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🏠 Roofing Safety

Topic: Fall prevention, hot work burns, heat illness, and chemical safety for roofing operations Duration: 6-10 minutes Reference: OSHA 1926 Subpart M (Fall Protection), Subpart L (Scaffolds)

The Stats​

  • Falls are the #1 cause of death in roofing — more than 150 roofing-related fatalities yearly
  • Roofers have one of the highest fatal injury rates in construction
  • Burns from hot asphalt, torch-applied membranes, and kettles cause serious injuries
  • Heat illness sends thousands of construction workers to the ER each summer
  • Chemical exposure from adhesives and coatings is an ongoing concern

OSHA requires: Fall protection at 6' in construction; warning line + Fall protection at 15' for low-slope roofs; training for hot work.

Fall Protection — Your Life Depends On It​

Requirement​

  • Fall protection required at 6 feet above a lower level
  • Options: guardrails, safety net, or personal fall arrest system (PFAS)

PFAS Checklist​

  • Full-body harness (not body belt)
  • Properly anchored — 5,000 lb capacity
  • Lanyard limits free fall to 6 feet
  • Shock-absorbing lanyard or SRL
  • 100% tie-off when moving between anchors
  • Inspect harness before each use — no cuts, tears, distorted hardware

Roof Access​

  • Use fixed ladders, stairs, or hoists — never climb scaffolding frames
  • Carry materials via hoist or conveyor when possible
  • Don't overload ladders; one person at a time

Hot Material Burns​

HazardControl
Hot asphalt (BUR)Long sleeves, pants, gloves; no exposed skin
Torch-applied membraneFire watch; extinguisher; clear combustibles
KettlesNever stand downwind of fumes; avoid splashing
Hot tar spillsEvacuate path; let cool before cleanup

If burned: Cool with water; remove jewelry/restrictive items before swelling; seek medical care for burns larger than 3" or on face/hands.

Heat Illness Prevention​

  • Drink water every 15-20 minutes — don't wait for thirst
  • Take breaks in shade; acclimate to heat over 5-7 days
  • Know the signs: dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion, clammy skin
  • Heat stroke is life-threatening — call 911; cool person immediately
  • Wear light-colored, breathable clothing; wide-brim hard hat when possible

Chemical Exposure​

Adhesives & Coatings​

  • Read SDS before use
  • Use in well-ventilated areas
  • Wear gloves and eye protection
  • Avoid skin contact — many contain solvents

Flammable Materials​

  • Store away from ignition sources
  • Keep containers closed when not in use
  • No smoking near roofing materials

Material Handling & Wind​

On the Roof​

  • Don't stack materials near edges
  • Use carts or dollies when possible
  • Secure rolls and bundles — wind can move them
  • Watch for trip hazards — coils, tools, debris

Wind​

  • High winds can blow workers and materials off roof
  • Follow site wind limits — often 20-25 mph
  • Stop work if conditions become unsafe

What TO Do / What NOT To Do​

✅ Do​

  • Tie off 100% of the time at height
  • Inspect fall protection daily
  • Stay hydrated; take heat breaks
  • Use proper PPE for hot work
  • Keep work area organized

❌ Don't​

  • Don't work at height without fall protection
  • Don't ignore harness damage
  • Don't work in high winds
  • Don't expose skin to hot materials
  • Don't skip the heat break

Discussion Questions​

  1. Where are our anchor points? Are they 5,000 lb rated?
  2. What's our heat plan today? Where's our shade/break area?
  3. Who has fire watch duty for torch work?
  4. What's our wind limit? Who decides to stop work?

Today's Commitment​

"I will tie off at height, protect myself from heat and burns, and never compromise on fall protection."

Sign-In​

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