Equipment and Tools – The Roofer's Helper

Roof Safety Guide: How to Prevent Falls and Stay Safe on Sloped Roofs

Rich Prue — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:46:41 +0000

It doesn’t take much. A bad step. A loose shingle. An unstable ladder.

Whether you’re a roofer, insurance adjuster, home inspector, homeowner, or anyone else accessing a roof, the risk is real. A roof may look “walkable,” but steep pitch, loose debris, brittle shingles, wet surfaces, and unstable ladders can quickly turn a routine inspection into a serious fall.

For professional roofers, it’s part of the job. For everyone else, it may only happen occasionally. But the danger is the same.

Roofing remains one of the deadliest occupations in America, and falls continue to be the leading cause of serious injury and death. The good news? Many roof falls are preventable with better planning, better equipment, and better habits.

This guide breaks down the most common roof hazards, what OSHA requires for companies, and what tools can help make sloped roof access safer, even when they aren’t legally required.

Roofing Is Still One of America’s Deadliest Jobs

Roofing consistently ranks among the most dangerous trades in the country. In 2023, the industry recorded 134 workplace fatalities, and 110 of those involved falls, slips, or trips. That means more than 80% of roofing deaths were fall-related.

Fatalities are only part of the story. Thousands more roofers suffer serious injuries every year, including broken bones, concussions, spinal injuries, torn ligaments, severe cuts, and permanent disabilities.

Many of these injuries happen during tasks that seem routine, like measuring a roof, checking storm damage, inspecting flashing, cleaning gutters, or looking for leaks. The truth is simple: anyone accessing a roof is at risk of a serious injury.

The Most Common Causes of Roof Falls

Most falls are predictable. They typically happen because of one or more of the following conditions.

Loose granules. Asphalt shingles naturally shed granules, which creates a slippery surface underfoot.

Wet surfaces. Rain, dew, frost, algae, and moss can dramatically reduce traction.

Steep pitch. The steeper the roof, the less forgiving it becomes. A 4:12 roof might feel manageable; an 8:12 or 12:12 is a completely different experience.

Improper ladder setup. A large share of falls happen while climbing up or down. Common culprits include the wrong ladder angle, unstable footing, an unsecured top, overreaching, and damaged ladder feet.

Complacency. Experience helps, but it can also breed overconfidence. Many seasoned roofers have been injured after “just hopping up for a minute.”

What OSHA Requires for Roofing Work

OSHA sets the legal minimum safety standards for roofing contractors and their employees. The central rule is the six-foot rule: if a worker is exposed to an unprotected edge six feet or more above a lower level, fall protection is generally required. In practice, that means guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchors. For steep-slope roofing, harnesses are usually the most practical option.

OSHA also requires that ladders extend at least three feet above the roof edge, along with ladder safety training, hazard recognition training, and proper anchor systems when they’re used. These rules are the baseline. Safe roof access, however, often goes beyond minimum compliance.

Important: Not Every Roof Visit Requires OSHA Fall Protection

This is where a lot of people get confused. Not everyone walking on a roof is performing “construction work” in OSHA’s eyes. The agency has exemptions for certain inspection-related activities, including roofing estimates, insurance inspections, home inspections, pre-job assessments, and post-job walkthroughs. That means estimators, adjusters, and inspectors may not always be legally required to wear a harness. Homeowners, of course, aren’t governed by OSHA at all.

None of that makes the roof any safer. A “walkable” roof can still be slippery, steep, brittle, or unstable. So even when fall protection isn’t legally required, added safety measures can still make a real difference.

Roofing Footwear: Increasing Traction

The right footwear can dramatically improve traction.

Regular boots often aren’t enough.

Cougar Paws

Cougar Paws are the long-time industry standard, best suited for asphalt shingles, metal roofs, steep-slope work, and extended roof access. Their replaceable traction pads for asphalt shingles are a favorite among roofers and inspectors, and their magnetic-sole line improves grip on steel roofs.

Contra Footwear

Contra Footwear is a lighter, more athletic alternative with interchangeable pads for shingle, metal, and general use. It’s a newer company still expanding its product line, and it’s well suited to inspections, adjusters, multi-surface access, and lighter roof work, with a focus on mobility and comfort.

Roof Positioning and Steep Roof Access Tools

These products improve stability, comfort, and positioning.

Goat Steep Assist

Goat Steep Assist is built specifically for steep roofs. It helps users climb and position themselves more securely while reducing fatigue, making it valuable for steep tear-offs, inspections, underlayment installs, and high-pitch roof work.

Pitch Hopper

Pitch Hopper is a lightweight roof platform that creates a stable working surface for kneeling, standing, or positioning, while also protecting the finished roofing surface.

Roof Cushion

Roof Cushion is a portable, padded work surface that reduces knee fatigue and improves stability. Think of it as a higher-quality, more professional alternative to the old yellow couch cushion. It’s especially useful for extended inspections and repair or installation work.

A Simple Field Trick: Foam Cushions for Extra Grip

Long before purpose-built roof cushions became popular, many roofers used a simple trick: carrying a basic couch cushion, foam pad, or scrap of foam onto an asphalt shingle roof. Sitting, kneeling, or even standing on foam increases friction against the shingles and helps reduce sliding, especially on steeper slopes. It also reduces knee fatigue, improves comfort during inspections, creates a temporary resting position, and helps stabilize your body while working.

This shouldn’t replace proper safety equipment, but it remains a practical, low-cost method many experienced roofers still rely on.

Ladder Safety: Where Many Falls Begin

A lot of roof accidents start at the ladder. A good ladder setup matters just as much as what happens once you’re on the roof.

Ladder stabilizers and stand-offs widen the contact point and improve stability, which protects gutters and helps prevent ladder movement.

Werner

Known for ladder stabilizers and stand-offs.

Louisville Ladder

Offers heavy-duty roof access accessories.

Little Giant Ladder Systems

Popular among inspectors and maintenance crews.

Ladder Locking Systems

For added security:

LockJaw Ladder Grip

LockJaw Ladder Grip helps lock the ladder to the gutter and reduce movement — useful for inspections, gutter cleaning, and maintenance, and compatible with K-gutter and half-round gutters.

Ladder Latch Pro

Ladder Latch Pro adds four points of contact and lateral stability, and works on K-gutters with or without gutter guards.

Harnesses and Roof Anchors

Even when not required, a harness can be one of the smartest safety decisions you make, especially on steep or unpredictable roofs. Reputable brands include Guardian Fall, Malta Dynamics, Tie Down Engineering, and Werner, which offer harness kits, anchors, rope grabs, lifelines, and restraint systems.

Ballantyne Gear

Ballantyne Gear offers one of the most innovative non-penetrating fall protection systems available. Its Eveook system provides fall protection without fasteners penetrating the roof, making it especially valuable for metal, tile, slate, and other premium finished roofing systems. It’s reusable, lightweight, non-penetrating, and capable of supporting multiple workers. This is a strong option for crews who want fall protection without damaging the roof.

Specialized Clothing for Added Grip

Steep Gear

Steep Gear makes grip shorts and pants designed specifically for roofing, along with gloves. They’re helpful on shingle, metal, and tile roofs and steep slopes, and they can help slow a slide and improve body control.

Heat and Weather Matter Too

Falls aren’t the only risk on a roof. Surfaces can become dangerously hot, and weather hazards like rain, frost, wind, hail, lightning, and extreme heat all add danger. Stay hydrated, avoid wet roofs, monitor the weather, take shade breaks, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. Conditions can change fast.

Safer Alternatives to Walking a Roof

Sometimes the safest roof is the one you don’t climb. Drones with high-resolution photo and video are great for storm inspections, difficult access, and steep roofs. Aerial and satellite measurement reports are useful for measurements, slope data, and damage assessments. Binoculars and zoom photography can also do the job. Sometimes these tools are all you need.

Roof Safety Checklist Before You Climb

Before stepping on a roof, ask yourself:

Is the ladder secure?
Is the roof dry and the deck stable?
Is debris cleared?
Are your shoes designed for roof traction?
Is the pitch manageable?
Is someone aware you’re up there?
Is there a safer alternative?
Do you have an emergency plan?

If any answer feels uncertain, stop and reassess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a harness to inspect a roof? Not always. OSHA may exempt certain inspections and assessments, but additional safety gear is still a good idea.

What shoes are best for walking on a roof? Specialized roof shoes like Cougar Paws and Contra provide better traction than regular boots.

What is the safest way to access a steep roof? Use proper footwear, secure ladder access, positioning tools, and fall protection when needed.

Are ladder stabilizers worth it? Yes. They significantly improve ladder stability and reduce side-to-side movement.

Can homeowners safely inspect their own roof? Sometimes. Drones, binoculars, zoom cameras, and high-quality cell phone photos can often reduce or eliminate the need to climb.

Final Thoughts

Roof access will never be completely risk-free, but most falls are preventable. Whether you’re installing shingles, inspecting storm damage, writing an estimate, cleaning gutters, or checking for leaks, safety should always come first.

OSHA sets the legal baseline for contractors, but smart roof safety goes beyond compliance. Better footwear, better ladder setup, better positioning tools, and better planning may seem like small things, until they’re the reason you make it back down safely.

Ladder Latch Pro

Rich Prue — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:56:34 +0000

Ladder Latch Pro is a patent-pending clamp device designed to securely attach an extension ladder to a roof’s gutter system. Its primary purpose is to prevent the ladder from sliding, tipping, or falling, significantly improving stability and safety for anyone working at height. The product is engineered with a four-point stabilization system, which includes a steel wedge, a one-way hook, a padded gripper bar, and a lateral stability strap. These components work together to anchor the ladder firmly in place. Ladder Latch Pro is compatible with most extension ladders and fits a wide variety of gutter types, including K-style, box gutters, and even those with gutter guards.

One of the key advantages of the Ladder Latch Pro is its lightweight, tool-free setup. It’s designed for one-handed installation in a matter of seconds, making it practical and efficient for both DIY homeowners and professional contractors. The product is constructed from durable, high-impact plastic and stainless steel, with non-slip materials at critical contact points for extra grip. This commitment to quality and safety earned Ladder Latch Pro the 2024–2025 People’s Choice Award in the Safety & Fall Protection category at the International Roofing Expo.

The device is particularly useful for roofers, gutter installers, home inspectors, and exterior maintenance teams who require reliable ladder stability on job sites. Homeowners also find it valuable for tasks such as cleaning gutters, hanging lights, or performing roof repairs, as it offers added peace of mind during solo work.

It’s important to note that while Ladder Latch Pro enhances ladder safety, it is not a substitute for safe ladder practices. The ladder and gutter system must be in good condition before use, and users should always adhere to OSHA regulations and ladder manufacturer guidelines. The product is intended for supplemental safety and should not be used if any part appears damaged.

Customer feedback for Ladder Latch Pro has been overwhelmingly positive. Users frequently highlight its ease of use, effectiveness, and compatibility with gutter guards. Many mention how it makes working alone safer and eliminates the need for improvised solutions like bungee cords. Customers have reported a heightened sense of security, knowing their ladder is anchored securely and will not shift unexpectedly.

Ladder Latch Pro is very affordable, and contractor bulk pricing is available upon request. The product includes a limited warranty for the original purchaser and covers manufacturing defects.

Overall, Ladder Latch Pro is a practical, portable, and highly effective solution for anyone who frequently works on ladders. With its strong user reviews, award-winning design, and universal compatibility, it has become a trusted tool for improving ladder safety on the job and around the home.

Find out more about Ladder Latch Pro

Roof Tile Calculator – Tiles per square

Rich Prue — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:27:00 +0000

Need to find out how many roof tiles per square? (A square is the equivalent of 100 square feet) Use the calculator below. The answer depends on the length and width of each tile, and also the headlap that is used when installing. The typical headlap is 3 inches, but this may need to be increased when installing on a lower slope roof. When calculating how much tile you’ll need for a project, don’t forget to add additional tiles for waste!

This calculator will show how many roof tiles you will need for a tile roof installation. The calculator should work for most types of flat, non-interlocking roofing tiles including ceramic tiles, terracotta tiles, concrete tiles, slate, composite, synthetic, and more. For barrel, Spanish, interlocking and other types, check with the manufacturer.

Tile Per Square Calculator

Enter tile width, tile length, and headlap to calculate how many tiles are needed for one roofing square, which is 100 square feet.

Tile Width (inches)

Tile Length (inches)

Headlap / Overlap (inches)

Tiles Needed Per Square

534

Based on 6" × 12" tile with 3" headlap.

Looking for a trusted tile roofing contractor? Contact us!

Abracadabra Contractor Strength Super Cleaner Review

Rich Prue — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:20:53 +0000

Abracadabra Contractor Strength Super Cleaner was created by Industrial Potion exclusively for roofing industry-specific use.

Abracadabra dissolves and removes roofing tar, adhesive, asphalt, sealants, grease, uncured polyurethane foam, and all sorts of stains.

Abracadabra Contractor Strength Super Cleaner helps clean tools, equipment, masonry, metals, siding, vinyl, pvc, other plastics, fabrics, ceramics, fiberglass & more!

In our testing, Abracadabra worked very well in removing shingle scuffs from vinyl siding.

Purchase Abracadabra on Amazon!

Roofsmart Pad Overview

Rich Prue — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:15:57 +0000

What are Roofsmart Pads?

Roofsmart Pads were designed by a veteran roofer to both help protect roofing tiles from damage and help keep workers safe. Roofsmart Pads are constructed with ABS plastic and a 1.5 inch foam pad. Each Roofsmart Pad measures 24×40 inches and weighs about 14 lbs. Additional accessories including a ladder brace (for ladder stability and gutter protection), steep step, and utility box are also available.

How do Roofsmart Pads work?

The large surface area combined with the thick foam cushion spreads weight evenly over the roof surface to help prevent roof damage. The foam cushion on a Roofsmart Pad grips into rough surfaces to prevent the pad from slipping. The ABS plastic shell attached to the cushion provides a strong, stable surface for walking, sitting, and storing materials.

Who are Roofsmart Pads for?

Roofsmart Pads aren’t just for roofers. They are ideal for anyone accessing a roof including painters, handymen, solar installers, siding installers, satellite dish installers, pest control, masons, chimney sweeps, general contractors, and more.

What types of roofs do Roofsmart Pads work on?

Roofsmart Pads can be beneficial in protecting from roof damage on most types of roof including tile, slate, shingle, metal, cedar, and flat roof systems. For steeper slopes, use the included tie-off points to help hold the pad in place, especially on metal, tile, or slate roofs with smooth surfaces.

The Roofsmart Pad can also work as a non-slip base for ladder use on the ground or roof.

Are Roofsmart Pads safe?

Roofsmart Pads are VERY safe, but only if used as intended. The Roofsmart Pad is not intended to replace other safety practices. Fall protection should always be used when accessing a roof. Tie-off points are integrated into the Roofsmart Pad to be used for additional safety.

Are Roofsmart Pads durable?

The top shell of the Roofsmart Pad is made with durable ABS plastic. The 1.5 inch foam pad that contacts the roof surface is thick enough to provide long-lasting protection.

Do Roofsmart Pads really work?

Yes! Roofsmart Pads effectively spread weight evenly over the roof surface to help prevent roof damage. The Roofsmart Pads are also excellent for holding tools and materials and keeping them from damaging the roof. When used on rough roof surfaces at a safe pitch, they will help prevent workers and roofing materials/tools from slipping off the roof.

How can I purchase Roofsmart Pads?

Roofsmart Pads are available in contractor packs of various quantities and can be purchased directly from their website. www.roofsmartpad.com/

4 Best Roofing Hammers

Rich Prue — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 20:59:47 +0000

Here is a selection of some of the best and most popular hammers for roofers. This list includes the best roof hammers for shinglers and the best slate roof hammers.

Because these hammers vary in style and use, they are listed in no particular order. Pro and cons, along with reviews can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of each description.

1. Stiletto Titanium Lathe Axe (hatchet)

Although not usually listed as a roofing hammer, the Stiletto Titanium Lathe Axe (also listed as a lather’s hatchet) is popular with shingle roofers because of its light, sleek design (and because it looks like an impressive weapon).

With the combination of titanium and fiberglass, the hammer head weighs in at just 10 ounces. The total weight is 1.3 pounds. The lathe axe has the comparable striking force of a 24 ounce steel hammer, while putting less stress on your body.

It has a milled finish head with a rubber coated poly/fiberglass handle. The handle is 13 inches long. This hammer also features a magnetic nail starter. READ MORE REVIEWS

2. Picard 0079010 Roofer’s Hammer

The Picard Roofer’s Hammer (0079010) weighs in at about 2 pounds and is great for roofing, especially slate roofing. It has a checked head for better grip on nails, and also a magnetic nail set. The hammer also has a claw for pulling nails. Its main feature is a pointed tip that is great for punching holes in slate. The body is solid steel and the handle has a comfortable leather grip. READ MORE REVIEWS

3. AJC Hatchet MWT-005-MH

The AJC Roofing Hatchet is popular with shingle roofers. It has a magnetic head that works well for installing cap nails. The head also features a nail puller. Other features are a shingle guide and built-in knife for cutting shingles and underlayment. This model has a solid wood handle and weighs 1.64 pounds. READ MORE REVIEWS

4. Stortz Slate Hammer

The Stortz Slate Hammer is designed specifically for slate roof work. It weights 28 ounces and has a leather handle grip. The hammer’s head has a checkered face to help grip nails when hammering. The hammer has a sharp point to punch holes in slate. It has a double-sided claw for removing nails. The shank of the hammer is beveled in order to be used for trimming slate. Often a slate anvil is used in conjunction with the hammer. FIND OUT MORE

Types of Roofing Hammers

Rich Prue — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 16:40:52 +0000

Even with the innovation of pneumatic roofing nail guns, hammers are still necessary in roofing. There are many different shapes and sizes of hammers available, each with different specific functions. For residential roofing, four styles of hammers are mostly used. What type you use depends on what type of roofing you are doing. Asphalt shingles, slate, tile, and cedar shingles are the most common roofing material for sloped residential roofs, and installation for these materials usually requires a hammer and fasteners.

Some common hammer options include smooth face, milled face (to help grip the nail), magnetic nail holder, steel head, titanium head, wood handle, fiberglass handle, steel handle, rubber handle grip, leather handle grip, replaceable heads, etc.

Double-claw Hammer

The double-claw hammer is the most common all-around hammer used in general roofing applications. The claw is for pulling nails, or to pry wood or other materials, and can either be straight or curved. A straight claw may also be used for light demolition. A framing hammer is usually too large and unnecessary for most residential roofing work.

Roofing Hatchet

A roofing hatchet (small axe) is primarily used for asphalt shingle installation. The hatchet can be used for demolition.

Other features roofing hatchets may have are shingle guides, built-in knife for cutting shingles, magnetic nail holder, and nail pullers.

Roofing Pick Hammer

The pick hammer includes the ability to pull nails, but has a sharpened pick instead of a double claw. The pick can be used to punch holes in slate and other materials.

Slate Hammer

While not essential to slate repair and installation, the slate hammer makes working with slate more efficient. Features include a sharpened pick to punch nail holes, nail puller, beveled shaft to cut slates. There are different versions for left and right-handed users. A slate anvil is an accessory often used when trimming slate.

Slate Roofing Calculator – Slate per Square / Slate Weight

Rich Prue — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 00:43:17 +0000

Need to find out how many slate per square? (A square is the equivalent of 100 square feet) Use the calculator below. The answer depends on the length and width of the slate, and also the headlap that is used when installing. The normal headlap is 3 inches, but this may need to be increased when installing on a lower slope roof. When calculating how much slate you’ll need for a project, don’t forget to add additional slates for waste!

How much does slate weigh per square? It depends on the size of the slate. On average, slate (measured at approximately 1/4 inch thick) weighs around 935 pounds per square.

Per square, smaller roofing slates actually weigh more than larger slates because more overlap is used.

Slate sizes can start as small as 6×12 inches and be as large as 16×24. (Some thicker slates can be much larger—and heavier!)

This calculator is also helpful for estimating the amount of slates that could be salvaged in a roof removal and for estimating weight of the slate removed for dumpster costs.

Slate Roof Calculator

Slate Roof Quantity & Weight Calculator

Calculate the approximate number of slates and roof weight for standard 1/4-inch roofing slate.

Quantity (Squares)

Slate Width (inches)

Slate Length (inches)

Headlap / Overlap (inches)

Slates Needed

115

for 1 square

Approx. Weight

935

lbs for 1 square

Based on standard 1/4-inch slate with 3-inch headlap.

Natural roofing slate is one of the most durable and longest-lasting roofing materials available. Whether you are estimating materials for a slate roof replacement, planning a new slate roof installation, or calculating roof weight for structural purposes, accurate slate calculations are important.

The free Roofing Slate Calculator above helps estimate:

How many slates are needed per roofing square
Approximate installed roof weight per square
Slate exposure based on headlap
Material quantities for standard 1/4-inch roofing slate

A roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof area.

What Is a Slate Roofing Square?

In the roofing industry, a roofing square refers to 100 square feet.

Natural slate roofs are commonly estimated by the square because it simplifies material ordering and installation calculations.

How Many Slates Are Needed Per Square?

The number of roofing slates needed per square depends on:

Slate width
Slate length
Headlap
Exposure

Smaller slates require significantly more individual pieces per square than larger slates.

For example:

Slate Size	Headlap	Approximate Slates Per Square
6 × 12	3 inches	534
8 × 16	3 inches	227
12 × 24	3 inches	115
16 × 24	3 inches	86

Actual quantities may vary slightly depending on layout, waste, roof complexity, and installation methods.

What Is Slate Headlap?

Headlap is the amount one slate overlaps the slate two courses below it. Proper headlap is critical for water shedding and roof performance.

Most standard slate roofs use:

2-inch headlap
3-inch headlap
4-inch headlap in severe weather regions

Increasing headlap reduces slate exposure, which increases the number of slates needed per square.

Approximate Weight of Natural Roofing Slate

Natural roofing slate is one of the heaviest residential roofing materials. Roof structure must often be evaluated before installing slate.

Typical installed weights for standard 1/4-inch slate include:

Slate Size	Approximate Weight Per Square
12 × 24	935 lbs
8 × 16	930–950 lbs
16 × 24	Approximately 935 lbs

Although larger slates weigh more individually, fewer pieces are needed per square, so total installed roof weight remains relatively similar.

Actual weight varies depending on slate quarry source, density, and thickness.

Why Accurate Slate Calculations Matter

Accurate slate roof calculations help with:

Material ordering
Roof estimating
Structural engineering
Labor estimating
Waste reduction
Freight and delivery planning

Ordering too few slates can delay projects, while overordering can increase project costs significantly.

Waste Factor for Slate Roofs

Many slate roofing contractors add additional material for:

Valleys
Hips and ridges
Starter courses
Breakage
Repairs
Complex roof layouts

Typical waste factors range from 5% to 15% depending on roof complexity.

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Rich Prue

Rich Prue is the founder of The Roofer’s Helper, a leading resource for roofing contractors and homeowners seeking expert advice on roofing industry trends, business tips, and home maintenance. With years of hands-on experience as a second-generation roofer, Rich brings practical knowledge and insider insights to help roofing professionals start and grow their businesses and serve clients effectively. The Roofer's Helper platform reaches close to 1 million followers on social media, offering both educational and entertaining content, business resources, marketing tips, and product recommendations to roofing professionals and homeowners alike. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-prue/

OSHA Roofing Contractor Safety Standards Compliance Summary

Rich Prue — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 17:52:18 +0000

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is a US government agency regulating workplace safety. If you are a roofing contractor in the United States, with at least one employee, you are required to abide by OSHA safety standards. If you work alone, you are not required to abide by OSHA standards. If you have no employees, but use other roofers as sub-contractors or independent contractors, you are not required to comply to OSHA standards. OSHA only regulates safety standards for companies with paid employees.

Roofing business owners who fail to comply with OSHA safety standards could face stiff fines. Fines may increase with continued failure to comply.

Here is a basic summary of some OSHA standards roofing company owners need to be aware of. *Note: This is only a summary, not a complete guide.

Fall Protection

Fall protection must be provided for any employees working at a height of 6 feet or more from a lower level. Workers must be trained in fall protection by a competent person. Employers need to certify that workers have been trained.

Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

A fall arrest system prevents a worker who falls from contacting a lower level. The system must be set to prevent a worker from falling more than 6 feet. The system must be capable of supporting at least 5,000 lbs. per worker and be installed by a qualified individual.

Fall Restraint System

A fall restraint system is designed to prevent a worker from reaching the edge of a work area. It must be capable of supporting at least 3,000 lbs.

Guardrail System

A guardrail system can be set up around the perimeter of the work area and around roof openings. The top rail must be 39 to 45 inches above the roof surface. The guardrail must be able to withstand 200 lbs of downward or outward force.

Other Protective Measures

Safety Monitor

On roofs that are 50 ft. wide or less, a competent person may be used as a safety monitor.

Warning Lines

Warning lines can consist of ropes, wires, or chains at least 6 feet from the roof edge, and must be flagged at least every 6 feet.

Covers

Protective covers may be used over skylights and other roof openings. The cover must be capable of supporting at least twice the weight of employees and equipment and marked with the word “HOLE” or “COVER” as a warning.

Ladders, Scaffolding, Lifts

Ladders

Ladders must be regularly inspected for physical defects. Ladders must only be used on stable, level surfaces. A stable, level surface may need to be created to prevent sliding or shifting. The areas around the top and bottom of the ladder must be kept clear. The ladder should not be set up in a high traffic area unless secured and/or protected by a barrier.

Ladders must be set at a proper angle, and workers must not carry anything that may cause them to lose their balance.

Stepladder may only be used in the fully open position. Workers may not use the top or the top step as a step.

More on ladders here: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3660.pdf

Scaffolding

Only trained workers may install, alter, or dismantle scaffolding. Safe access must be provided. Each platform must be fully decked. Workers on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level must be protected from falls. A guardrail is acceptable.

Workers must be protected from falling objects such as tools and materials. The area below the scaffold should be barricaded and toeboards should be installed on the platform at heights above 10 feet.

Lifts

Only authorized and trained workers should operate aerial lifts and forklifts.

Electrical Safety

Workers should be trained in the area of electrical safety. Overhead electrical lines pose a common risk for roofers.

Building Integrity

An employer is responsible to ensure that the building and roof structure will maintain the weight of all workers and equipment.

Tool Safety

Workers must be trained in the proper used of tools. Tools should include all necessary guards, shields, and safety attachments.

The following protective equipment should be used when operating certain tools and working under certain conditions:

Eye and Ear Protection, Gloves, Hard Hats, Work Boots, Highly Visible Clothing

Roofing Operations

Proper training and precautions are required when working with hot tar, open flames, torches, propane tanks, and flammable materials such as adhesives. Fire extinguishers should be within 50 feet.

Hazardous Substances

Employers must be aware of, and protect their workers from the dangers of these and other hazardous substances:

Asbestos

Asbestos may be found in insulation, and roofing and siding product on older homes.

Lead

Lead-based paints may be found on wood and metal on older structures.

Silica

Silica may be found in concrete and cement roofing tiles.

Vapors and Fumes

Other contaminants may be released during demolition or come from work materials such as adhesives.

Weather Conditions

Employers are responsible to protect their employees from the hazards created by weather. This includes trauma related to heat and cold, and the dangers of inclement weather such as high winds, rain, snow, and ice.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

Worker must be trained in proper procedure in the event of an emergency. If no hospital or other medical assistance is available within reasonable distance from a jobsite, a person trained in first aid must be available, along with accessible first aid supplies.

More reference materials here: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3755.pdf and https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy12/sh-23536-12/StudentReferenceMaterials.pdf

Roofing Equipment

Rich Prue — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:02:39 +0000

Roofing Tools and Equipment

Good, reliable roofing tools and equipment are critical for any roofing contractor. Some tools end up collecting dust or costing more time or money than they are worth. It is important to research the equipment and tools you want to purchase to make sure they are safe, reliable, and worth the investment. Here is a list of various articles, reviews, and links to roofing-related tools and equipment:

Tools

Tools Needed For Roof Repairs

Roofer’s Helper Recommended Tools

Equipment & Accessories

Drones

Safety Equipment

Vehicles

Choosing a Roofing Vehicle

Ladder Racks