All roofers know exactly that safety is the first rule of their game. Even on a flat roof, there is a bigger danger of walking right off the edges of the roof. Every roofing contractor is meant to work between productivity and personal safety. Falls from rooftops, scaffoldings, and ladders are preventable. There are so many dangers to protect yourself against when handling flat roofing projects.
Get Acquainted with The Roof You Are Working On
Roofs are separated into two different types which are:
- Low slope roofs
- Steep roofs
These two involve a different set of safety tips and concerns.
1. Low Slope Roofs
A low slope roof could make a roofer overconfident of his safety. Moving around this type of roof poses less danger and relatively easy. However, the features could pose an unexpected danger to roofers. They may walk right off unprotected edges or match into unguarded skylights, roof openings, etc.
2. Steep Roofs
Steep roof ranges from medium slopes to almost vertical slopes. This kind of roof could be covered by metal products, shingles, or clay tiles. Walking on a slanted surface for a long time can cause pain in your back and your legs. Also, carrying a bundle of shingles on your back and climbing against the force of gravity is another danger for the roofer. All these put together to set the roofer at risk.
Safety Cautions for Roofers
Here are some vital tips that may prepare roofers against dangers on flat roofs and other roofing projects.
- Guide yourself from falls: No matter how professional you may be, always know that getting your parts broken is not worth it
- Position your ladder properly: Ladders should be set on a leveled ground. Extend the ladder about 3 feet above the roof and tie it firmly to the roof. Check the status of your ladder before using it, and don’t manage ladders
- Avoid preventable burns: Put on your safety gear always such as the gloves, goggles (in case of soldering and while working on hot tars), overall, etc. Mind you, overheating tars is dangerous
- Know when it is appropriate to use a respirator: Particle masks are used for protection against regular dust. They should be used during tear-offs and cleanups. However, when it comes to that fumes, lead vapors, or organic solvents, make use of respirators
- Protect your sight: Your eyes are important to you always, so you have to guide them properly. Protect them from burns, debris, and sun rays. You could make use of goggles that block ultraviolet rays
- Check for cuts and lacerations: Cuts and lacerations are most time difficult to prevent. Notwithstanding, making use of the right protective gear will minimize are recommended. Wear gloves without fingertips, and never use blunt blades
- Avoid lead poisoning: Roofers make use of lead solder and flashing even till today. Gloves, lead vapor respirators, goggles, and careful cleanup and tear-off practices would limit your risk to this hazardous metal. Don’t contaminate your home, vehicle, and family members, so always change your work clothes before leaving the worksite.
In conclusion, always remember that your safety is your matter. If you don’t feel safe doing a particular project, then don’t try it.