The new RAST system combines roof access, fall protection and material transport in a standardized installation process. German trade associations BG ETEM and BG BAU supported its development.
German residential solar installer Enpal and fastening and assembly technology supplier Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG have developed the Roof Access Safety Transport System (RAST) for work on pitched roofs. According to the companies, the system is designed to improve occupational safety during the installations of rooftop PV arrays and can be adapted to different building configurations.
The system includes a mobile work platform for roof access, edge protection, personal fall protection equipment and fixed roof anchor points. It also features a material lift and emergency equipment.
According to the companies, a key component is a newly developed mobile work platform that provides access to the roof. They claim it is the first solution of its kind to be tested in accordance with DIN EN 13374, which is the German adoption of the European standard EN 13374 specifying safety and testing requirements for temporary edge protection systems.
Testing was carried out in cooperation with DGUV Test, the testing and certification system of the German Social Accident Insurance, with technical input from Germany’s statutory accident insurance institutions BG ETEM, which covers the energy, textile, electrical and media industries, and BG BAU, which covers the construction sector.
RAST is designed for pitched roofs with eaves heights of up to 8 meters. The work platform and a walkway along the roof edge provide installers with a working area comparable to scaffolding. The system also allows materials to be transported onto the roof without ladders.
“Working without ladders, in particular, will noticeably reduce the risk of accidents,” said Martin Umminger, product manager at Würth. The companies said secure roof access and material transport remain available throughout the installation process.
Enpal is preparing to roll out the system through training sessions at its Enpal Academy. RAST will then be gradually integrated into the company’s standard installation procedures.
The companies did not disclose investment or acquisition costs or indicate whether the system would be made available to other installation companies.
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