5 Best Practices for Roofing Safety

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It’s no secret that roofing can be a dangerous task. One small mistake can lead to catastrophic results, which makes it imperative to follow safety best practices. 

It may feel like being safe can slow down the job, but it doesn’t have to. Here are 5 best practices for roofing safety. 

  1. Get the proper equipment.

Roofing tie-off systems, roof brackets, and liftable dump trailers can all help improve roofing safety.  A tie-off system typically involves an anchor nailed to the roof or a mobile, freestanding anchor that is unattached to the roof. The roofers then attach their harnesses to lanyards that are attached to the rings on these stationary or mobile anchors. Tie-off systems provide extra stability for your crew. 

It’s also important to keep your tools in place. Roof brackets, or roof jacks, attach to the roof under shingles and allow roofers to rest two-by-fours on top. This can serve as a shelf for tools and helps prevent them from falling off the roof edge.

Liftable dump trailers are used to catch tear-off debris and prevent it from falling on the lawn. This also reduces the risk of clean-up crews getting injured by stepping on stray nails or picking up torn decking. 

2. Wear the proper clothing.

It’s essential to wear the proper footwear when working on a roof. Shoes with a large outsole surface area ensure better grip, and it’s recommended to avoid cleats of any kind. It’s also important to stay cool on hotter days, so look for clothing made of moisture-wicking fabric to help sweat evaporate faster. 

3. Check the weather forecast.

It may seem obvious to avoid roofing under certain weather conditions such as snow or high winds. But rain and humidity can pose a serious threat to roofing safety by creating a slippery surface. Hotter temperatures can add a level of danger by softening shingles and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Be sure to check the forecast ahead of time to plan the workday around cool, calm weather. 

4. Use ladders safely.

Be sure to check your ladders for any damage before you use them and ensure they meet all the local codes and regulations. Proper set-up is also essential, so make sure it’s placed on level ground and secured at the top. The ladder should extend 3 feet above the edges of the roof so that you have something to hold onto when you climb down. When climbing down, be sure to face the ladder and take one rung at a time. 

5. Strap in with a harness.

Use a roofing safety harness to ensure that if you slip, you’re protected. Be sure you have all aspects of a personal fall arrest system, including the harness, lanyard, rope-grab, rope, and roof anchor. Work conditions can vary, and harnesses are not one-size-fits-all – so choose the best harness for your work site. 

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