Job Hazard Analysis: Roofing Material Installation on Pitched Roofs

This Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) outlines the necessary safety procedures for the safe installation of roofing materials on pitched roofs. It identifies potential hazards and provides control measures to minimize risks, particularly those related to falls. This JHA is designed to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with safety regulations.

Scope

This JHA applies to all employees and contractors involved in the installation of roofing materials on pitched roofs. It covers all stages of the installation process, from material handling to the final placement and securing of roofing materials.

Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Sequence of Steps	Potential Hazards	Preventive Measures
1. Material Delivery and Staging	a) Strain from lifting heavy materials b) Falling materials during unloading c) Trip hazards from materials on the ground	a) Use mechanical lifting aids (e.g., forklifts, cranes) for heavy loads. b) Ensure proper lifting techniques are used. c) Establish a clear and designated material staging area. d) Keep pathways clear of materials and debris.
2. Setting up Fall Protection Systems	a) Improper installation of anchor points b) Use of damaged or inadequate fall protection equipment c) Failure to inspect fall protection equipment	a) Only qualified personnel should install anchor points. b) Use fall protection equipment that meets or exceeds safety standards. c) Inspect all fall protection equipment before each use, including harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. d) Ensure proper training on the use and inspection of fall protection equipment.
3. Ascending to the Roof	a) Ladder slippage or collapse b) Unstable footing on the ladder c) Carrying heavy materials while climbing	a) Use ladders that meet safety standards and are appropriate for the roof height. b) Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable surface and secured properly. c) Maintain three points of contact while climbing. d) Use a tool belt or hoist to lift materials to the roof.
4. Working on the Roof	a) Falls from the roof edge or openings b) Slipping on wet or icy surfaces c) Exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, wind) d) Falling objects striking workers below e) Contact with power lines	a) Use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) with appropriate anchor points. b) Install guardrails or warning line systems where feasible. c) Wear slip-resistant footwear. d) Monitor weather conditions and postpone work during extreme conditions. e) Establish a controlled access zone below the work area to prevent unauthorized entry. f) Use toe boards and debris nets to prevent objects from falling. g) Maintain a safe distance from power lines or de-energize them.
5. Installing Roofing Materials	a) Cuts and abrasions from sharp materials b) Muscle strains from repetitive motions c) Burns from hot roofing materials d) Exposure to harmful dusts or fumes	a) Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, safety glasses, and long sleeves. b) Use ergonomic tools and techniques to minimize strain. c) Provide adequate ventilation when working with materials that produce dust or fumes. d) Use heat-resistant gloves and clothing when handling hot materials.
6. Securing Roofing Materials	a) Nail gun injuries (e.g., punctures) b) Dropping tools or materials from the roof c) Overexertion from fastening materials	a) Use nail guns with safety features and proper training. b) Establish a tool and material tethering system to prevent drops. c) Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. d) Ensure proper lighting for visibility.
7. Descending from the Roof	a) Ladder slippage or collapse b) Loss of balance while descending c) Carrying tools or materials while descending	a) Ensure the ladder is securely placed and stable. b) Maintain three points of contact while descending. c) Use a tool belt or hoist to lower tools and materials.
8. Clean-up	a) Trip hazards from debris b) Exposure to dust and debris c) Improper disposal of waste materials	a) Regularly clear debris from the work area. b) Wear appropriate PPE, including dust masks and safety glasses. c) Dispose of waste materials in designated containers. d) Follow all environmental regulations for waste disposal.

Fall Protection Measures

The following fall protection measures must be implemented and maintained throughout the roofing material installation process:

Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): PFAS shall be used when working within 6 feet of a roof edge or opening. This includes a full-body harness, a shock-absorbing lanyard, and a secure anchor point capable of supporting 5,000 pounds per worker. [cite source_document_reference_number="5", cited_text="At that point, employees shall be protected by a personal fall arrest system."]
Guardrail Systems: Install guardrails along roof edges and around openings where feasible. Guardrails must be 42 inches (+/- 3 inches) in height and capable of withstanding a force of 200 pounds. [cite source_document_reference_number="9", cited_text="Employees engaged in residential construction roofing work six (6) feet or more above a lower level on roof slopes three (3) in twelve (12) or less shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, warning line system and personal fall arrest system, warning line system and personal fall restraint system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system."]
Warning Line Systems: On roofs with slopes of 3 in 12 or less, a warning line system can be used in combination with a safety monitoring system. The warning line must be erected 6 feet from the roof edge and consist of a rope, wire, or chain flagged at intervals. [cite source_document_reference_number="9", cited_text="Employees engaged in residential construction roofing work six (6) feet or more above a lower level on roof slopes three (3) in twelve (12) or less shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system, warning line system and safety net system, warning line system and personal fall arrest system, warning line system and personal fall restraint system, or warning line system and safety monitoring system."]
Safety Nets: Safety nets can be used as a fall containment system, particularly in situations where other fall protection methods are not feasible. [cite source_document_reference_number="17", cited_text="fall containment system (e.g., safety nets)"]
Controlled Access Zones (CAZ): Establish CAZs to limit access to high-hazard areas. Clearly demarcate the CAZ with signs, ropes, or tape. [cite source_document_reference_number="6", cited_text="Before any non-conventional fall protection systems are used as part of the work plan, a controlled access zone (CAZ) shall be clearly defined by the competent person as an area where a recognized hazard exists."]

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a fall, the following procedures must be followed:

Immediately call for emergency medical assistance.
Do not move the injured worker unless there is an immediate danger.
If the worker is suspended in a harness, initiate rescue procedures immediately to prevent suspension trauma.
Document the incident and conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Training Requirements

All workers involved in roofing material installation must receive training on the following:

Fall protection regulations and requirements
Proper use, inspection, and maintenance of fall protection equipment
Ladder safety
Safe lifting techniques
Emergency procedures
Hazard communication

Inspections

Regular inspections of the work area, equipment, and fall protection systems must be conducted to identify and correct any hazards. Inspections should be documented and maintained on file.

Review and Revision

This JHA should be reviewed and revised periodically, or whenever there are changes in the work process, equipment, or materials. It should also be reviewed after any incident or near-miss to identify areas for improvement. [cite source_document_reference_number="8", cited_text="Review and amend the fall protection plan when necessary, on a regular schedule."]