Falling through skylights or strip lights is a current safety hazard in commercial and public settings. In most cases, the seemingly secure covering of skylights is neither puncture-resistant nor fall-through-resistant. This applies to both existing and newly planned skylights and strip lights, which are being installed with increasing frequency.
Skylights are installed on roof surfaces to allow light and fresh air to enter the rooms below and to provide a means of smoke extraction in case of an emergency. Due to carelessness or tripping, a person can break through the skylight cover and, if no safety measures are in place, fall to the depth. Serious injuries are usually the result.
This hazardous situation can arise for anyone on the roof. Skylights are typically found on the flat roofs of industrial buildings, shopping centers, residential buildings, etc., where, for example, maintenance work must be performed by qualified personnel.
However, skylights with covers can also be found on lower levels, such as in underground parking garages. In this context, the false sense of security created by the skylight’s cover is a concern. Viewing the dome as a safe surface to sit on, or stepping or jumping on it due to careless behavior, can lead to accidents. This is because skylights are generally not designed for such use.
In addition to unintentionally dangerous behavior triggered by a false sense of security, tripping and slipping pose a constant hazard around skylights—for anyone and at any time.
Special Case: Falling Through an Open Smoke Vent
Another hazardous situation is falling through a skylight when it is open. The issue here is less one of false security and more of unexpected tripping or slipping. In this case as well, an INNOTECH skylight protection system protects against a fall with serious consequences.
Personal Safety for Skylights from INNOTECH
For skylights, it is therefore necessary to ensure protection, which is achieved through safety measures in the light well (collective protection) . The following solutions from INNOTECH for skylights and strip lights are either temporary or permanent fall prevention (protection) systems, depending on requirements.
- LIGHT and LIGHT-FLEX skylight protection systems: The LIGHT skylight protection system and the LIGHT-FLEX skylight safety net are installed in the skylight or strip light to prevent falls through the opening.
- BARRIER Guardrail System: This guardrail system, designed specifically for skylights and strip lights, is installed directly on the roof around the hazard area and provides all-around collective protection against falling through the skylight.
- EAP-MOBI: The EAP-MOBI skylight protection system can be used as temporary collective protection or as a potential single anchor point (EAP). If used as a single anchor point, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
Benefits of a Fall Protection System for Skylights and Strip Lights
- Protecting lives and preventing injuries resulting from a fall through the closed or open cover.
- Real safety instead of false security: The consequences of unintentional mistakes, such as sitting on or stepping onto the skylight, are no longer life-threatening.
- Protection even without specialized knowledge: Collective protection ensures safety for everyone, not just trained professionals.
- Legal requirements for fall protection of skylight elements are met.
Challenges in Ensuring Personal Safety Around Skylights
- Roof structural integrity in existing roofs: Due to age, higher snow loads, and/or unplanned elements such as photovoltaic systems and air conditioning units, etc., roofs can quickly reach their load-bearing limits. In such cases, the LIGHT and LIGHT-FLEX solutions are particularly suitable.
- Space requirements for an open cover during smoke extraction: Rooffixtures such as ventilation systems, air conditioning units, etc., located near the skylight can complicate the installation of a guardrail. The smoke vent must be able to open fully. Solutions include the LIGHT and LIGHT-FLEX skylight protection systems, which are installed inside the skylight.
- Material fatigue of the rim: Older skylights may no longer provide the necessary stability for installing a fall protection system on the rim. If repairing the skylight is not possible, a special installation or a BARRIER guardrail system, which is placed on the roof with concrete weights, may be the solution.