Commercial Roof Safety
If a commercial building (typically flat or low slope) has a roof leak or needs roof maintenance, a contractor will be getting onto the roof. Make sure you talk to the roofing company you are hiring to learn about the products and practices they implement to keep their crews safe on your roof. Check out the following products available, in addition to the safety standards, that are available to contractors and make roofing safer.
Turnkey fall protection solutions by Tremco
The safety experts at Tremco have created an extensive system of various commercial roofing fall protection solutions designed to prevent dangerous falls or hazards commonly encountered on commercial roofs. For Tremco, safety is of utmost importance, and creating reliable systems contractors can rely on is their top priority.
These non-penetrating systems cover all rooftop needs, from sturdy crossovers and molded grating walkways to skylight guards and safety ladders. And they won’t damage your roof either! Their line of fall prevention solutions is ready to provide crews and building owners with peace of mind over their safety.
Tremco offers commercial building owners the opportunity to receive a free evaluation, which could help save hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines from fall protection violations. Learn more about their free evaluations.
Effectively establishing safety standards
According to roofing expert and long-time industry professional, John Kenney, CEO of Cotney Consulting Group, the only way to properly implement safety standards is to make sure they are rigorously monitored and followed at all times. He shares that following safety standards is a moral obligation, and a legal one as well. Here are some of the ways contractors ensure the safety of themselves, their crews and those within and around the buildings they’re working on:
- Familiarity with OSHA standards and regulations to prevent incurring fines and
infraction charges - Make it mandatory that all members of the crew wear a harness on the job
- Wear proper footwear such as those with non-slip soles and high tops to allow for better traction and protection of the ankles
- Take note of upcoming weather patterns and prepare accordingly
- Before starting on a roof, take note of any and all potential hazards and debris that could potentially cause harm during the job
Read the rest of John’s top ten safety measures contractors implement on the job.
Snow guards
In regions that receive snowfall throughout the year, installing snow retention systems on roofs can help prevent heavy snow drifts from falling onto vulnerable people who might be walking below. Each year, many people fall victim to horrible avalanches like these, which can easily be prevented with proper safety systems like snow guards.
Snow guards are permanent mounted systems designed to protect both people and property, allowing for accumulated snow to melt and shift off the roof in controlled, smaller segments that are less destructive and dangerous. Brands like Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, TRA Sun & Snow and S-5!® have created lines of snow retention systems and snow guards designed to protect residential and commercial buildings from heavy snow falls.
FlashCo’s fall protection line
FlashCo has recently launched an extensive fall protection line, featuring devices and structures designed to be non-invasive to the roof structure as it allows roofers to move freely throughout the project without the risk of falling. This line consists of a total grip horizontal lifeline system, tie-back anchors and architectural roof supports. These products are compatible with most roof decks and can be used with a variety of mounting options that best fit the project at hand.
SteelGrip SAMM
SteelGrip SAMM is known for their mats, which are designed to aid in providing roofing professionals with a more secure footing and grip while working on a steel roof or elevated steel surface. The SteelGrip SAMM, Safety Assistant Magnetic Mat, was designed to provide a long-term solution for industry professionals in need of a high-quality product that would help keep their feet on the roof as they work.
