University of South Florida Parking Structures Fall Protection Evaluation

WGI evaluated four parking structures on the USF campus to determine conceptual options to enhance the fall protection within the structures and to determine the preliminary “order of magnitude” estimated project costs for the work.

The most effective means of achieving fall protection in a parking structure is to install safety barriers at the perimeter of the structure. We considered the addition of safety barriers such as chain-link fencing, vinyl-coated chain-link fencing, ornamental metal fencing, fabric screening, or stainless steel screening. Further, the addition of “Call for Help” signage inside the parking structures, the addition of façade awnings to “block” the view of hard surfaces at grade, and the installation of additional landscaping were assessed as supplementary opportunities to enhance the safety of the parking structures.