General Rooftop Fall Protection Tips

When anyone needs to perform tasks on a rooftop, there are certain things that should be taken into consideration at those heights. Due to the wide variety of fall hazards that are present on the roof of a building, it’s always nice to have a quick reference list of basic rooftop fall protection guidelines.  The following list covers some of the general things that should be taken into consideration while accessing a rooftop workspace.    

• At minimum, have two people working on a roof together at one time. NEVER WORK ON A ROOF ALONE.
• Consider roof angles, roof materials, and how that may impact traction while moving. 
• All types of weather have an impact.
• Extreme heat can cause dehydration and increase the potential for heat stroke. Very bright sunshine can cause glare and balance problems.
• Extreme cold can make it harder for workers to physically move and those temperatures can increase the chances for hypothermia.
• Fog can reduce visibility and leave a thin layer of moisture on walking surfaces.
• Use all PPE as required by OSHA in compliance with the work tasks on site.
• Use recommended and reliable tie-off points whenever exposed to a fall hazard. 
• Use a flexible (but reliable) anchorage point whenever possible to prevent broken connection points.
• Pickup Truck Rule: If the anchorage point can support the weight of a pickup truck without failing, then that anchorage would be considered a useable, non-certified anchorage point.
• Train employees appropriately in the use, fitting, inspection, and care of fall protection systems.
• If the harness is uncomfortable when worn properly, consider buying different harnesses that meet the employee’s needs. Temperatures of working conditions, duration of time that the worker will need to be wearing the harness, and harness material are major factors in harness comfort.
• Always maintain 100% tie-off. A majority of falls occur during work positioning when people disconnect from one anchorage to re-connect to another one.
• Have a rescue plan in the event that a worker has an unintended loss of balance and needs to be rescued post fall arrest.

Until the next time, stay safe up there!

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