|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
|
|
Product Code:
|
Every season presents unique challenges for maintenance and repairs on an industrial building. Rooftop fall protection is essential year-round, but winter can be an especially difficult and risky time for workers to be on a roof for many reasons. A metal guard rail around the perimeter can help keep crews safe during rooftop snow removal, just like it helps with fall protection during warmer months. But you also need to be concerned about the fall protection challenges that winter conditions can present on ladders, around roof openings, and uneven surfaces. Plus, you have to keep workers protected from environmental factors that may compromise their safety.
Whether winter is right around the corner, or you’re staying ahead of the game and preparing your rooftops during the farer weather of spring and summer for the rougher seasons ahead, it’s always the “right time” to review and implement the proper fall protection equipment on your industrial rooftop.
When you think about snow removal from a flat industrial roof, obviously a big safety issue is simply working at height. While the rooftop edge is certainly more than 4' above the ground below, which is the point at which OSHA requirements for fall protection begin, other hazards that may be present on your rooftop also require attention, particularly in the winter. Following are the main hazards you should be focused on to keep workers safe during rooftop snow removal:
Your commercial rooftop is only designed to handle a certain amount of weight before the strain takes a toll. When snow accumulates on your roof, those limits may be reached and even exceeded. And the addition of employees and snow removal equipment on top of that mass of snow could cause roof failure. Not only is heavy snow an issue for the roof and building's structure as it falls, snow melt can cause water damage to the roof, increasing both the risk of falls and of injury from falling materials in the interior.
Removing snow from an industrial rooftop is no easy feat, and the proper tools and equipment are a must. But that same equipment can pose a threat to employees. A misplaced shovel could trip someone or cause them to slip and fall. The use of snow blowers can reduce visibility of edges or other hazards, and clearing a clogged blower can result in injury if not performed in compliance with the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
Although many industrial rooftops offer access through an internal port, stairway door, or other opening, heavy snow may prohibit its use. An external fixed ladder may be used to access the rooftop, but workers must use extreme caution. Fall protection on ladders leading to the rooftop is essential. Snow and ice build-up need to be removed and workers should use a ladder safety system and 3-point climbing technique to remain continuous safety on the ladder.
An unprotected roof edge is always a dangerous place for workers, even when conditions are ideal. When the rooftop is covered with snow and ice and the wind is blowing, the edge is even more dangerous. A guard rail system installed around the perimeter of a low-slope roof may provide adequate leading edge protection. If safety rails aren't feasible for some reason, you may need to incorporate active fall protection devices into your safety plan.
When snow coats the roof of a building, all of the openings can effectively disappear from view. Even if workers are familiar with the roof, they can get seriously injured by unseen features in the snow. If there isn't proper fall protection in place, skylights, hatches, and any other roof holes become a fall hazard for unsuspecting employees. This is an especially dangerous issue when snow suddenly covers a construction or repair site on the roof, leaving a hole that can't be seen. Ensure that all opening and surfaces that a worker might fall through are protected by screens, rails, or other OSHA-compliant equipment (see below), and consider marking its location with flags that will be visible above the level of deep snowfall.
When the winter winds blow, rooftop snow removal is an even more dangerous proposition. Wind can become intense, limiting visibility and hearing, making falls and trips more likely. Bitter cold temperatures make it difficult for workers to perform their tasks effectively and mistakes can easily be made. Equipment and tools can be affected by the cold weather as well, which means snow removal takes more time and energy. Fatigue and distraction are always unsafe, so make sure your snow removal team works in short enough shifts to avoid these dangers.
Once you've identified the potential risks your workers will face when removing snow from your rooftop, you need to mitigate those dangers. That begins with developing a plan to address the hazards present for workers and others on site and installing the proper rooftop fall protection equipment for your application. Some of your options include:
One of the most common forms of rooftop fall protection is a metal guard rail. Because they are so versatile, you can install a metal guard rail around the perimeter of the roof, around skylights and roof openings, and around rooftop equipment like HVAC systems. OSHA-compliant safety rails should adhere to the requirements set forth in OSHA 1910.29 for height, strength, durability, and construction.
Safety rails will protect your roof's perimeter and restrict entry to other areas of your rooftop. However, you also need to provide access to authorized personnel in order for them to safely do their jobs. One of the most effective ways to do this is with a self-closing swing gate. This type of gate can be used at a ladder entrance, to protect a rooftop access opening, or for access to equipment and other restricted spaces when used in conjunction with guard rails.
In addition to a metal guard rail and safety gate, it may be wise for workers to use a harness, lanyard, and lifeline for rooftop snow removal. This additional layer of fall protection can help minimize the threat of slip and fall accidents on icy, snowy roof surfaces. A lifeline system can also guide workers in low visibility circumstances such as gusting winds and blowing, drifting snow.
Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can make outdoor work of any kind difficult at best. For employees who are tasked with rooftop snow removal, the weather creates a host of risks that need to be addressed. Fall protection is among the most important aspects of rooftop snow removal. Identifying fall hazards, installing adequate fall protection equipment, using fall protection on ladders, and providing ongoing safety training to workers is essential.
From OSHA-compliant passive fall protection like a metal guard rail and self-closing safety gate, to active fall protection like harnesses and lifelines, rely on the expertise of BlueWater. Contact us today to speak to one of our safety experts about your industrial rooftop snow removal fall protection needs, and to discuss plans for keeping your employees safer all year round.