Here are some of the top roof safety concerns, along with solutions to consider:
Keeping unauthorized people off the roof is much easier than ensuring their safety once they are there. Access to the roof should be restricted. Keep any doorway leading to the roof locked. If you are operating a hotel, a shopping center, or other public facility you may also want to locate a surveillance camera in the area. Even the presence of a mock camera can deter would-be explorers from venturing onto the roof. Additionally, having a pre established list of who can and cannot be on the roof will help to mitigate future issues.
The biggest danger inherent on roofs is simply the distance to the ground. Many commercial buildings are high enough that falling from them is most likely to be fatal. Here are some ways to prevent such a tragedy:
OSHA addresses rooftop fall protection in their CFR 1926 standard. Specifically, CFR1926, Subpart M, section 500 covers many of the aspects of fall protection that apply to a rooftop environment. We highly recommend studying the OSHA roof safety requirements thoroughly in order to keep falls to a minimum.
A slippery roof is a dangerous roof. If the surface of your roof is slippery, you may need to establish designated walkways lined with non-slip material. If this is impossible, be sure to post warnings and supply workers with appropriate safety devices. Walkways, platforms, stairs, and ramps are also a good idea to install in order to provide your maintenance professionals with easy access to equipment.
A standard dark asphalt or rubber roof can reach temperatures in excess of 150° on a hot summer day. This poses a real danger to anyone working on the roof. It is a good idea to schedule routine maintenance and inspections during cooler times of the year or day. If rooftop repairs must take place under extremely hot conditions, monitor workers closely for heat-related illness. Hosing the roof down with cool water if possible may help prevent undue heat exposure. For a longer-term solution, consider a light-colored “cool” roof when it is time for roof replacement.
Snow accumulations on a flat roof can cause serious roof safety issues and can damage a building’s structure. This is especially true of older commercial buildings in northern climates. Before energy efficiency became a big concern, buildings were often designed to let the rising heat of the building melt off the snow load. Added insulation can result in snow accumulations heavy enough to cause roof collapse. Before adding insulation to a roof, have a structural engineer inspect the structure, and reinforce as necessary.
It is often necessary to remove snow from rooftops in areas that receive heavy snow. Be sure snow equipment is easily accessible, and mark designated work areas in such a way that they are visible above the snow line. You will also need to ensure that snow blown or pushed off the roof does not cause injury or damage below.
Built up ice can also pose safety hazards. Falling ice can harm people and property, and the ice itself can damage the building as it melts and refreezes. Rooftop ice dams and icicles usually indicate poor energy efficiency. Properly insulating and air sealing before the cold season begins can save significant heating expense as well as mitigating danger. If the ice is already present, it may be necessary to place safety tape around an area prone to falling ice until the danger is past.
In addition, proper training is an essential element of rooftop safety. OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign recommends a 3-step “plan, provide, train” approach:
Incorporating these ideas into your roof safety routine, along with additional measures such as developing a safety checklist and implementing a buddy system for rooftop visits, can go a long way toward preventing accidents on your roof.