Types of Roof Hazards
Fall Hazards
- Roof edges
- Skylights and openings
- Deteriorated roofing materials
- Steep slopes
- Ladder access points
- Unexpected changes in elevation
Other Hazards
- Electrical (overhead power lines)
- Heat stress
- Slip hazards (moisture, moss, debris)
- Wind and weather conditions
- Hot asphalt or tar
- Tool-related injuries
Fall Protection Requirements
Low-Slope Roofs (4:12 pitch or less)
For work 6 feet or more above a lower level, use one of these:
- Guardrail systems
- Safety net systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
- Warning line system (at least 6 feet from edge)
- Warning line and safety monitor for work between warning line and edge
Steep Roofs (greater than a 4:12 pitch)
For work 6 feet or more above a lower level, use one of these:
- Guardrail systems with toeboards
- Safety net systems
- Personal fall arrest systems
Residential Construction
- Fall protection required at 6 feet
- Use conventional fall protection when feasible
- Written fall protection plan needed if conventional systems create greater hazard
Personal Fall Arrest Systems
When using a harness and lanyard on roofs:
- Anchor points must support 5,000 pounds per worker
- Keep fall distance as short as possible
- Prevent swing falls by working close to anchor points
- Never tie off to vents, pipes, or chimneys unless verified as anchors
- Inspect all components before each use
- Calculate fall clearance to ensure lanyard won't allow ground contact
Warning Line Systems
If using warning lines:
- Set up at least 6 feet from roof edge
- Use stanchions that can withstand 16 pounds of force
- Mark line with high-visibility material
- Set line height between 34 and 39 inches
- Flag line at 6-foot intervals or less
- Must be able to withstand 500 pounds of force
Safety Monitor System
When a safety monitor is used:
- Must be a competent person
- Must be on same roof level as workers
- Must be close enough for direct communication
- Must have no other duties
- Can only monitor workers in designated area
- Workers must obey monitor's warnings immediately
Hole and Skylight Protection
All roof holes and skylights must be protected by:
- Guardrail systems around the hole
- Covers secured over the hole (must support 2x anticipated load)
- Personal fall arrest systems for workers near holes
- Never sit or step on skylights (they may not support your weight)
Safe Ladder Use for Roof Access
- Extend ladder at least 3 feet above roof edge
- Secure top and bottom of ladder
- Use proper angle (4:1 ratio)
- Keep three points of contact when climbing
- Never carry tools in hands while climbing
- Set up on firm, level ground
- Face ladder when climbing
Weather Considerations
Rain and Moisture
- Postpone work when possible
- Use slip-resistant footwear
- Clean mud from boots before climbing
- Use extra caution on wet surfaces
Wind
- Secure materials to prevent blowing off
- Don't carry large materials in high winds
- Consider stopping work when winds exceed 25 mph
- Be aware of changing wind conditions
Heat
- Take frequent breaks in shade
- Drink water regularly
- Watch coworkers for heat illness signs
- Schedule work during cooler parts of day
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
Lightning
- Stop work during thunderstorms
- Seek proper shelter (not under trees)
- Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming
Roof Material Hazards
Asphalt Shingles
- Sharp edges can cause cuts
- Hot weather makes shingles soft and slippery
- Loose granules create slip hazards
Metal Roofing
- Edges can be extremely sharp
- Becomes very slippery when wet
- Can be dented by improper foot placement
Tile or Slate
- Brittle and can break under weight
- Creates falling debris hazard
- Requires specific walking patterns
Built-Up or Tar Roofs
- Hot asphalt can cause severe burns
- Fumes may be hazardous
- Surface may be soft in hot weather
Material Handling on Roofs
- Stage materials flat and away from edges
- Distribute weight evenly across roof structure
- Use roof jacks on steep slopes
- Never throw materials off roof
- Use proper lifting techniques
- Consider mechanical lifting for heavy materials
Tool Safety on Roofs
- Secure tools to prevent drops and falls
- Use tool lanyards when working near edges
- Keep electrical cords away from sharp edges
- Maintain clean, organized work area
- Put tools down on level surfaces