It goes without saying that roofing is a risky industry—but commercial roofing is even more dangerous than residential work because the buildings are taller and the pitches can be steeper.
This post will cover how roofing contractors stay safe on the job.
Essential safety precautions
Thankfully, commercial roofing doesn’t have to be a life-threatening job. Here are safety precautions roofing contractors need to take while at work:
- Safety training: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires all employers to undergo safety training prior to their first day on the job. These training courses cover everything from using the safety equipment outlined below to recognizing signs of roofing hazards.
- Perimeter flags: The first step roofing contractors take is installing perimeter flags to establish a safe work zone that’s 6 feet from the edge on all sides of the roof. These bright flags and rope lines ensure that workers won’t get too close to the edge and risk falling off.
- Access ladders: Whether it’s because the workers aren’t paying attention while climbing the ladder or the ladder isn’t secure, falling off ladders is the leading cause of jobsite injuries in the commercial roofing industry. OSHA has material, weight limit and protective feature requirements for all commercial roofing work sites.
- Roof hatch rails: Many commercial roofs have hatches that can lead to deadly falls if roofers aren’t careful. That’s why OSHA mandates that any roof hatches have railings to keep workers away from the openings.
Commercial roofing safety gear
Professionals also have quite a few items of safety gear that reduce the risk of injuries and accidents. You’ll find this equipment at all commercial roofing work sites:
- Guardrail systems: Along with the perimeter flags mentioned above, we’ll often set up guard rails a few feet from the roof’s edge. Like the roof hatch rails, these rails are just one extra safety measure to prevent falls.
- Safety nets: You’ve probably seen massive pieces of mesh hanging off the sides of commercial buildings. These are safety nets and are designed to catch workers if they fall off the roof. There are quite a few regulations around what the nets can be made of, where they need to be hung and how often they need to be tested.
- Personal fall arrest systems: A personal fall arrest (PFA) system is a body harness worn by roofers that’s attached to a roof anchor with a lanyard. PFAs must be rated to hold the weight of the worker and any of the tools they’re working with. These PFAs should also be tested regularly to ensure they’re in good shape.
Trust Manada Roofing Inc. for your roofing needs
From residential work to commercial projects, Manada Roofing Inc. is the best in the roofing business. Our roofing contractors have years of experience, so you can trust that your new commercial roof will be installed correctly and that no accidents will occur on the job. Contact our team today to get a quote for our services.