Image courtesy AAMA
Information previously included as a fact sheet about avoiding skylight falls has been updated and posted to the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) website. The safety-focused webpage provides statistics about falls and offers tips for avoiding them.
The webpage was developed in part by the AAMA’s Skylight Fall Protection Task Group.
“The issue of fall protection is not a new one, and every fall fatality is avoidable,” said John Westerfield, group chairperson. “Fall protection needs to be a continued focus for employers and building owners post-construction, as many non-construction related tradespeople often access flat roofs.”
At this time, there is no standardized method in place to test a skylight for its ability to withstand the impact of a falling human. While the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and similar authorities have established regulations, these are widely considered vague and open to misinterpretation.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has drafted a standard and test method to validate a skylight’s ability to support the impact of a falling adult. The review process is underway.
Check out the webpage here.
