Osha Regulations On Flat Roofs

Osha defines what fall protection is required based on how close employees are to the edge of the roof.

Osha regulations on flat roofs.

Except as otherwise provided in paragraph b of this section each employee engaged in roofing activities on low slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems safety net systems personal fall arrest systems or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system warning line system and. Subpart m 1926 501 b 10 of the osha construction standards specifies that under certain conditions roofing work can be conducted with a warning line in place 6 feet from the edge and a safety monitoring system. If safety mesh is used ensure it. The occupational safety and health administration has set new guidelines for inspecting commercial roofs.

Proper fall protection measures personal protective equipment ppe and adhering to safe work practices can protect workers from fall hazards. Roofing work poses safety risks for workers because of the high heights involved in installing roofs. Osha regulations for roofing focus on fall protection equipment to help protect the safety and health of roofing workers. Appropriate lifting technique for long roof conforms to as nzs 4389 2015 roof safety mesh is installed by a competent person in a safe manner and in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions.

Staging on the roof surface to spread the loads safety mesh secured under fragile roofing or skylights. What distances from the rooftop for fall protection. There are osha rules defining safe distances from the edge of a roof and the degree of protection required. Osha standards frequently cited during fy 2013 inspections of roofing contractors naics 238160 rank by number of citations issued categories standard 1 duty to have fall protection 1926 501 2 ladder safety 1926 1053 3 fall protection training requirements 1926 503 4 eye and face protection 1926 102 5 general scaffold requirements 1926 451 6.

Falls from flat roof edges can be prevented by simple edge protection arrangements a secure double guardrail and toeboard around the edge. If you choose to walk on a roof without these you will be out of compliance with osha regulations and subject to fines. Always follow a safe system of work using a platform beneath the roof where possible. Figuring out how to work on a roof without fall protection is easier than you think.

For work on flat or low sloped roofs osha requires fall protection. Single unit monolithic roofing applied to flat roofs may seem safer to some roof workers but the work is still at height and subject to many similar hazards and safety requirements as sloped roof work. Osha regulations for commercial roof inspections.