Guards for roof access

[Mr. Inspector]

Does this mean that a fall arrest/restraint cannot take the place of guards on a flat roof since a flat roof does not have a hip and ridge?

1015.7 Roof access. Guards shall be provided where the roof
hatch opening is located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of a roof
edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open
side is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor,
roof or grade below. The guard shall be constructed so as to
prevent the passage of a sphere 21 inches (533 mm) in diameter.

Exception: Guards are not required where permanent fall
arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices that comply
with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are affixed for use during the
entire roof covering lifetime. The devices shall be reevaluated
for possible replacement when the entire roof covering
is replaced. The devices shall be placed not more than
10 feet (3048 mm) on center along hip and ridge lines and
placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the roof edge
or open side of the walking surface.

 

[SCBO1]

Rick,
I would sure like to see a design of this?

 

[RLGA]

The 2018 IBC changed the exception just because of the confusion. Plus, anchorage devices are not needed everywhere on a roof if the equipment and roof access are located in only one area of the roof.

 

[Inspector Gift]

 

[SCBO1]

Thanks IG,

I would like to see a picture on hip and ridge lines, that's what I'm curious about, what's that look like?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

The 2018 IBC changed the exception just because of the confusion.

OK, the fall arrest/restraint anchorage connector devices will be approved to use on flat roofs when PA adopts the 2018 next year.

 

[tbz]

Does this mean that a fall arrest/restraint cannot take the place of guards on a flat roof since a flat roof does not have a hip and ridge?

The devices shall be placed not more than
10 feet (3048 mm) on center along hip and ridge lines and
placed not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the roof edge
or open side of the walking surface.

I would think they are fine on a flat roof for after the word "AND" it lists "Placed not less than 10ft from roof edge or open sided walking surface"

The intent was to allow either a guard or a restraint hookup for mechanical equipment service.

The 2018 exception was a clarification to the intent of the prior code, not a change in intent.