By Alvin Curtis
Americans are most at risk from accidents when they work at heights above the ground. It is extremely dangerous to work on roofing systems, especially if they are old. Old decking workers should be aware of these safety issues. Old structures can easily break and become brittle. A fall could be caused by a single wrong step. Additional risks are increased by the level of inclination, loose material and unstable surfaces. Safety guidelines must be considered when considering a roofing project. Otherwise, it is a good idea to call a professional roofer at A Old Time Roofing for assistance.
These are some guidelines to follow when working with an old roof:
- Safety Compliance Before climbing up a roof, make sure you are following all codes and regulations. This includes the use of safety equipment such as personal protective equipment and edge protection.
- Examine the overall condition. Any area that is fragile or unable to support the weight should be checked.
- Pitch – Determine the pitch (degree of inclines). Extra precautions should be taken for steeper roofs.
- Check for any access to the roof. An entry point must be strong enough for supplies and workers to access.
- Ladder: Ensure proper use of a ladder
- Gutter Guard Use gutter guards for ladder safety
- Shoes To provide better traction, wear rubber-soled shoes.
- Tool handling – Make sure all tools and materials are secured on the roof. This is to ensure that nothing falls on the ground and does not cause injury.
- Fall Protection System Always use a fall protection system on an old roof to reduce the risk.
- Training Untrained personnel or those with limited knowledge of roofing should not be allowed on any roof.
- Governmental Regulations Determine all applicable safety guidelines and rules. These regulations are essential and must be complied with.
- In Wet Weather – Do not climb in wet conditions. Workers are more likely to slip on roofs when it is wet or rainy.
- Common Sense – It is essential to use common sense. Without common sense, safety programs and regulations will not provide sufficient protection.
Safety Guidelines Are Important
It is important to not take for granted the safety measures required when working at heights. Negligence or ignoring safety guidelines can lead to serious injuries or death for workers. Overconfidence or ignorance about safety rules results in approximately 37 roofers being killed annually. More than any other problem, falling is the biggest in the construction industry. It is very dangerous to work on a roof because anything could happen. No matter how large or small the roofing project, it is important to take preventative measures to avoid any injuries or deaths.
It is extremely dangerous to walk on old roofing structures. A single mistake could result in property damage and injury. Wood decks too old should not be stepped on or walked over because of its fragility. Safety can also compromise productivity.
To avoid serious injuries or damage to your roof, you must always put safety first. To ensure the job is done safely, anyone who has not worked on old roofs should seek the guidance of a professional A Old Time Roofing contractor.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which offers the best Pinellas County roofing! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
