While Im not advocating it because im not sure of every roofs circumstance. I tested it on my house before I used it in the field, and the side of my house is Un walkable, so I hooked every up, and used it to walk to the bottom of the side of my roof and back up again with no problems.
 
It does look like a great idea for fall protection.

I also agree, I would rather replace a pipe and some roofing vs. telling a helper's family that he will not be coming home again.
 
Ummm! What if you were to fall on your way up to hook up? :eek:
 
Ummm! What if you were to fall on your way up to hook up? :eek:

That would suck!!!

What about the SH eating up your safety lines? i bet that could get pricey, but so is the hosptial.

Just dont get up there unless you know what your doing!! If it looks unsafe its better to pass on the job than be in a wheelchair

everyone up on these roofs becareful guys!

larry hope ya been busy bud, its been shittty here
 
I like the idea but my luck Id probably fall and break my neck taking the thing up the roof to hook up. Id also be very concerned about messing up the roof jack. Ive also seen alot of vents that turn too close to the roof for this..... This is definately better than nothing and a good start.

It would work good so you could say your were using fall protection even if you were on a fairly easy walkable roof.

How does this measure up for Osha?

Someone needs to step up and invent the chlorine proof pump that can shoot 150'.
 
Well Thats why we are insured. If you use that and happen to slip, Its cheaper to fix a roof than fix a human. Plus it might save your life, the hell with the roof vent that can always be replaced
 
FYI, Sunbrite is selling these for $99 right now. Its been a year since these posts, does anybody have any more feedback on this anchor? Also I'm looking for a good affordable self-tracking rope grab if anyone has any leads.
 
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How about just tieing off from the ground? This way if and when it let's go you dont do any damage to yourself or the home?
Call me I can sell you a rope.
 
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