If you’re going to be installing a roof, there are several things that you should do to keep yourself and your workers safe. This will help prevent injuries and even deaths. For this reason, it’s best to leave this work to professionals like Roanoke roofing contractors if you have no formal training in roof installations.
One of the most common mistakes that roofers make is not using a safety harness. This is a major mistake, as it can be the difference between staying on the roof and tumbling down to an injury or death.
1. Wear the Right Gear
Roofing is dangerous work that can lead to serious injury and death. The right gear is essential for safety on the job.
The first thing you should wear is a hard hat that meets OSHA regulations. This is especially important for those who will be handling metal materials.
Steel-toed boots are also a must for roofers. These shoes are durable, comfortable and provide excellent traction so that you don’t slip and fall.
You’ll also want to keep your hands protected by wearing gloves. These can prevent injuries like cuts, scratches and abrasions caused by splintering metal.
Another important safety precaution is to wear eye protection when tearing off old shingles or other debris that can end up in your eyes. Using safety goggles is also a great idea.
In addition to the above, it’s also important to wear a full-body safety harness and a lanyard when working on a roof. These harnesses can help you stay safe from falls and serious injury when you’re working at heights. VERX AU offers a wide range of roof work safety equipment, including lifelines, work position lanyards and safety helmets for all of your roof work needs.
2. Wear the Right Shoes
If you’re working on a roof, it’s important to wear the right shoes. They need to be a soft-soled rubber bottom that has a good grip. They should also be full-foot coverage (not sandals or flip-flops), and they should be in good condition.
You can also go for a pair of boots that have an anti-slip sole. This will help you walk on the roof safely and avoid falling off of it.
They can also help you walk more comfortably and prevent fatigue. They need to be close-fitting and have tight laces that stay perfectly tied.
In addition to a strong sole, you should also look for an upper material that will allow your feet to breathe. This will keep them cool and dry, especially if you’re doing work on a hot roof.
Some companies make shoes that are made specifically for construction workers and roofers. These shoes can be expensive, but they’re worth it if you want to ensure that you have the best protection while still looking stylish at the same time.
3. Wear the Right Hat
When it comes to a roofer’s safety tools, nothing beats a top of the line hard hat. The latest models boast some high tech features that make them more functional than just a glorified helmet. Some are even able to be worn backwards for added protection.
The right hard hat can keep you safe from the rigors of construction and a host of other hazards. Some even have fancy suspension systems to help spread the load should a nasty accident occur.
There’s no single answer to that, of course. The best way to choose your hard hat is to read up on the industry and find out what type of work you’ll be performing before you set foot on the jobsite. You’ll also want to take note of your surroundings and any potential hazards. A well-organized workspace means less clutter and fewer opportunities for accidents to happen. It might even save you some money in the long run! Keeping the roof of your house in good repair will go a long way toward protecting you and your family.
4. Wear the Right Ladder
When it comes to home repair projects, you may not think of ladders as a safety hazard, but the fact is that falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of work-related injuries.
More than 511,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms and other medical settings due to ladder-related injuries each year, and more than 300 people die each year from falls from ladders, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The key is to be sure to use the right ladder for the job. Read every label on the ladder to make sure it’s safe for you to use.
You should also be sure to follow the 1 in 4 rule, which states that the base of your ladder should be one foot away from a building for every four feet you will climb.
Another important safety tip is to keep three points of contact while using a ladder, and never “walk” your ladder when you’re on it.
It’s easy to fall and injure yourself when you aren’t paying attention to safety when working at height, so always take the time to read safety tips and guidelines before attempting any task. You can also download a free app from NIOSH that provides a visual and audible signal when your ladder’s angle is correct, avoiding unnecessary injuries.
5. Wear the Right Clothing
One of the best ways to stay safe on a roof is to wear the right clothing. The right garments can protect you from the sun’s rays and prevent blisters and cuts. They can also be comfortable based on your temperature, while still offering the mobility you need to get around and perform your job safely.
A good rule of thumb is to always wear the most comfortable, lightweight garments possible, as they will help you move more effectively and avoid discomfort. For example, a breathable, moisture-wicking jacket will keep you cool in the heat and dry quickly in the rain.
Similarly, a well-fitted pair of jeans or pants will have reinforced knees and pockets to hold all the necessary tools. For the best fit, look for a 100% cotton material that stretches and breathes, while still providing plenty of traction to handle the rough surfaces encountered on a roof.
The right footwear can also make a difference, as a pair of sturdy work boots will provide the traction you need to safely climb up onto a roof. For men, steel-toed boots are the best choice, while women should opt for soft-soled or slip-resistant options that offer excellent ankle support to maximize flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
6. Wear the Right Boots
When you’re working on a roof, it’s important to wear the right boots. They provide traction and support while you’re walking or kneeling on steep slopes, and they prevent your feet from falling off the top of a roof.
They also help protect your feet from heavy objects that may fall or roll while you’re working. This is why it’s important to choose a pair that meets safety standards for impact and compression testing.
For this purpose, I recommend a lightweight boot that can flex and support your feet throughout the day. That way, you don’t feel weighed down and add extra stress to your muscles and joints after a long day.
I’m a big fan of the “Ryng Low” work shoe by Brunt, because it fits into the middle of the roofer boot range and isn’t too thick or heavy. Plus, it has a breathable mesh upper and a memory foam insole that gives you plenty of comfort. Its rubber outsoles offer excellent traction and grip on the roof, which is important for safety.
7. Wear the Right Eye Protection
Eye protection is one of the most important safety precautions to take when working on a roof. As you might expect, there are many hazards that can hit your eyes while working on a roof such as dust, metal shavings, fibers and chemicals that may splash, spray or splatter. In addition to those things, there are also other possible threats that could hurt your eyes such as sharp points, sticks, rocks and insects.
To prevent these injuries, safety experts and eye doctors recommend using proper protective eyewear as well as wearing other safety gear such as hard hats and gloves. When choosing eye protection, consider a pair that is designed for the particular task at hand and is comfortable to wear. It must also be durable and easy to clean and disinfect. You should also be sure that it is compatible with other required PPE such as hard hats, hearing protection and gloves. The best glasses will have a high prescription so you can see while you work and be safe at the same time! The Anaconda from Bolle is a great choice for anyone looking to keep their eyes and ears protected while working on a roof.