Safety Tips for Working on a Roof

Did you know that rooftop falls are responsible for a third of fatal construction falls? Rooftop falls can be a “perfect storm” when it comes to falling hazards, because oftentimes they are from a height high enough to cause serious injury, but low enough that you have little time to react or re-position yourself.

Rooftop falls happen too often, and when they do, they are incredibly dangerous. Understanding the hazards and planning appropriate controls are important steps in reducing the risk.

Four Common Rooftop Hazards

Canada's Occupational Health & Safety Magazine defines the following as the most common hazards you will face when working on a rooftop.

1. Unsecured Access Points

Did you know that many rooftop accidents and injuries don't occur on the rooftop at all, but happen while accessing it? Proper training on ladder and climbing safety is an extremely important part of rooftop safety. Accidents can happen on the way up and on the way down, so always make sure you're properly secured and taking the right steps, even when the day is over and you're excited to get down and head home. And remember, ALWAYS ensure your equipment used to access the roof is properly stabilized and the roof itself is inspected and safe.

2. Roof Construction and Equipment

The roof itself and how it is built can also present a hazard. Things like pipes and vents installed on the roof can be tripping hazards or may damage your gear or tools. Roofs may also have variable heights, soft spots, cracks or loose material that can cause you to lose your footing. Because of this, it's extremely important to always be aware of your surroundings when working on a roof. Follow the assessed access route and work plan, and stop if you encounter an unexpected surface condition.

3. Obstructed Views and Poor Edge Awareness

When working on a rooftop, always keep the edge location in the back of your mind. Try to avoid the edge being out of your line of vision as much as possible, and when working in areas that block your view of the edge, be aware and proceed with extra caution. If you're working in a darker environment, proper lighting must be used to provide a brightly lit workspace. Far too often workers approach the edge without realizing or assume the edge is much farther away than it actually is - Even if you think you have more than enough space, it can creep up on you faster than you think!

4. Structural Failure

As we mentioned in #1, it's important that rooftops be assessed before workers access them, but damage may not always be obvious. Do not test a questionable roof by walking on it or shifting your weight onto it. If you question the strength or structural integrity of the roof, stop, keep clear of the area, and have it assessed by a qualified person before work proceeds. Workers should understand the site’s procedures for unsafe roof conditions and emergencies.

Fall Protection Equipment and Proper Use

Keeping these hazards in mind and planning controls is only one aspect of protecting yourself and your employees. Properly selected fall protection equipment is another important part of rooftop safety. Equipment must be appropriate for the task and used as part of the site’s fall protection plan, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fall protection requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the hazards present. Confirm the requirements for your worksite rather than relying on a single height threshold. A roofer’s kit is not automatically a complete solution for every roof: equipment compatibility, suitable anchorage, fall clearance, access, and rescue arrangements must also be considered. Hercules offers a range of fall protection equipment, and our team can discuss your application and equipment needs.

It’s not enough just to put on fall protection equipment and call it a day. The equipment must be selected, inspected, and used properly.

Fall Protection Training With Hercules

No amount of safety tips will ever replace proper training! The Hercules Training Academy offers a Fall Protection course that provides students with fundamental knowledge of working at heights safely. Review the current course overview and discuss your worksite and training requirements with our team.

Course Topics

• Regulations
• Hazard assessments
• Pre-use inspections
• Calculating fall distance
• Donning a harness
• Selecting fall protection equipment
• Fall protection plans and procedures
• Selecting anchor points
• Ladders
• Elevated Work Platforms
• Suspension trauma

Course Format

The program is a combination of theory and demonstration. Students are evaluated by means of a written test. Upon successful completion of the program, a certificate will be issued.

Certification Validity

3 Years

Duration

1 Day

Training Location

Training is delivered at the Hercules Training Academy or can also be delivered on-site.