Springtime means flowers in bloom, birds returning north, and perhaps best of all, baseball is back.
What we don’t like to talk about is that it also means spring cleaning. With the sun shining and ice melting, commercial, institutional, and industrial building maintenance workers need to access the roof to see what winter has wrought on heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (HVAC), and other equipment. Is there damage, rust, or blocked drainage? What maintenance and repairs need to be done?
Something else we do not like to mention but must be aware of is the dangers of working on a roof. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, work-related loss of life due to falls, slips, and trips increased by 1.8% in 2022 compared to 2021. Of these 865 fatalities, 81% were the result of falls to a lower level.
Springtime also provides the perfect conditions between the extreme temperatures of winter and summer to usher in the roofing season, an ideal time when materials adhere and seal effectively. Before anyone springs into action, it is imperative that safe and compliant rooftop fall protection systems and equipment are in place so that your workers do not become statistics.
Closing in on safe roof access.
Roof hatches, stairs, and ladder kits are different ways for workers to reach the rooftop. What they should all have in common is integrating a self-closing safety gate with a guardrail system to prevent workers from falling back down through the transition opening.
Gates are constructed of strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. They can also be powder-coated for high visibility so workers can quickly identify access points. A spring-loaded hinge ensures the gate closes behind the worker after passing through.
Securing the perimeter.
Before workers inspect or service equipment on the roof, they must be aware that an unprotected roof edge would be the clearest and most dangerous hazard. A perimeter guardrail system is the preferred means of fall protection for flat and low-slope roofs. It protects several workers at once without the need for special equipment or training.
A modular, freestanding system provides OSHA-compliant protection and installs easily without penetrating the roof membrane. It is comprised of pipe-fitted railings, which can be lightweight aluminum or hot-dipped galvanized steel. Both types are strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant. Types of roof edge guardrail systems include:
- Permanent systems customized for each rooftop with the intent for long-lasting protection.
- Portable railing sets designed for temporary or infrequent use.
- Parapet railing systems to bolster fall protection and ensure the barrier is at the proper height.
- Metal roof guardrails to adapt to corrugated and standing seam roofs.
Stepping above the fray.
Roofs are filled with obstacles like pipes, conduits, cables, and ducts. Roof surfaces can be wet, cluttered with debris, and slippery. An anti-slip roof walkway provides a safe, expedient path for workers to traverse the roof and protects the roof surface from repeated foot traffic.
Walkways can be fitted with guardrails to enhance fall protection near roof edges, openings, and other hazards. A roof crossover is an ingenious combination guardrail on both sides of steps and a platform fitted with anti-slip walkway treads. A crossover allows a worker to go up and over obstructions and can also be designed to navigate roof-level changes.
Shining but not falling through.
Skylights are popular because they allow natural light to shine inside the building from above. However, they usually cannot support the weight of even one worker, so OSHA considers them a hole in the roof. A skylight screen or guardrail will protect workers from falling through while keeping the sun shining in.
Walking the line.
Active fall arrest systems are another important aspect of rooftop safety, and a horizontal lifeline is a prime example. It uses a stainless steel cable to create spans up to 39 ft. between OSHA-compliant anchor posts and can accommodate up to three workers at once.
Lighthouse Safety
Getting You Home
