Solution Summary: Truss Platforms
A truss platform helps workers kneel or stand securely while working on trusses, reducing fall risk.
Description:
A truss platform is an engineering control that reduces fall risk while working on trusses. The platform is placed over nails preset in the truss. The truss platform allows workers to kneel or securely stand for hands free work.
The truss platform is approximately 15 3/4 inches x 29 inches and is constructed of thick powder coated aluminum. The platform fits a 1 1/2 inch wide edge of a wood truss, rafter, or joist. The truss platform weighs 14 lbs and is capable of supporting a combined worker and equipment load of 250 lbs. Thick foam lines the kneeling surface.
Truss platforms are typically used in pairs. Before use, two 16d nails must be driven 1 1/2 inches into the truss 14 1/4 inches apart. These nails line up with keyholes on the platform to secure it to the truss. When the first truss is hoisted in place, the worker climbs a ladder to reach the platform. The worker then steps on the foot pegs and kneels onto the platform.
A second platform is secured to a second truss. When the second truss is hoisted, the worker can move from the first platform to the second platform without using a ladder. These two platforms can be moved to subsequent trusses.
Worker kneeling on the Ridge Runner truss platform's foam padded brace.
The Ridge Runner truss platform attached to the preset nails.
Risks Addressed:
Falls from height can lead to multiple musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or even death. Between 1992-1998, there were an average of 37 deaths per year involving falls during roofing activities. Fractures are the most common MSD associated with falls, followed by strains, sprains, and abrasions.
How Risks are Reduced:
A truss platform reduces the risk of falling because it provides a stable base for those working on trusses.
Long View Enterprises, LLC claims that a truss platform, “Provides maximum safety,” and has, “Ergonomic – comfortable, weather-resistant knee pads [that] provide ideal posture support, which helps in reducing fatigue when working for long periods of time.”
OSHA published an Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guideline for Residential Construction, which states, “Workers at the peak, in the web of trusses, or on top of the ridge beam, shall work from a stable position. They must either sit on a ridge seat (or the equivalent) or position themselves in previously stabilized trusses or rafters and lean into, and reach through, the trusses or rafters.” A truss platform provides a stable base for a worker to kneel or stand on.
Safety and health experts believe that a truss platform can decrease falls by providing a stable base for kneeling or standing. In addition, using two truss platforms decreases the use of ladders.
Effects on Productivity:
A truss platform increases productivity
Additional Considerations:
According to the SBC Research Institute, “It is imperative for framers using the Ridge RunnerTM to ensure stable ground bracing, plumb trusses, properly sized and spaced top and bottom chord temporary lateral restraints and diagonal bracing in accordance with Building Component Safety Information, BCSI 2006 Guide to Good Practice for Handling, Installing, Restraining & Bracing of Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses. This will ensure that there is a safe and stable set of trusses that will work as the framework needed to effectively use this product to install trusses.”
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Availability
Long View Enterprises, LLC. Ridge Runner
To obtain information, visit http://theridgerunner.biz
or contact 1-920-349-3281 info@theridgerunner.biz
