Protecting photovoltaics on pitched roofs
System variants for protecting photovoltaics on pitched roofs
PPE Personal protective equipment
Intuitive use, optimum comfort, top quality: Just some of the characteristics of our anti-fall harness systems. The PPE STRING harness system is available in Basic, Comfort, and Pro models. All harnesses allow optimum freedom of movement and guarantee that the user is caught safely in the event of a fall.
SHOW SYSTEMAIO All-in-one lifeline system, passable
The AIO LIFELINE SYSTEM PASSABLE is used wherever a horizontal surface must be protected. Regardless whether along roofs, facades, in industry or for photovoltaic systems, it provides optimum protection against falls from a height.
SHOW SYSTEMSingle anchor point SLING
The EAP-SLING-11 single anchor point from INNOTECH blends optimally into the building aesthetics because of its discreet appearance.
SHOW SYSTEMSDH Safety roof hooks
The SAFETY ROOF HOOKS can be used simultaneously as a single anchor point for personal protective equipment, and for fastening a roof ladder. It is possible to match the colour of the SAFETY ROOF HOOKS to the roof covering. They are available for a wide range of tile and sheet roof coverings.
SHOW SYSTEMTAURUS Rail system
The TAURUS HORIZONTAL rail system is used wherever movements along a horizontally running pathway need to be protected from a fall risk. Regardless whether along roofs, facades, for overhead use, in industry or in connection with photovoltaic systems, it protects against falls from height, up to an inclination of 5°.
SHOW SYSTEMPitched roofs are being used increasingly for the generation of solar power, by using mounts or substructures to fasten PV panels to the roof structure. A fall risk arises even during the installation, and this must be counteracted through suitable safety measures. For the later servicing and cleaning of the PV modules, safety equipment to protect against falls from height is necessary.
Here it should be ensured that all traffic routes are protected. The particular feature of pitched roofs is the additionally increased potential danger caused by the slope of the roof. A professional, carefully planned INNOTECH® fall protection system for a pitched roof ensures the safety of the workers, and enables safe access to the PV panels.
AIO-LIFELINE-SYSTEM-PASSABLE
All-in-one lifeline system, passable
The AIO LIFELINE SYSTEM PASSABLE is used wherever a horizontal surface must be protected. Regardless whether along roofs, facades, in industry or for photovoltaic systems, it provides optimum protection against falls from a height. Neither ...
AIO-LIFELINE-SYSTEM NON-PASSABLE
All-in-one lifeline system, non-passable
The AIO LIFELINE SYSTEM NON-PASSABLE i is used wherever a horizontal surface must be protected. Regardless whether along roofs, facades, or in industry, it provides optimum protection against falls. Not only does it adapt to complex building ...
SINGLE ANCHOR POINTS/POSTS
ANCHOR POINTS
SINGLE ANCHOR POINTS/POSTS from INNOTECH are available in very varied models and designs. Depending on substructure and requirement, it is therefore possible to create an optimum solution. Its purpose is to safely dissipate the loads which occur ...
SINGLE ANCHOR POINT/POSTS SET ITEMS
ANCHOR POINTS
SINGLE ANCHOR POINT/POSTS SET ITEMS from INNOTECH are available in very varied models and designs, and they contain all products necessary for secure fastening to the substructure. Depending on substructure and requirement, it is therefore ...
SAFETY ROOF HOOKS
ANCHOR POINTS
The SAFETY ROOF HOOKS can be used simultaneously as a single anchor point for personal protective equipment, and for fastening a roof ladder. It is possible to match the colour of the SAFETY ROOF HOOKS to the roof covering. They are available for ...
TAURUS-HORIZONTAL
Rail system for horizontal use
The TAURUS HORIZONTAL rail system is used wherever movements along a horizontally running pathway need to be protected from a fall risk. Regardless whether along roofs, facades, for overhead use, in industry or in connection with photovoltaic ...
PPE STRING
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT PPE
Intuitive use, optimum comfort, top quality: Just some of the characteristics of our anti-fall harness systems. The PPE STRING harness system is available in Basic, Comfort, and Pro models. All harnesses allow optimum freedom of movement and ...
In contrast to flat roofs, on pitched roofs systems held by superimposed load as the substructure cannot be used, because these would slide away due to the slope. The PV modules are therefore mounted directly onto the roof structure using mounts or the substructure, and so is the fall protection system. As early as the planning stage, it is therefore important to ensure the correct spatial circumstances for both components.
Photovoltaic protection systems of various designs are available – from space-saving single anchor points like SLING, for which only individual roof tiles need to be lifted (and so they can also be used for listed buildings), to safety roof hooks, which can also be used for hanging roof ladders, to the AIO lifeline system, which is considered to be a particularly convenient solution. Mounting on the ridge and adding further guide rollers ensures safe routes, creates less shade, and provides more space for the PV panels.
Access to the PV modules on pitched roofs is an integral component of the safety concept: Single ladders must be secured against tipping, turning, and sliding away, and it must be possible to reach the first single anchor point, usually a safety roof hook, from the ladder. Other traffic routes on the roof also need to be secured appropriately.
As a rule, pitched roofs have an inclination greater than 22 degrees, although in Switzerland the definition is 10 degrees and above. For pitched roofs, the slope significantly increases the risk of slipping and sliding away, in comparison with a horizontal surface. This risk is further increased by lying ice or snow. In addition, workers on the roof are naturally exposed to weather conditions such as wind and precipitation.
Installed PV panels can represent additional obstacles and potential trip hazards, especially if they are hidden under a blanket of snow. This restricts the accessible surfaces on the roof. In exceptional situations, in which the PV modules have to be walked upon, there is naturally also an increased risk of slipping and falls.
Depending on the roof type, a pendulum fall caused by lacking or incorrectly used fall protection equipment represents a real and often underestimated danger. A fall-through through surfaces not intended to bear loads creates a similar danger. Pitched roofs are amongst the workplaces having a particularly high fall risk.
Benefits of a photovoltaic protection system on a pitched roof
- Safer access: A carefully planned fall protection system ensures safe routes to the PV modules on a pitched roof.
- Efficient PV servicing: Cleaning and repair tasks on PV technology can be performed efficiently and safely.
- Increased space for PV panels: With well thought-out planning of the fall protection system, less space is required for roof hooks, and this makes it possible to install a greater kWp output.
- Comprehensive safety solution for the entire roof: A holistic fall protection system ensures safety for all tasks performed on the roof.
Challenges of a photovoltaic protection system on a pitched roof
- Mastering the roof inclination: The inclination of pitched roofs represents a challenge, because working on inclined surfaces increases the risk of falling and sliding away.
- Weather-related risks: Pitched roofs are highly exposed to the effects of weather, including rain, ice and snow, and this makes the working conditions more dangerous.
- Restricted spatial circumstances: Maximum occupation of the roof by PV modules and by the prescribed fall protection system can result in narrow pathways and restricted freedom of movement.
- Integration with PV modules: Fall protection systems must be installed so that they can be integrated seamlessly into the positioning of the PV modules without impairing the efficiency of the equipment.
If you are planning a PREFA roof, then a TAURUS special solution is available to you: For this, the TAURUS rail system is mounted just above the roof surface, without the use of STA posts. This type of mounting allows easy cleaning of the PREFA solar roof tile, which protects your house while at the same time generating electricity. With this solution you combine the highest levels of functionality, aesthetics and energy efficiency.
