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When we talk about rooftop safety equipment, fall protection systems for roofs are the first things that come to mind. Roofing is the sixth riskiest job you can do, and falls account for many construction and industrial injuries every year. Clearly, a safety railing and other fall protection measures are essential.
However, falling is not the only danger employees face when they work on a roof, which is why rooftop safety equipment and considerations have to go beyond fall protection.
Here are some of the other risks and safety measures you'll need to take to protect your employees while they work on the roof:
Extremely hot temperatures can be made worse if workers are on a dark or reflective roof. Sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke are all a concern in the summer months. Heatstroke, which can happen if heat exhaustion is unrecognized and left untreated, is the most serious of these and can result in brain damage, organ failure, and death. Symptoms of heat illness include cool skin with goosebumps (even in hot temperatures), dizziness, fatigue, weak pulse, nausea, and headache, among others.
OSHA takes a three-pronged approach to preventing heat illness: water, rest, and shade. Workers should have access to all three, and be taught to recognize the symptoms of heat illness in themselves and others.
Heat isn't the only potential weather-related issue. Thunderstorms, rain, snow, cold, and wind can also pose a risk to workers. A snow-covered roof is especially dangerous as the snow can hide trip-and-fall risks, skylights or other holes, or a sheet of ice. Whenever possible, remove the snow without putting workers on the roof. If there's no other way, make sure they're equipped with proper footwear and fall protection systems for roofs.
In high winds, blowing debris or even equipment can hit and injure a worker or cause a fall. Wind can also create problems with workers being unable to hear each other on ta roof. And rain can create slippery surfaces on ladders and the roof itself. In cold conditions, workers should be dressed appropriately. Hypothermia, frostbite, and dehydration are all concerns. Keep in mind that the cold may limit an employee's dexterity and his or her ability to do the job safely and effectively. Use extreme caution when proceeding with work under inclement weather, and stop working if the conditions pose a threat to anyone's safety.
Electrocution is one of OSHA's "Fatal Four" along with falls, getting hit by an object, or getting stuck or caught in equipment or a structure. In 2018, these accounted for more than half of construction industry fatal injuries. For those working on a roof, overhead power lines, wiring, transformers, and even lightning can pose serious risks.
It's important to locate and label all power lines, then train workers to keep ladders and other equipment at a safe distance. If the area of the roof in closest proximity to a power line or a transformer doesn't need to be accessed at all, consider making the area off limits with a safety railing. Work should be stopped immediately if there is lightning in the area.
The type of equipment you're using on the roof will determine what additional rooftop safety equipment you'll need. For example, personal protective equipment like head, face, and eye protection, respiratory devices, or protective clothing like gloves or special footwear may be necessary. OSHA is clear that the employer must pay for PPE and replace it as necessary, with few exceptions. If and when the employee provides his or her own PPE, "... the employer shall be responsible to assure its adequacy, including proper maintenance, and sanitation of such equipment."
Though a burn injury is more rare and less publicized that other rooftop safety considerations, it's essential to protect your employees against them—because they can and do happen. Electrical burns are one risk; hot tar burns are another.
In Oklahoma alone in the 18 year period leading up to 2006, 105 rooftop workers were burned badly enough to require hospitalization. These burns occurred under various circumstances.
When working with tar, there are a variety of safety precautions that may help prevent burns. Ensure workers have appropriate protective clothing, including safety goggles and heat-resistant gloves. When possible, use a pump to get the hot tar from the ground to the roof. If buckets must be used, make sure no one is standing under them as they're hoisted, and never fill them more than three-quarters of the way full. As always, ensure employees are properly trained and clear the area of debris and tripping hazards.
Various roofing materials, like adhesives, asphalt, solvents, and more, may emit fumes that are hazardous to your health. Over time, breathing them in can cause serious illness; in some cases, you might experience an immediate reaction to the fumes, such as a headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, or irritation in the nose or throat.
Workers should be made aware of what products they're using and the potential dangers they pose. Respirators may be required for use alongside some of these chemicals and other materials.
Fall protection systems for roofs are only the first step in protecting your employees. Use an OSHA-compliant safety railing and/or warning line system, a personal fall arrest system, and more. From there, consider the weather, the equipment and materials, and any potential hazards lurking nearby, and equip your workers appropriately to ensure they’re safe not only from falling, but from the other dangers present when working at height.
For more information about rooftop safety equipment, particularly fall protection systems for roofs, contact us. We specialize in OSHA-compliant guardrails, lifelines, safety gates, and more.