Trust in Truss Signs

The phrase “all falls down” is part of a cute nursery rhyme, but not something you want to hear regarding the construction of a building. This is why people turn to different types of trusses to keep buildings from collapsing. A truss is an important support object for construction and requires signage to encourage safe operational practices.

According to the National Organization for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a standard truss is described as “structural members (boards, timbers, beams, steel bars) joined together in a rigid framework.” A truss is typically composed of a series of triangles, as triangles are a shape that does not easily break or crack under pressure. More than 60% of roof systems in the United States are built using truss systems.Trusses are one of the best building components because the combined triangles distribute the load evenly, resulting in a structure that is light but strong.

However, when truss systems fail, the ramifications can be devastating. When a fire occurs in a building with truss roof and floor systems, a fire fighter operating above or below a burning roof or floor truss might fall into a fire if the truss system collapses. The same situation can apply if the fire fighters are working outside the building.Wooden truss accidents seem to be more common, but in 2003, a collapsing flat metal roof supported by lightweight metal trusses killed two people. The victims were a lieutenant and a firefighter, who were working to save a fire that had sparked in a discount store.

It’s amazing how a small item like a sign can make all of the difference in the world and prevent lives from being lost. Truss signs warn firefighters of dangerous trusses that might fallso they can operate with caution.

More and more states are continuing to embrace truss signs to warn others of oncoming objects. Florida is one such state. In 2009, The Aldridge-Benge Firefighter Safety Act mandated that owners of "commercial, industrial, and multi-unit residential buildings in Florida should be marked with an emblem to warn firefighters of the use of lightweight floor and roof trusses, which are prone to early collapse under fire conditions." The approved symbol for truss signs in the State of Florida is a Maltese Cross measuring 8 inches (horizontally) and 8 inches (vertically). As per The Florida Fire Prevention Code, the bright and red reflective symbol must include appropriate letters indicating the type of truss construction (floor, roof, floor & roof) and be placed within 24 inches to the left of the main entry door of a building/structure.

Signs can make all the difference when it comes to saving lives. Though trusses are strong structures, they can yield and cause fatalities. Use signs to promote safety, warn firefighters, and urge others to take care.