How to Design a Skylight Fall Protection System for Polycarbonate Roofs

Understanding the Invisible Danger of Skylights

Skylights are an excellent way to bring natural light and ventilation into industrial facilities, warehouses, shopping centers, residential complexes, and even underground car parks. They brighten workspaces, reduce electricity costs, and improve overall ambiance.

However, beneath their benefits lies a hidden hazard — the risk of falling through. Polycarbonate skylights, while durable for their intended purpose, are not designed to bear human weight, and by time, they can become fragile and you won’t able to differentiate between metal roof and polycarbonate skylight roof because of dirt and dust. A misplaced step, trip, or false sense of security can lead to a dangerous fall, resulting in serious injury or even death.

This risk exists for anyone accessing a roof — from trained maintenance crews to occasional inspectors. And it’s not just about falling from height; skylights can also be damaged by tools, debris, or extreme weather, creating further hazards inside the building.

Why Fall Protection for Skylights is Essential

The Illusion of Safety

One of the biggest dangers of skylights is that they look solid enough to step on. This false sense of security can tempt someone to sit, lean, or walk across them, unaware that they can give way under pressure.

Additional Hazards

• Falls – Fragile skylights can collapse if stepped on.
• Penetrations – Tools or debris can break through, creating dangerous openings.
• Collapse Under Load – Heavy rain or accumulated debris can cause structural failure.

According to the Directorate General of Factory Advice and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), 7% of all fatal industrial accidents in India in 2023 were caused by falls from height. That number doesn’t even include the many non-fatal injuries that still result in downtime, medical costs, and long-term consequences.

Designing a Skylight Fall Protection System

To design an effective fall protection system for polycarbonate roofs, consider the following steps:

• Identify All Skylights and Fragile Areas

1. Map out all skylights, strip lights, and roof openings.
2. Include those at lower levels such as canopies or car parks.

• Assess Risks and Load Requirements

1. Determine whether the skylight can withstand any incidental load.
2. Understand how many people may need access to the area and for what tasks.

• Choose the Right Protection System

1. Collective Protection – Systems like fixed guards or grilles that protect everyone, not just trained workers.
2. Personal Protection – Harness-based systems for specialized work.

• Material Selection

1. Use high-strength materials like steel for framing and impact-resistant polycarbonate for covering.
2. Ensure weather and corrosion resistance for long-term durability.

• Anchoring Method

1. Secure directly to structural elements like purlins using self-tapping, self-drilling screws.
2. Minimum of four anchor points per side for stability.

• Customization

1. Design each protection system to fit the exact skylight dimensions and roof layout.
2. Allow for future maintenance access without compromising safety.

• Testing & Compliance

1. Ensure the system meets local and international safety standards.
2. Conduct load tests (e.g., 110 kg capacity) to verify strength.

The Geometric Steels Skylight Fall Protection System

At Geometric Steels, we engineer our Skylight Fall Protection Systems to safeguard lives without sacrificing natural light or ventilation.

• Key Features

1. Tailored Design – Fits any skylight size or shape.
2. Strong & Durable – Made from high-strength steel and polycarbonate, with weather-resistant finishes.
3. Proven Safety – Load-tested to industry standards.

• Benefits

1. Enhanced Safety – Prevents falls and ensures compliance with safety laws.
2. Increased Productivity – Fewer accidents mean less downtime.
3. Cost-Effective – Reduces expenses from accidents, repairs, and replacements.

Why Choose Geometric Steels skylight fall protection?

• Expertise & Experience – Years of providing industrial safety solutions.
• Commitment to Quality – Premium materials and precision engineering.
• Customer-Centric Service – From consultation to installation, we ensure your safety needs are met.

 

Skylights make workplaces brighter — but only when they’re also safe. By investing in a well-designed skylight fall protection system, you’re protecting not only your team but also your productivity and peace of mind.

Ready to make your skylights safer? Contact Geometric Steels today to design a protection system tailored to your facility.

Contact Us

+91 8550995556

roof@geometricsteels.com

www.geometricsteels.com

 

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