From this guide, you will learn some useful roof safety specialist tips that every facility manager needs to know.
From choosing roof anchor points and other roof safety systems to using proper techniques when working on the rooftop, there are a lot of safety tips that facility managers need to know. It is important to invest in strategies and rooftop safety equipment to protect your employees.
Roof safety practices can be overlooked when working on the rooftop but this can be dangerous. A lot of building owners do not know what the requirements are. The rules are always changing and it is a good time to refresh your memory. Keeping employees safe on your rooftop starts with knowing the most common hazards that can put their lives at risk.
Skylights
These are deadly and they look nice from the inside. They are used to allow natural light in but the area can be very deadly. If you are working on your air conditioning system within five feet of a skylight and you happen to pull on something and lose your balance, you will go through it. It is important to cover skylights with cages or netting to protect workers in case they fall through.
Soft decks
Soft spots in the roof deck are caused by water damage and can buckle when an employee walks on them. This can create the conditions for an injury that could lead to death.
Steep slope roofs
Employees working on rooftops with a high pitch can trip and fall off the edge in case they lose footing. A roof safety specialist can recommend ways to stay safe when working on steep slope roofs.
Lack of edge protection
It is very easy to lose track of how close you are to the edge of your roof, especially when you are concentrating on looking for damage on the roof or you are busy servicing rooftop equipment. It is important to put up a warning line system to mark a distance of fifteen feet from the edge of the roof so that people know when they are getting close.
Another great option is to use walk pads. They mark the perimeter and also protect the roof from damage from foot traffic. However, it is up to you to ensure people are staying on the walk pads or inside your marked perimeter if you decide not to use guardrails or warning lines.
Roof access
New OSHA requirements mandates equipment for fall protection for fixed ladders that are over twenty-four feet tall. This could be a self-retracting recommended lifeline from above, a harness cable or another strategy. It is not safe to prop an extension ladder through your roof hatch.
The requirements were revised and they no longer recognise classic cages around the ladder as safe. Property owners have until 2036 to put measures in place and comply with this requirement.
Vent covers
Automatic smoke vents and roof hatches sometimes have translucent covers so they can work as skylights. If your roof hatch fits this description, it is important to ensure it can handle the impact if someone falls onto the dome.
Using the right roof safety systems such as roof anchor points, ladders and other equipment is crucial and managers should stay updated with OSHA regulations.
