What to Practice and Know about Roofing Safety

Roofing is a job not for the faint of heart. Working from such high distances increases the probability of incidents related to falls. In fact, many injuries and deaths happen yearly due to the negligence of simple roofing safety guidelines. Practicing proper roofing safety techniques can save time off from work from fall related injury and even prevent death.

Roofing Safety Precautions

Be aware of the construction site surroundings. Remove any debris present and mark off the area to protect those walking underneath the job site. If it is a re-roofing job, inspect the building for signs of collapse. If clues to unsafety are evident, the structure should be inspected by a professional.

Roofing Safety Gear

Decipher which safety gear is necessary. Roofing safety systems include safety arrest harnesses, guardrails, and ladders. Safety arrest systems use a harness, line, and roofing anchors to allow roofers to move and work while being provided with hands-free fall protection. Guardrails can be used in roofing openings or skylights to prevent damaging falls. Ladders are used to scale a structure for roofing construction. For larger jobs, scaffolding may be required or desired for optimum access and safety. Special safety guidelines set by the OSHA and specific manufacturer instructions should be followed during scaffolding use.

Keep the Roof Clear

Many falls occur because of slips caused by excess debris and equipment. Keep tools away from work areas when not used, as they pose a tripping threat. Use a stage to store materials and give workers safe access to tools. Be aware of other hazards that may cause fall such as loose cords and nails. Debris should be safely removed during demolition to allow for a safer environment.

Consider the Weather

Wet roofs are slippery roofs, and contribute to the amount of deadly falls yearly. Don’t perform roofing work during inclimate weather, like high heat or cold. Not only do high temperatures raise the risk of danger, but roofing materials may not react well during installation and fail to hold. Along with avoiding wet roofs, wear proper footwear that allows for a slip-resistant step.

Electric Dangers

If the job is near live wiring, there is risk for electrocution. Aluminum ladders conduct electricity, while fiberglass ladders do not. If possible, avoid working around live wires entirely. Having an electrician scope the dangers before roofing if live wires are present is a necessary step.

Roofing Safety Supplies

If you need roofing safety supplies, IndustrialLadder.com provides a wide selection of products and shipping services to all of our online customers. Check out our large list of roofing safety products that will meet all your roofing needs. Top of the line harnesses, lanyards, ropes, ladders, guardrails, scaffolding systems, roofing anchors, and much more are all available to you with the click of a button. You can find these items used for optimum roofing safety protection listed on our website.

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