In any commercial environment, mistakes can lead to severe injuries, especially on a roof where potential injuries can often be life-threatening. Safety measures are vital to keeping personnel safe, avoiding negative publicity, and minimizing liability risks. Follow this comprehensive commercial roofing safety checklist for installation, repair, and remodeling projects.
Plan With Commercial Roofing Safety in Mind
Safety must be an integral part of every project step for workers and project supervisors. At United Contracting & Roofing LLC, we prioritize safety in all our projects.
Determine Safe Access Points to the Roof
Choosing the safest roof access is one of the most important decisions. Some commercial flat roofing has available access points, but most roofs do not. This generally means adding methods to reach the work area, such as:
- Lifts
- Scaffolding
- Extension ladders
- Roof hatches with stairs
Ensure Secure Material Transport Lines
Once a plan is in place for getting the work team onto the roof, the next step is determining how to transport the materials necessary for the project. Depending on the scope of roofing installation, repairs, or replacement, many items must be readily available on the roof or nearby:
- Roofing materials and pallets
- Roof installation equipment, including air compressors, pressure washers, circular saws, etc.
- Roof disposal bins
- Heating systems
Use Guardrails Rated for Commercial Roofing Safety Requirements
A guardrail provides passive fall protection for roof workers. Install these protection systems at least six feet from the roof’s edge. Guardrails must be able to handle impacts of at least 200 pounds.
Equip Workers With Fall Protection Harnesses
Virtually all commercial roofing projects require using a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). OSHA regulations require PFAS harnesses for all commercial roofing technicians working within six feet of roof edges or ledges. To meet safety standards, a PFAS must consist of:
- Safety harness
- Roof anchor
- Lanyard or lifeline
Provide and Require Personal Protective Equipment
Contractors must provide high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) for personnel. On roofing projects, PPE generally includes:
- Work gloves
- Protective eyewear and hearing protection
- Steel-toed work boots
- Appropriate clothing and safety vests
- Hard hats
Perform a Thorough Pre-Project Safety Check
Before beginning a roofing project, supervisors should perform a safety check of the roofing surface, noting work hazards such as:
- Pipes, refrigeration lines, or cables
- Shafts
- Vents
- Damaged or weak areas of roofing
- HVAC equipment
Consider Environmental Concerns for Worker Safety
Climate should enter the discussion when planning roofing projects and personnel safety. In the Southeast, elevated temperatures and humidity put roofing workers at risk for dehydration and heat exhaustion. There should be a policy in place to encourage adequate hydration and periodic breaks.
Provide Commercial Roofing Safety Training
Roof safety should never be the responsibility of individual workers to implement. Contractors must have clear rules in place for their teams, providing training for PFAS, PPE, and other equipment.
Assign Project Responsibilities Ahead of Time
Once the project begins, every team member should understand their responsibilities. Professional roofing companies often hold short daily sessions to delegate responsibilities, improving efficiency and productivity.
Choose a Team With an Excellent Reputation for Commercial Roofing Safety
Only trained and certified personnel should be allowed near commercial roofs. Everyone involved in a project must follow safety guidelines to the letter. That’s one reason why choosing fully licensed, bonded, and insured professionals is vital.To learn more about the differences between commercial and industrial roofing, click here.
