When you take a job to work on a roof in construction, you put yourself at risk. There are so many considerations that you need to think about when you plan to work on a roof, with the most obvious issue being a risk of falling off. With the right scaffold structure and the right edge protection, you can ensure that you are as safe as possible. When you work on a high roof, a fall isn’t just about breaking legs – it could kill you – and you really want to avoid this!
What is Roof Safety?
Roof safety is a system of preventive measures when Performing work and repairs on rooftops because it is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cites that falls from roofs account for 34% of all fall deaths.
Managing the risk of falls while working on roofs as a tradesman is vital to ensure that you can get down from the structure without injury or issue. Some of the roof safety tips that you need to follow include the following below:
Check the structural integrity
Before you do anything, you need to ensure that the roof you are working on is a safe environment and is if the roof is strong enough to hold your weight.
Check the weather conditions
Hazards resulting from adverse weather conditions should be anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Wet weather can make a roof slippery and that’s not a safe environment on which you should be standing. If the roof is too wet then any work should be postponed until the weather conditions have improved.
The idea is to minimise your risk of falls, and so you should always wait for the roof to be dry before you go up to do any work.
The roof should be clean and there should be no risk of any pets or children getting up to the roof while you work, either.
The correct footwear helps
Working on a sloped roof is dangerous, but with the right shoes that offer the best traction, you can avoid the risk of falling and feel much more confident about your job. While you are up on the roof, you should also consider wearing hi-vis clothing and if up high enough, ropes and climbing equipment to stay safe.
Electrical risks
Falling off isn’t the only risk of working on a roof. Most roofs have wiring and electrical connections close by, and you will need to make sure that you use a wooden ladder to get to the roof as well as paying attention to the electrical wires and how hot they get.
Carrying materials
When you are carrying materials up to the roof, only carry what you need. Overloading yourself will potentially push you off balance and will make you tired as you climb back up again. You should only ever carry what you need to the roof and then move down to carry more up to the roof again.
Work in pairs
For optimum safety, you must work with someone else when you are working on a roof. The extra set of eyes watching you will ensure that you are as well-taken care of as possible. Safety is vital when working at a height, and having someone else working with you will enable you to work in the best, safest environment possible. Residential houses can be high up – even if they’re not as high as office buildings. Working safely is the most important priority.
Falls from roof edges can be prevented by simple edge protection arrangements – a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge.
Scaffolding and brackets can be effective roof edge protection. Roof edge protection is considered a passive fall prevention barrier, because once erected or installed, it requires no further on-going adjustment, alteration, or operation by any person to ensure the integrity of the system to perform its function.
To find out more about our edge protection scaffold solutions and roof edge protection barriers please get in touch with Just Tube Scaffolding for an obligation-free quote / chat about the best solution for your business.
