roofing

Roofing work presents several hazards that require careful risk assessment and control measures. These hazards primarily involve falls, but also include risks related to falling objects, equipment operation, and material handling.

Fall Hazards:

• Unprotected Sides and Edges: Employees working on roofs 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels must be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems [1]. On steep roofs, guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems are required [2].
• Low-Slope Roofs: For low-slope roofs, a combination of warning line systems and other fall protection measures like guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems can be used. A safety monitoring system can be used alone on roofs 50 feet (15.25 m) or less in width [2].
• Steep Roofs: Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels must be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems [2].
• Weatherproofing: When employees are engaged in weatherproofing a roof that is 3 m or more above the ground, has a slope exceeding 3 in 12, and has an unguarded edge, they must use an individual fall-arresting system [3].
• Safety Monitoring Systems: If using a safety monitoring system, a competent person must be designated to monitor the safety of other employees. The monitor must be able to recognize fall hazards, warn employees of unsafe behavior, and remain within visual sighting distance of the employees being monitored [4]. The safety monitor should not have other responsibilities that could take their attention away from the monitoring function [4].
• Warning Line Systems: Warning line systems should not be used on roof slopes greater than 2 in 12 [5]. When mechanical equipment is not being used, the warning line should be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge [5]. If mechanical equipment is being used, the warning line should be erected not less than 6 feet (1.8 m) from the roof edge parallel to the equipment's direction of operation and not less than 10 feet (3.1 m) from the roof edge perpendicular to the equipment's direction of operation [5].

Falling Object Hazards:

• Toeboards: Use toeboards to prevent tools and materials from falling and potentially striking workers below [1].
• Material Storage: Materials and equipment should not be stored within 6 feet (1.8 m) of a roof edge unless guardrails are erected at the edge [6]. Piled, grouped, or stacked materials near a roof edge must be stable and self-supporting [6]. Supplies and roofing materials stored on a residential building under construction must be located not less than 2 meters from a roof edge, and their weight should be uniformly distributed [7].

Equipment Hazards:

• Mechanical Equipment: Mechanical equipment should not be used or stored in areas where safety monitoring systems are being used [4]. Ensure mechanical equipment is in good working order and operated by trained personnel.
• Hoisting Materials: When using a hoisting apparatus to raise materials to a roof, ensure that guardrails or a safety fence are installed in perimeter travel areas near the hoist and dumping areas [8]. The weights used to counterbalance the hoisting apparatus must be adequate for the equipment and secured to prevent premature removal [3].

Other Hazards:

• Housekeeping: Keep the work site clean and free from materials or equipment that could cause workers to slip or trip [7]. Remove excess mortar, broken masonry units, and other debris from the work area at regular intervals [6].
• Lighting: Ensure sufficient lighting to enable work to be done safely, and protect light sources from damage [7]. Provide emergency lighting in case of normal lighting system failure [7].
• Asbestos: If working with roofing materials containing asbestos, follow specific procedures, including inspection by a competent person, training for employees, and wet methods for removal [9].

Control Measures:

1. Elimination: Where possible, eliminate the need for workers to be exposed to fall hazards by prefabricating roof sections on the ground.
2. Engineering Controls: Install guardrail systems, safety net systems, or use warning line systems to prevent falls [1]. Use covers for holes in roofs [4].
3. Administrative Controls: Develop and implement a comprehensive fall protection plan [2]. Use a safety monitoring system with a competent person [4]. Implement safe work procedures for material handling and equipment operation.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide and ensure the use of personal fall arrest systems (body harness, lanyard, anchorage) when other control measures are not sufficient [1]. Ensure proper fit and inspection of PPE before each use [5].

Monitoring and Review:

• Regularly inspect fall protection equipment and systems for damage or defects [5].
• Conduct frequent safety meetings to discuss potential hazards and reinforce safe work practices.
• Review and update the fall protection plan as needed to address changing conditions or new hazards.

By implementing these control measures and maintaining a strong focus on safety, employers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries during roofing work.