Roofing is a dangerous business. Whether a commercial or residential building, no matter how tall that building is, there’s always a risk that a roofer could fall and be seriously injured or killed. Plus, roofs aren’t designed to manage a lot of foot traffic. So, while inspecting roofs and making repairs or completely replacing them is necessary, roofers must strike a delicate balancing act when walking on any roof.
With that in mind, here are 10 essential safety tips for roofers before setting foot on any roof and doing the important work they do:
1. Wear the Right Gear
It’s essential to wear flexible, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement or drapes off your body. Don’t wear ripped clothing to avoid being snagged by a nail or any material on the roof. Invest in quality slip-proof, steel-toe boots, and always wear a Canadian Safety Association-approved helmet or hardhat.
2. Be Aware of the Forecast
Roofing is hazardous work, but attempting to repair a roof in inclement or cold weather ups the ante significantly. Whenever possible, avoid roofing when the weather takes a turn (or is forecast to be unpleasant). Attempting to repair a roof in cold weather raises the risk of slips and falls, while pouring rain and howling wind can send anyone for a tumble.
3. Always Wear a Harness
Never climb a ladder or go topside unless you’re wearing a roof safety harness attached to safety ropes or lanyards that connect your harness to the anchorage. A harness is the one piece of safety equipment that can prevent you from plunging to the ground and suffering a serious injury. Safety regulations may vary by province, but in most provinces, it’s a requirement for a roofer to wear a “fall arrest system” if working at the height of three meters or more and there’s no guardrail installed, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.
4. Secure Your Ladder
Ensure the ladders you use are placed on a flat surface at a safe angle (use a 4:1 ratio; for every four feet up, the ladder should be one foot away from the building) and have a spotter holding the base of the ladder. Don’t use a damaged ladder and ensure it’s free of slippery material on the rungs.
5. Clear the Roof of Debris
Put on gloves and clear off any debris such as leaves and twigs, or snow. If need be, hose the roof off and let it dry before starting work.
6. Be Mindful of Electrical Hazards
Look up and around to ensure no power lines are criss-crossing your work environment. If there are, call the local power utility company and seek their help before proceeding. If avoiding a power line is not possible, be sure not to touch those lines and use a wooden or fibreglass ladder instead of a metal one to access the roof.
7. Take It Slow and Steady
Repairing or replacing a roof takes focus, time, and effort. It’s not a rush job. So, take your time at every stage and work cautiously, methodically, and never work alone. Always exercise caution when using a tool like a pneumatic nail gun. Don’t point it at anyone. Only pull the trigger when the nail gun is pressed against the shingles you are installing. Be sure to disconnect the gun’s air supply and turn it off as soon as you’re done using it.
8. Be Careful with Torch-Applied Roofing
Using torches when heat sealing a roof ups the safety stakes considerably. Torches can reach temperatures of 1093 degrees Celsius or more. Never leave ignited torches unattended, use only approved high-pressure hoses, designate one worker responsible for fire monitoring, and have a dry chemical fire extinguisher within reach. The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association of Ontario also advises ceasing torching activities at least three hours prior to the end of a workday, inspecting the roof for hot spots using an infrared thermometer after work is done, and inspecting the building’s interior before leaving the worksite.
9. Check Your Insurance Policy
It’s imperative to ensure you have roofing insurance before embarking on any project. All roofing contractors need to protect themselves from damage or loss because of an accident or severe weather. Roofing insurance provides financial support if you are sued by a client or other third party for bodily injury or property damage. Although it is not a legal requirement for a roofing contractor to carry insurance, most property owners will expect you to have a policy and show a certificate of insurance.
10. Hold a Team Huddle Before and After Work
Before starting work each day, pull your team together to discuss what everyone’s responsibilities are and ensure they’re all on the same page. Talk about individual assignments for the job at hand, safety requirements, check all equipment before starting, and ensure all safety precautions are met. At the end of the workday, hold another quick team meeting to ensure everything has been shut down correctly and securely stored. Discuss what progress was made, address any safety concerns your team has, and talk about what the next steps in the project will be.
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