Safe Access to Rooftop Hatches

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: [DATE]

Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This safe work procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and safety precautions for accessing rooftop hatches safely. It includes guidance on fall protection, ladder safety, hatch operation, and emergency procedures. This SWP applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who are required to access rooftops via hatches. It does not cover work performed on the roof itself, which requires a separate SWP.

2. Definitions

Hatch An opening in a roof or floor that provides access to another level. Fall Protection Equipment and procedures used to prevent workers from falling from heights. Anchor Point A secure point of attachment for a fall protection system.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent in the safe use of ladders, fall protection equipment, and hatch operation.
Conduct regular inspections of ladders, fall protection equipment, and rooftop hatches to ensure they are in safe working condition.
Enforce all safety rules and procedures related to rooftop access.
Provide workers with the necessary PPE and ensure that it is properly used and maintained.

3.2 Workers

Inspect ladders, fall protection equipment, and rooftop hatches before each use and report any defects to the supervisor.
Use ladders and fall protection equipment in accordance with training and manufacturer's instructions.
Follow all safety rules and procedures related to rooftop access.
Wear required PPE at all times when accessing rooftops.
Immediately report any unsafe conditions or incidents to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Participate in safety inspections and audits related to rooftop access.
Assist in the development and implementation of safe work procedures for rooftop access.
Investigate incidents and near misses related to rooftop access and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Fall from height	Serious injury or death	Use appropriate fall protection equipment, such as a harness and lifeline, when working near the hatch opening. Ensure anchor points are properly rated and inspected. Maintain three points of contact when using a ladder.
Ladder failure	Fall and injury	Inspect the ladder before each use for any defects, such as damaged rungs or side rails. Use a ladder that is the correct height for the job. Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable surface and is properly secured to prevent slipping.
Hatch malfunction [1]	Entrapment or fall	Inspect the hatch for proper operation before each use. Ensure the hatch opens and closes smoothly and that the locking mechanism is functioning correctly. If the hatch is counterbalanced, ensure it opens at least 70 degrees from horizontal.
Slippery surfaces	Slips, trips, and falls	Keep the area around the hatch clean and free of debris, snow, ice, or other slip hazards. Use caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces. Wear slip-resistant footwear.
Head injury	Concussion or other head trauma	Wear a hard hat to protect against head injuries from bumping into the hatch or surrounding structures.
Falling objects	Injury to personnel below	Ensure tools and equipment are secured to prevent them from falling through the hatch opening. Use a tool tether or other means of securing tools when working near the hatch.
Confined space	Asphyxiation, toxic exposure	Evaluate the space below the hatch for potential confined space hazards. Follow confined space entry procedures if necessary, including air monitoring and ventilation.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Hard Hat: Provides head protection from impact and falling objects. Must meet ANSI Z89.1 standards.
Safety Glasses: Protects eyes from dust, debris, and other potential hazards. Must meet ANSI Z87.1 standards. [2]
Work Gloves: Provides hand protection from cuts, abrasions, and other hazards. Select gloves appropriate for the task. [2]
Slip-Resistant Footwear: Reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Ensure footwear has adequate tread and support.
Fall Protection Harness: Full body harness with appropriate lanyard and connectors, meeting ANSI Z359.1 standards. Must be inspected before each use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Ladder: Use a ladder of appropriate height and load rating. Ensure the ladder is in good condition and meets OSHA standards.
Fall Protection System: Includes a full-body harness, lanyard, and anchor point. The anchor point must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 pounds.
Hatch Opening Tool: A tool specifically designed to safely open and close the rooftop hatch, if applicable.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

1. Pre-Access Inspection: Before accessing the rooftop, inspect the ladder for any defects, such as damaged rungs or side rails. Inspect the hatch for proper operation, ensuring it opens and closes smoothly. Verify that the area around the hatch is clear of any obstructions or hazards.
2. Don PPE: Put on all required personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, slip-resistant footwear, and a fall protection harness.
3. Ladder Placement: Position the ladder on a stable and level surface. Ensure the ladder is at the correct angle (approximately 75 degrees) and is secured to prevent slipping. The ladder should extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface.
4. Fall Protection Setup: Attach the lanyard of the fall protection harness to a properly rated anchor point before ascending the ladder. Ensure the lanyard is of appropriate length to prevent a fall to a lower level.
5. Ascending the Ladder: Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times. Ascend and descend the ladder slowly and carefully. Do not carry tools or equipment while climbing; use a tool tether or hoist to raise and lower materials.
6. Hatch Operation: Open the hatch slowly and carefully, using the designated hatch opening tool if applicable. Be aware of any potential hazards, such as weather conditions or objects on the roof. If the hatch is counterbalanced, ensure it opens at least 70 degrees from horizontal. [1]
7. Rooftop Access: Step onto the rooftop carefully, maintaining three points of contact. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards on the roof surface.
8. Securing the Hatch: Ensure the hatch is secured in the open position to prevent it from accidentally closing. Use a locking mechanism or other means of securing the hatch.
9. Work Completion: After completing work on the rooftop, ensure all tools and equipment are removed and the area around the hatch is clean and free of debris.
10. Descending and Closing: Descend the ladder carefully, maintaining three points of contact. Disconnect the fall protection lanyard after reaching the ground. Close and secure the hatch.
11. Equipment Storage: Store the ladder and fall protection equipment in a designated storage area. Inspect the equipment for any damage and report any defects to the supervisor.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never exceed the ladder's maximum load capacity.
Do not use a ladder in windy or inclement weather.
Ensure adequate lighting is provided when accessing the rooftop, especially during low-light conditions.
Be aware of overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance.
Communicate with others in the area to ensure they are aware of your presence and activities.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. If necessary, call for emergency assistance. Provide first aid to any injured personnel. Evacuate the area if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Fall from height: If a worker falls from height, immediately call for emergency medical assistance. Do not attempt to move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger. Provide first aid until medical help arrives.
Entrapment in hatch: If a worker becomes entrapped in the hatch, immediately attempt to free the worker. If unable to free the worker, call for emergency assistance. Provide reassurance and support to the entrapped worker.
Medical emergency: In the event of a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke, immediately call for emergency medical assistance. Provide first aid and CPR if necessary.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will then complete an incident report and submit it to the safety department.

The safety department will investigate all reported incidents to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. The investigation will involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing documentation, and inspecting the site.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]