A safety assessment project was developed for industrial roofs, focused on the analysis of safe traffic at heights in an industrial facility in Catalonia.
The action was carried out by the PREVENTING area of PRODEN GROUP, analyzing the existing system from a global perspective.
This type of analysis is particularly relevant in environments where solutions have been implemented progressively.
Scope of the roof assessment project
Analysis of the access and transit system
First, a technical inspection of the roof accesses and their actual conditions of use was carried out.
In addition, the usual maintenance routes between equipment and facilities were analyzed.
This approach made it possible to understand the effective use of the cover beyond its theoretical configuration.
Typical context in industrial roofs
Systems built by partial actions
In many facilities, the rooftop transit system has been developed through independent performances.
For example, vertical ladders, lifelines or walkway elements installed at different times.
Each solution responds to a specific need and context.
Lack of global vision of the system
However, when the canopy is analyzed as a whole, limitations arise from the lack of overall planning.
The result is usually a functional system, but not always optimized from a security point of view.
Methodology of applied analysis
Technical evaluation of the existing system
During the inspection, the actual accesses to the deck, the usual maintenance routes, the existing safety systems and their interaction, as well as possible discontinuities in the protection were analyzed.
This analysis was performed in accordance with the applicable regulatory framework, including Law 31/1995 on Occupational Risk Prevention, RD 486/1997 on minimum safety provisions in workplaces and RD 2177/2004 on temporary work at heights.
The UNE-EN standards applicable to fall protection and access protection systems were also considered, including UNE-EN 795, UNE-EN 353, UNE-EN 360, UNE-EN 363 and UNE-EN ISO 14122.
Thus, the analysis was based on technical criteria aligned with current regulations.
Integration of protections and conditions of use
Consistency between safety elements
Safety on deck does not depend solely on the presence of protection elements.
It depends on how these elements are conceived, located and integrated into the overall system.
Therefore, the analysis focused on the coherence between accesses, routes and protections.
Consideration of PPE and organizational factors
Actual use and working conditions
In this type of project, it is essential to consider the personal protective equipment available at the facility.
The adequacy of the existing systems and the tasks performed was also analyzed.
Training and access control
In addition, organizational aspects such as employee training and criteria for access to cover were evaluated.
Even with adequate infrastructures, safety depends on proper use and operational control.
Overall approach to the deck safety system
Integrated evaluation of the whole
The project was approached from a global vision of the system, integrating:
- access
- tours
- collective protections
- individual protections
- working procedures
This approach makes it possible to evaluate the consistency of the system in relation to the actual conditions of use.
Technical value of the project
Improved safety in work at heights
The assessment provides a technical basis for improving deck safety conditions.
It also facilitates the identification of future actions in a structured manner.
Basis for ongoing system management
Each modification in the installation implies the need to revise the defined system.
Therefore, this type of project provides traceability and technical criteria in the management of industrial roofs.
Roof evaluation project in Barcelona
This project was developed in Barcelona, although PRODEN GROUP performs safety assessments on industrial roofs throughout Spain.
This type of action is part of the projects aimed at risk prevention and industrial safety.