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Datacenter Fall Protection

Fall Protection for Data Centers

OSHA/ANSI solutions for Bitcoin Mining, Edge, and Hyper-scale Data Centers. Systems for cooling plants, rooftop access, and roof edge protection.

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Fall protection for Data Centers

Three factors make data centers one of the most unique and challenging operational environments: (1) they house data storage and server equipment that is sensitive to heat, and humidity, (2) they require a temperature range of 70-75°F (21-24°C) to be maintained to function properly, and (3) they are often capable of generating five times the heat density of an average office space.

Although precise air-handling systems like CRAC and CRAH units are installed in interior spaces, depending on their size, they can require massive water-chilling plant rooms and chains of rooftop cooling towers and condenser water systems to dissipate or reject heat. Proper layout of data center rooftop mechanical systems such as air handlers, backup power systems, networking and cabling systems, environmental controls, and security systems is critical for safe rooftop and facade maintenance routines.

Some of the nation’s largest Bitcoin mining, edge, and hyper-scale data facilities rely on Flexible Lifeline Systems passive, active, and restraint work-at-height solutions for their safety and OSHA/ANSI/IBC compliance.

Non Penetrating

Our freestanding systems such as rooftop guardrail, dead weight anchor, and warning line systems are self-supported, weighted systems that do not void roof warranties.

Easy to Use

Although fall arrest systems require proper safety training and a rescue procedure, rooftop systems can often be designed to be passive and completely hands-free use, enabling users to concentrate on the task at hand.

Reliable

Our systems are the most reliable engineered fall protection in use today, they utilize components that are third-party tested, and are installed by teams qualified to provide user training.

Durable

Whenever possible our systems use galvanized, aluminum, and stainless components for added durability and corrosion control resulting in years of maintenance free use.

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Who is qualified to install these systems?

 While the modular design is straightforward, we recommend installation by factory-trained technicians to ensure all fittings are torqued to specification and the counterweight layout matches the original safety engineering plan. 

Are these systems considered ‘Permanent’ if they aren’t bolted down?

 Yes, under OSHA definitions, a freestanding guardrail is considered a permanent fall protection solution as long as it meets the load requirements and is intended to remain in place for the life of the hazard. 

How does corrosion resistance vary by material?

 While aluminum is lightweight, our hot-dip galvanized steel systems offer superior impact resistance and are treated to ASTM A153 standards to prevent “white rust” and deep oxidation in salt-air environments. 

Is a self-closing gate required at ladder access points?

 Yes, per OSHA 1910.28, any gap in a guardrail system used for ladder access must be protected by a self-closing gate or an offset (swing gate) to prevent a worker from accidentally stepping backward into the opening. 

What happens if the guardrail is pushed with more than 200 lbs of force?

 While the 200 lb requirement is the legal minimum, our systems are engineered with a safety factor. However, if a significant impact occurs, the system must be inspected for “grub screw” slippage or post deformation before being cleared for continued use. 

Will the weight of a freestanding system damage my roof membrane?

 No, the system uses anti-slip rubber pads to distribute weight evenly. This prevents point-loading and protects delicate surfaces like TPO or EPDM from abrasion or compression damage. 

What are safe methods to access roofs?

Fixed ladder, temporary ladders, stairs and manlifts are all potentially safe methods of accessing a roof.  A job hazard analysis should be performed to ensure the access can be done in a safe manner.  If near the edge, protecting access points with additional guardrail around the access point to protect the worker once on the roof should also be considered.  Depending on the height of a fixed ladder it may require additional fall protection. Ensure temporary ladders are used correctly and extend above the roof level and are not near a roof corner.  When using a man lift to access a roof ensure it can extend to a safe place to access the roof before exiting.

ANCHORAGES:

1910.140(12) Anchors used to attach to personal fall protection equipment must be independent of any anchorage used to suspend employees or platforms on which employees work. Anchorages used to attach to personal fall protection equipment on mobile work platforms on powered industrial trucks must be attached to an overhead member of the platform, at a point located above and near the center of the platform.

PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION:

1910.140 Personal Fall Arrest Systems: The employer must ensure that each personal fall protection system used must comply with the requirements in this section:

  1. Limit the maximum arresting force on the employee to 1,800 pounds; 1910.140(d)(1)
  2. Bring the employee to a complete stop and limit the maximum deceleration distance the employee travels to 3.5 feet; 1910.140(d)(1)
  3. Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of the employee free falling a distance of 6 feet, or the free fall distance permitted by the system; and… 1910.140(d)(1)
  4. Sustain the employee within the system/strap configuration without making contact with the employee’s neck and chin area. 1910.140(d)(1)

REGULAR INSPECTIONS:

In the absence of a specific requirement for Inspection, OSHA Sec 5.a.1 becomes default: OSHA Sec 5.a.1 (a) Each employer – (1) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; 29 USC 654 (2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act. (b) Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.

Following manufacturer’s requirements is considered a reasonable effort to satisfy this general rule and employee responsibility. Flexible Lifeline Systems follows the requirements set by the manufacturer of the components that are used to build your system. Additionally, ANSI Standards ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 Z.359.6-2016 9.2, while not codified as law, are considered to be “best practices” and often required by many companies – insurance, banking, etc., to provide coverage such as worker compensation or professional insurance, or to assess capital asset values. These standards speak directly to importance of regular inspection of fall protection systems.

customer testimonial It has been a little over a year since FLS installed our overhead fall protection systems. The system is awesome and technicians still tell me it’s cool! When I train someone, I always say look up, everything in yellow is part of our fall protection system. It is said that the people make the company – FLS is a true testament to this. Their fall protection specialists are knowledgeable and experienced in their field and it shows in their work.

~ Frank (United Airlines)

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