Roofing work is inherently dangerous since it involves working at fairly substantial heights. When you need any type of roofing work done, make sure whichever company you hire follows all of the safety regulations and recommendations. In the US, OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) sets the standards and regulations that roofing companies across the country are required to follow. The main standards concern the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as ladders, scaffolding and fall protection. This article will provide an overview of the standard safety rules.
PPE Requirements
The PPE that roofers are required to wear includes safety glasses, goggles or face shields to protect their eyes. Certain projects also require roofers to wear hard hats. Additionally, anyone working on the ground should always have a hard hat or safety helmet due to the risk of things falling off the roof and hitting anyone below. Non-slip footwear is also required to reduce the risks of falls. This is especially important when working on a steep roof, on materials like metal or in conditions that could make the roof slick.
When working with power tools and loud equipment such as nail guns, electric saws and air compressors, everyone on the work site should also wear hearing protection like earmuffs or ear plugs. This is because prolonged exposure to overly loud noises can lead to permanent hearing damage. OSHA also requires roofers to wear respiratory protection equipment where there is dust, fumes and other airborne contaminants.
Fall Protection Requirements
OSHA also requires fall protection whenever roofers are 6 feet or higher above the ground or any lower levels. One of the most effective options in terms of fall protection and prevention is to install sturdy guard rails all along the roof edges whenever possible. In this case, the rails have to be a minimum of 42 inches high and sturdy enough to withstand the force of a person falling into the rail without it breaking or giving way.
Using guard rails often isn’t an option in many situations, in which case OSHA mandates the use of personal fall arrest systems and/or safety nets. Personal fall arrest systems consist of a full-body harness along with ropes and lanyards that are used to securely anchor each roofer to the roof. Should a person fall, the harness, rope and roof anchor serve as a lifeline that ensures they won’t fall to the ground. Safety nets also work to catch anyone who may fall while also ensuring that any debris that falls off the roof won’t hit anyone on the ground or those working on a lower level.
Ladder and Scaffolding Requirements
Roofing work generally always requires the use of ladders and/or scaffolding to provide safe access to the roof. In this case, there are also very specific requirements as to what types of ladders and scaffolding can be used and how they must be secured to the roof or some other part of the building. Extension ladders must be placed so that the top evenly sits on the edge of the roof and sticks a minimum of three feet above the edge. This is to ensure that the roofers can safely make the transition off of the ladder onto the roof. The base of the ladder also must be placed on a flat surface and sit in a way that the ladder can slide backward. Similarly, the top of the ladder must be securely tied to the roof or connected to an anchor. The angle of the ladder is also important for ensuring that the roofers can easily climb up and down.
The rules concerning scaffolding are similar and stipulate how the scaffolding must be secured to the building and how much weight the scaffold platforms must be able to hold. It’s also essential to use inside and outside guard rails and toeboards along each edge to prevent anything from falling off the platform. If the scaffolding is at a height of 10 feet or more, workers are required to wear a harness and use a lanyard and rope to secure themselves to some part of the scaffolding.
Our Roofing Experts
Nationwide Contracting, LLC has been providing reliable roofing services in Shelbyville and the surrounding areas since 1996. No matter whether it’s repairs, maintenance or replacement solutions, our two biggest priorities are safety and customer satisfaction. We work on almost every type of roof, and you can count on us to provide dependable, top-quality work at a fair price. To set up an appointment for any roofing or gutter service, contact us today.
