Flat Roof Work Safety

Fall protection requirements for construction workers doing work while on a roof.

Flat roof work safety.

Contractors and employers who perform construction work must comply with standards in 29 cfr 1926 subpart c general safety and health provisions as well as other applicable photo courtesy of acta safety peterson dean roofing. Roof safety is a system of preventive measures when performing work and repairs on rooftops because it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. Simply consider the task you are performing whether that be maintenance construction or really anything else assess the hazards divide by the number of workers and factor in the use of personal protective equipment adjusted for recent revisions to written policy and you will find that without fail. Proper fall protection measures personal protective equipment ppe and adhering to safe work practices can protect workers from fall hazards.

Falls from flat roof edges can be prevented by simple edge protection arrangements a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge. But what if you are not working on roofing activities. Are designed to remain in one place for permanent time being attached to the roof structure underneath the shingles. How it is addressed depends on the type of work being done.

Are designed to be easily reused removed relocated. They come with the d ring on top which is visually unpleasant and really stands out from the ground. They are easy to install and obviously more. But for the ultimate in roof safety especially on steeper roofs or big jobs invest in a safety harness and rope.

Subpart m 1926 501 b 10 of the osha construction standards specifies that under certain conditions roofing work can be conducted with a warning line in place 6 feet from the edge and a safety monitoring system. Single unit monolithic roofing applied to flat roofs may seem safer to some roof workers but the work is still at height and subject to many similar hazards and safety requirements as sloped roof work. Where work is of short duration tasks measured in minutes properly secured ladders to access the roof and proper roof ladders may be used. Or so from the ground you may feel safe working with just roof brackets and planks in place.

Exterior egress beyond ladders staff should exercise situation awareness when accessing the roof via hatches elevators penthouse doors scaffolding or power equipment such as scissor lifts and aerial work platforms says brad richardson a certified safety professional and director of environmental health and safety for d. On low pitched roofs where footing is no problem and the eaves are less than 12 ft. Types of roof anchors. Roofing safety all employers in the construction industry must have a safety program.