Q&A with Russell Ibboston, VELUX Canada
Natural lighting is a welcome sight in any indoor environment, but considerations for safety must always come first. This is a truth that VELUX Canada takes to heart as it works with industry partners to elevate skylight safety.
Here to discuss skylight safety trends, developments, and best practices are Russell Ibbotson, Technical Manager for Building Industry at VELUX Canada.
Why is safety a top consideration for your industry?
Skylights are considered an unprotected opening that can pose risks to workers and, as such, require the same precautions that the side of the roof requires. Even if the skylight is covered with a glass or plastic, workers don’t typically know how well that material will hold up to their weight. Many materials, especially plastics, degrade over time in the sun, heat, and cold of the roof. And most of the time, workers have no ability to gauge the quality of the material and, therefore, if the skylight can withstand the impact of them falling on it.
What does a “safe” skylight installation look like?
There are three stages to consider when it comes to safe skylight installations. The first stage occurs is when you have a hole in your roof before the skylight is installed. This needs to be protected to protect workers from falling. We often see some plywood laid over the opening, but a rail system like that used around the roof’s perimeter is ideal.
During the installation of skylights, we’re also seeing workers tied off most of the time. In Europe, we see a lot more net systems being installed below larger openings. This catches someone when they fall through the opening, somewhat like a tightrope walker at the circus.
Finally, there are important safety considerations for after the skylight is installed. Many of our products have labels to tell people not to sit on them, and there are typically guard rails and flags to help people know a skylight is there. However, these important indicators can be hidden by snow. That’s why we see some discussions about raising the curb of the skylight to rail height.
How do skylight materials factor into safety?
With plastic dome skylights, we see a safety screen that goes over the top. Many of the plastic dome skylights could withstand the impact of a worker falling on them when they’re new, and this is how OSHA in the USA tests them. However, there are considerations to be had when this type of skylight reaches 20, 30, or more years old in regards to how brittle that material is.
Glass is a bit different. We have materials like tempered and laminated glass, which are materials used for guardrails. Also, glass characteristics don’t change nearly as much as plastic, so it is more likely to be safe over time. Here at VELUX, for example, we design glass thickness for snow loads, and the building code requires the use of laminated glass for overhead skylight applications. It is hard for a worker to know that any particular skylight meets these requirements, though.
Is there an aspect of safety in regards to skylight maintenance or everyday usage?
Skylights typically do not require a lot of maintenance, and, in most cases, they should be replaced when you’re replacing the roof. Many of the materials in skylights, even the plastic domes, will last many years. Still, most leaks and quality issues arise after re-roofing when the skylights were not replaced. The old dried seals and materials could be hard, brittle, or not fully adhered; and when the skylight is moved or bumped, the material can be broken or compromised.
You can visually inspect plastic skylights to determine if they should be replaced. Crazing, cracks, and visible seal failure are a good indicator to replace them, not to mention any visual indication that a temporary patch or repair has already been made.
How does VELUX work with its clients to enhance safety?
The request often comes from the owner, and we’ll engage the consultant and contractor to discuss options and usually determine the most cost-effective way to be safe. This is impacted by the frequency and type of activities happening on the roof. If workers are rarely on the roof, being tied off may be fine. If workers are more frequently on the roof for inspection or maintenance, a screen or guard rail system could be considered. If the roof includes public space, a more substantial guard or screen should be considered.
Lastly, as skylights are typically set back from the edge of the roof, safety considerations are less likely to be visible from the street than precautions taken at the roof’s edge.
Looking ahead, what new skylight materials or technologies may enhance safety?
In terms of materials, glass can be designed to withstand impact and be much more durable over time; and certainly, energy codes are driving more skylights in this direction. Plastics are also improving, and VELUX has a polycarbonate, Luxguard, that has extra UV protection against colour change and structural degradation. Lastly, the seal materials are becoming more UV resistant and are lasting longer than ever.
Any advice for property owners overseeing a skylight installation?
It’s important to remember that none of this information about material durability is apparent to a worker coming onto the site. To ensure their safety, an owner or property manager is advised to document what’s on the roof and what the recommended safety equipment should be when workers are on that roof.
Overall, it is a good practice to have a safety plan or a simple, one-page list of safety considerations for all types of skylights and installation conditions. The OHSA website can provide some guidance and specific safety-related controls for skylights.
Russell Ibbotson is a Technical Manager with VELUX Canada Inc., the world’s leading manufacturer of skylights, roof windows, and Sun Tunnels since 1941. For more information, visit velux.ca or call 1-800-888-VELUX}.
