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As the snow melted this spring, your thoughts likely turned to all those spring cleaning tasks that need to be done in and around your commercial warehouse. Your building’s rooftop is an area of particular concern since it provides protection for the structure as well as a home for vital equipment like your HVAC system. Clearing debris from and performing maintenance tasks on your roof in the early spring ensures your facility is ready for the warmer months ahead. However, the risks of a fall increase during these vital activities, and it's vital that you incorporate rooftop fall protection systems such as OSHA compliant handrails / a guardrail system. Here we will discuss the places on your rooftop that may create risk for your employees and the best solutions to maintain their safety.
The winter months can be hard on your warehouse roof. Snow and ice trap debris, which accumulates on the roof membrane. In the spring, it's important to thoroughly clean your roof to remove the debris and eliminate any pools of water or snow that remain. This will ensure a longer lifespan for your roof and decrease the need for expensive repairs over time. Employees who perform roof cleaning are exposed to several risks including the following:
There are a number of instances that may require workers to get dangerously close to the leading edge. For example, in order to inspect, clean, and repair gutters, workers may have to get close to the leading edge and may even need to reach or lean over the edge. This presents a precarious situation that could lead to a fall if the worker is not using the proper leading edge fall protection equipment.
Getting up to the rooftop can be a dangerous proposition, especially on a fixed ladder that's exposed to the elements. Slippery conditions make climbing and descending particularly hazardous. When carrying tools, equipment, or supplies, employees are at a higher risk of falls. Entrances to ladders and stairways also present a fall hazard if left unattended and unprotected.
Access to many warehouse roofs involves climbing a fixed ladder that leads to a roof hatch. When closed, the hatch is strong enough to handle being walked on without fail. However, an open roof hatch is a serious fall hazard. If someone walks over the opening, they could easily fall through to the level below and sustain injuries. Open hatches also increase the risk of injury due to falling objects.
Although necessary to provide natural lighting to your warehouse, skylights are among the most dangerous rooftop fall hazards. When covered with debris, materials, or other items, they become virtually invisible. An employee may easily mistake the skylight for the solid surface of the roof and step on it. This can result in the skylight breaking and the employee falling into the space below.
Your commercial HVAC unit, filtration, and other essential systems are likely on your warehouse roof to maximize efficiency and space. However, most times these units are placed close to the leading edge, and accessing the areas around these massive structures is dangerous. Even so, it's vital that these systems are serviced to ensure they are ready for the warm weather.
Whether your employees are removing debris, working with the rooftop equipment, or cleaning the roof membrane, safety is of paramount importance. OSHA requirements state that you must provide fall protection any time workers must perform their duties at a height of 4' or more above the previous level. It does not, however, specify what rooftop safety equipment you must use to accomplish this. Some of the most common solutions are listed below, but keep in mind that you may need to customize your approach based on your building's specifics.
Guardrails are the most widely used fall protection device for a warehouse roof leading edge as well as for protecting rooftop equipment. Whether you choose a modular guardrail or a permanent guardrail, it must meet strict OSHA standards. For example, a warehouse guardrail must be at least 42" tall (plus or minus 3"), be able to withstand a downward force of 200 lbs. without fail and be constructed of smooth material that won't snag or scratch workers.
Because they are so delicate and dangerous, it's important to protect your skylights with an OSHA-compliant skylight screen that is designed to handle being stepped on without allowing the glass to break. Alternatively, you may install an OSHA-compliant guardrail around the skylight to prevent access. If neither of these options are feasible then you must provide a fall restraint system or other personal fall protection device.
A self-closing safety gate installed at the entrance of a stairway, ladder, or uneven rooftop surface will provide superb fall protection. Not only will a safety gate minimize the risk of falls, but it will also encourage workers to slow down and pay more attention. Additionally, a safety gate will protect your roof from unauthorized access. Bear in mind that safety gates must meet the same standards as your warehouse guardrail.
When your employees and contractors are up on your warehouse’s roof performing spring cleaning and maintenance, they need to be protected from falls. Regardless of the type of roof you have or how often it's accessed, installing OSHA-compliant rooftop fall protection systems is vital. Not sure what rooftop safety equipment is best suited for your building?
Contact us at BlueWater and one of our qualified safety specialists will be happy to discuss our rooftop fall protection systems. We'll find the right rooftop safety equipment for you, whether it's OSHA compliant handrails or a modular guardrail system, that provides exceptional fall protection and ensures compliance with your local and federal safety regulations.