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Employees can face a dangerous work environment if safety managers overlook proper ladder safety systems, especially when using indoor to outdoor roof access. That’s why worksite safety audits should always include this part of the facility in their considerations—because having the proper protocols and products is the best way to keep your team members from harm.
What You’ll Get from This Article
The importance of rooftop access safety.
Answers to commonly asked questions about roof hatch safety.
How safety products like an industrial guardrail, a skylight safety rail and scissor stairs can help keep employees safe.
Rooftop access safety is crucial for employee well-being and regulatory compliance. OSHA requires adherence to safety standards such as guideline 1910.23 for ladder safety. Neglecting these measures can result in significant legal and financial consequences for companies.
Using ladder safety systems along with hatch safety equipment should be an essential part of standard operating procedures.
Remember to always reference OSHA, CCOHS, and other local regulations to ensure proper compliance.
Q: Is a roof hatch guardrail important?
A: A roof hatch guardrail is essential in preventing employees from falling from rooftops, and helps maintain compliance with OSHA guidelines (see 1910.23(e)). It also combines well with a roof access ladder security door in case unauthorized individuals try to access the rooftop.
Here’s an example of a situation where these guardrails can help:
On a cold morning, Oscar needed to access the roof as he was performing his morning inspection. In a rush to complete his morning routine and ignoring the sign on the roof access ladder security door noting slippery conditions, Oscar slipped on the lip of the roof hatch as he made his way outside to the roof. His Safety Manager had worked with the team to ensure roof hatch guardrails were installed as a fall protection for roofs on their worksite a week prior to Oscar’s accident so he wasn’t injured.
Q: What are the best practices for ladder safety systems?
A: Best practices for ladder safety systems include regular inspection before and after use, maintaining three points of contact while climbing, and ensuring the ladder is secure on a level surface.
Here’s an example of a situation where a ladder safety system could help:
One day, Steve needed to inspect the roof before he left for the day. Eager to go home, he quickly read through his safety SOP and realized he almost forgot to inspect the ladder before ascending to the roof. During his check he noticed a sticky spot had been left on the ladder and was able to have it cleaned off before he went any further. If Steve hadn’t taken the time to use his ladder safety system, he may have lost his footing due to the substance on the ladder.
Q: What type of ladder or stairs should you use with a roof hatch?
A: A roof hatch with scissor stairs or a fixed staircase is a great option to maximize fall protection for stairs.
Here’s an example of a situation where scissor staircase could help:
Jaime was put in charge of deciding the best way to access the indoor to outdoor rooftop at his warehouse. In a hurry to get something in place so his team could start work on the roof, he decided to have an extension ladder installed to be attached to the roof hatch.
What Jaime didn’t realize was that an extension ladder is only for infrequent use, and this was going to be a high traffic access point for his employees. A safety audit determined that the extension ladder should be switched for scissor stairs before anyone was injured, but Jaime was mandated to take more training courses due to the oversight.
Below, you’ll find a list of products that are effective for rooftop safety. Keep in mind, proper training programs should be implemented to ensure employees use them correctly.
Effective Products for Rooftop Safety
Industrial guardrails: These roof hatch guardrails are important for fall protection for roofs and are critical not only for OSHA compliance but for the safety of all employees on the worksite. They’ll also be more versatile than permanent guardrails as they can be added and removed from temporary workspace.
Hatch Defender: A non penetrating fall protection solution designed specifically for rooftop hatches with a unique compression attachment system that requires no drilling.
Bluewater by Tractel specializes in industrial guardrails, roof access ladder security doors, ladder safety systems, and other fall protection for roofs to help companies fulfill their mission without compromising on safety or efficiency. If you have questions or would like to request a quote, contact us today and one of our knowledgeable fall protection specialists will be happy to assist you.