3 General Safety Advice
Working on a roof can be a daunting and dangerous task. The roofs of homes and commercial buildings aren’t designed with foot traffic in mind, yet repairs and inspections require just that. Whether you are working on a new construction site or installing solar panels, safety should be your number one priority. Using proper precautions and life-saving safety equipment can help you and your employees avoid common accidents while working on a roof. Here are three general roofing safety advice from a roofing contractor.
Keep the Work Area Clear and Note Any Hazards
Make sure the work area is clean, organized, and blocked off from any passersby. Note any potentially dangerous area within the work site, both on the roof and the ground, including power lines, unsafe access points, skylights, or any spot on the roof that appears damaged. You should also avoid working on a roof during extreme conditions. Rain, sleet, or snow increase the risk of potential falls, while high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, and stroke and cause damage to your equipment.
Strap in With a Harness
A roofing safety harness is part of an entire personal fall arrest system. It includes the harness, lanyard, rope-grab, rope, and a roof anchor. Choose the appropriate harness and system for your job site. Work conditions can vary, and harnesses are not one-size-fits-all. Take the height of the building you are working on into consideration. Depending on the height of the structure, you may need to use retractable lanyards instead of fixed lengths.
Make Sure to Stay Hydrated
Rather than drinking large amounts of water all at once, ensure your employees drink smaller amounts of water throughout the work day. Provide a water cooler or water bottles for employees to drink during their breaks to cool off.
To learn about the services and products we can provide you with a roofing contractor, and if you live in or around the Newport News, VA region, please feel free to call Delmar Roofing & Repairs, LLC at (757) 272-9294 anytime.