Fall Protection For Berridge Standing Seam Systems

Who Is Berridge Manufacturing?

Berridge Manufacturing Company has been a titan in the architectural metal industry for over half a century. Founded in 1970 by Jack Berridge, the company quickly made a name for itself by producing metal panels and shingles tailored to architects' specifications. But it wasn't until 1986 that Berridge left its mark on the industry, introducing a groundbreaking portable rollformer capable of crafting standing seam panels on-site. This innovation revolutionized the workflow for roofing contractors, granting them unparalleled control over production processes.

Today, Berridge offers a diverse portfolio of over 30 architectural metal products, including standing seam roofs, simulated tiles, alternative seams, and wall panels. With 12 strategically positioned branches nationwide, Berridge ensures seamless access to top-quality products and unparalleled customer support.

Each branch boasts advanced manufacturing capabilities, contributing to Berridge's reputation for excellence. From the paint lines of San Antonio to the rollforming operations in Seguin, each facility plays a crucial role in upholding Berridge's standards of quality and efficiency. Whether technical support in Houston, coil processing in Dallas, or specialized operations in Chicago and Denver, Berridge's nationwide network ensures that customers receive unparalleled service and support.

This article will be focused on how to work safely on Berridge standing seam systems. These systems can last 50-100 years, so there will be countless times when workers will need to be anchored while accessing them. Workers must use only compatible fall protection equipment, as with all standing seam panels. We will share critical product research for Berridge Manufacturing's standing seam profiles and identify the most compatible fall protection anchors available for each.

Tee-Panel/High Seam Tee-Panel (Batten Strip)

The Tee-Panel and the High-Seam Tee Panel utilize a batten strip cover and an integral vinyl weather seal to prevent seam flooding. This series of panels from Berridge is suitable for residential and commercial projects with lengths up to 40'. The standard Tee-Panel has a 1" tall seam profile and is 12-3/4" wide. The High-Seam Tee-Panel has a 1-1/2" tall seam with an 18-1/4" panel width.

Curved tee panels are an option, and available substrates are 22 gauge steel, 24 gauge steel, or .032" aluminum.

Fall Protection For Tee-Panel/High Seam Tee-Panel

Curved Tee-Panels should be inspected on-site by a trained safety professional to determine the most appropriate fall protection equipment. The following safety recommendations are for straight Berridge panels, not curved.

Due to the batten strip cover over the seams, the Berridge Tee-Panel and High Seam Tee-Panel should not have seam-mounted anchors installed. The risk is that the batten strips could slide down the seams in the event of an impact.

Since seam mounting is not an option for this style of standing seam panel, we recommend using the Ridge Pro Steep Assist for 7/12 to 12/12 roofs.  The Super Anchor 2815 is a great option for roof pitches under 7/12. These anchors don't rely on seam attachment to create an anchor point. The Ridge Pro hooks over the roof's peak, and the Super Anchor 2815 installs underneath the ridge cap.

Tee-Lock Panel

The Berridge Tee-Lock is a 2-3/8" high seam with an 18" panel width. The Tee-Lock seam is t-shaped with a batten cap and available in 22 gauge steel, 24 gauge steel, .032" and .040" aluminum substrate options. This panel is available in lengths up to 40'

Fall Protection For Tee-Lock Panel

Workers have various fall protection options regarding the Tee-Lock Panel to ensure their safety on the job. Steel versions of the Berridge Tee-Lock panels seamlessly integrate with the  SSRA1, SSRA2, and  SSRA3 fall protection devices. The SSRA1 seam clamps offer single-worker tie-off, providing reliable security while working at heights. Additionally, the other adapter plates allow for the use of  walk boards and horizontal lifelines without the need for panel penetrations, maximizing flexibility and safety.

Unique fall protection solutions are also available for projects using aluminum versions of the Tee-Lock panels. For steep roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is an ideal choice, ensuring stability and safety on inclines. On lower sloped roofs under 7/12, workers can rely on the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors, offering secure attachment points for fall arrest systems. With these compatible fall protection solutions, workers can confidently tackle projects involving Tee-Lock Panels.

Cee-Lock Panel (Snaplock)

The Berridge Manufacturing Cee-Lock has a unique snaplock seam design, including a vinyl weather seal to prevent seam flooding. It is designed for residential and commercial construction projects over solid sheathing. The panels have a 1-1/2" seam height and either 16-1/2" or 11"-1/2" panel widths. The available substrates include 22 gauge steel, 24 gauge steel, and .032" aluminum.

Fall Protection For Cee-Lock Panel

Ensuring worker safety on the job is paramount regarding the Cee-Lock panel. Steel versions of the Berridge Cee-Lock panels seamlessly integrate with various fall protection devices, including the SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 systems. The SSRA1 seam clamps are particularly effective, providing a single-worker tie-off for reliable security while working at heights. Moreover, the adapter plates offer additional versatility, allowing for using walk boards and horizontal lifelines without needing panel penetrations.

Specialized fall protection solutions are also available for projects utilizing aluminum versions of the Cee-Lock panels to meet specific needs. When working on steep roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12, the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor emerges as an ideal choice, ensuring stability and safety on inclines. On lower sloped roofs under 7/12, workers can rely on the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors, providing secure attachment points for fall arrest systems. With these compatible fall protection solutions, workers can confidently tackle projects involving Cee-Lock Panels.

Zee-Lock Panel

The Berridge Manufacturing Single Lock Zee-Lock is a standing seam panel crafted for residential and commercial projects. The 2" mechanically fastened seams can be rolled for straight or curved roof systems in lengths up to 40'. The Zee-Lock panels are available in 22 gauge steel, 24 gauge steel, .032" or .040" aluminum substrates in 16" panel widths. A unique feature of the Berridge Zee-Lock panel is the optional Snap-On Batten cap that creates a box seam look to the roof system.

Fall Protection For Zee-Lock Panel

Curved Zee-Lock panels should be inspected on-site by a trained safety professional to determine the most appropriate fall protection equipment. The following safety recommendations are for straight Berridge panels, not curved. Zee-Lock panels with the snap-on batten cap are not compatible with seam-mounted anchors.  

For Zee-Lock panels, prioritizing worker safety is paramount. The steel versions of Berridge Zee-Lock panels are compatible with various fall protection systems, offering a range of options to ensure safety on the job site. Specifically, the  SSRA1, SSRA2, and SSRA3 fall protection devices are compatible with Zee-Lock panels, providing reliable security for workers at heights. The SSRA1 seam clamps offer single-worker tie-off, ensuring peace of mind while working on elevated surfaces. Additionally, the adapter plates available for Zee-Lock panels enable walk boards and horizontal lifelines without needing panel penetrations, enhancing flexibility and safety measures.

Specialized fall protection solutions are also readily available for projects utilizing aluminum versions of the Zee-Lock panels. On steep roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12, the  Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is an optimal choice, offering stability and safety on inclines. For lower sloped roofs under 7/12, the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors provide secure attachment points for fall arrest systems, ensuring worker safety at all times. With these compatible fall protection solutions, workers can confidently undertake projects involving Zee-Lock Panels. Zee-Lock panels with the optional box-seam batten cap may also utilize the Ridge Pro and Super Anchor 2815, since these anchor products don't rely on seam attachment.  

Double-Lock Zee-Lock Panel

The Berridge Manufacturing Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels offer a 2" tall seam with a 16" panel width. This system is a 180-degree mechanically seamed panel made of 24 gauge steel or .032" or .040" aluminum substrates. Panel lengths are available up to 40'

Fall Protection For Double-Lock Zee-Lock Panel

Ensuring workers' safety is paramount when handling Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels, renowned for their double-locking mechanism. Luckily, Berridge's steel versions of the Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels seamlessly integrate with various fall protection devices, offering a diverse range of options for workers.

For instance, fall protection systems like SSRA1,  SSRA2, and SSRA3 are fully compatible with steel substrate Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels, ensuring dependable security for workers operating at elevated heights. The SSRA1 seam clamps provide single-worker tie-off, instilling confidence during high-altitude tasks. The adapter plates engineered for Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels also enable walk boards and horizontal lifelines without needing panel penetrations, enhancing adaptability and safety measures.

Furthermore, specialized fall protection solutions are readily available when working with aluminum versions of the Double-Lock Zee-Lock panels. For steep roofs with pitches ranging from 7/12 to 12/12, the Ridge Pro Steep Assist anchor is an excellent choice, ensuring stability and safety on inclines. On roofs with lower slopes under 7/12, workers can rely on the Super Anchor 2815 strap-style anchors, which provide secure attachment points for fall arrest systems.

Conclusion

With Berridge Manufacturing's standing seam systems designed to last 50-100 years, it's crucial to prioritize proper anchoring while accessing these roof systems. Workers must be cautious and only use compatible protection equipment for the roofing system they are working on. Throughout this article, we've provided valuable insights and research for Berridge Manufacturing's standing seam profiles, identifying the most compatible fall protection anchors.

From the Tee-Panel and High Seam Tee-Panel to the Tee-Lock Panel, Cee-Lock Panel, Zee-Lock Panel, and Double-Lock Zee-Lock Panel, we've highlighted specific fall protection recommendations tailored to each panel type. Whether it's the seamless integration of fall protection devices with the steel versions of the panels or the specialized solutions for aluminum versions, we have aimed to equip workers with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure their safety on the job site.

Workers can confidently tackle projects involving Berridge standing seam panels by adhering to these recommendations and implementing compatible fall protection solutions. As we continue to innovate and advance in the architectural metal industry, let's always keep safety at the forefront of our endeavors.

Fall Protection Guidelines For Standing Seam Roofs

Use a roof anchor system specifically designed for standing seam roofs. Ensure the anchors are correctly sized and installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, including the location on the seam and torque settings. Be wary of seam anchors that require attachment over clips, locating clips on existing roof systems can be nearly impossible.  

Avoid using seam-mounted anchors on curved metal panels. Curved roof systems should be site-inspected by a trained safety professional to develop a comprehensive safety plan.

Workers should wear premium-quality full-body harnesses with shock-absorbing lanyards. These products will significantly reduce the impact on the human body during falls. Internal trauma during arrested falls can still lead to fatalities, even if the worker never hits the lower level.

Workers should utilize trauma straps on their harnesses and train regularly in their proper use. Trauma straps help prevent severe injuries and deaths after a fall over the roof's edge.

Workers should wear appropriate non-slip footwear designed for smooth metal roof systems. They should also avoid walking on metal roofs when moisture is on the roof panels.

Workers can establish a secure work zone on low-slope roofs by installing guardrails, warning lines, or other barriers to prevent falls.

The on-site safety manager or project manager should develop an OSHA-compliant safety plan before work begins. All safety plans should include a rescue plan to further protect workers after an accident.

Ensure any ladders or scaffolding used to access the roof are stable, properly positioned, and meet OSHA requirements. Ladder training for workers is essential to minimize the risk of falls.

Develop a safety culture within the workplace by encouraging regular equipment inspections and safety training.

Consider investing in permanent roof anchor systems that can be left in place to accommodate future roof work and inspections.

Call us today at 863-703-4522 to discuss your project, or visit www.StandingSeamRoofAnchor.com. You can also learn more about fall protection by reading OSHA's 48-page manual.