Working on a roof can be dangerous for many reasons, with the most obvious reason being a possible fall from the roof. But what many people fail to realize is that there are other dangers to think about when working on a roof, even if the roof isn’t sloped.
Accidents due to these hazards can be significantly reduced and even eliminated if a rooftop METALWALK® system for safety in Dallas, TX, is installed. Here’s what you need to know about safety concerns on roofs and how roof access walkways in Dallas, TX, can help.
Roof Safety Hazards
- Ladder Security – A major safety hazard is improper ladder placement and security. Unsecured ladders should be at a 4:1 ratio for maximum stability, and accidents often occur when this ratio isn’t used. Additionally, ladders should be placed with the top extending above the roof line and the ladder should be tied securely.
- Slippery Surfaces – Slippery surfaces due to ice, rain, and snow are another hazard to be aware of. But a dry roof doesn’t necessarily mean a non-skid surface, so it’s important to be cautious of your footing even in dry weather.
- Edge Awareness – It may sound unlikely, but sometimes roof top workers may become so involved in their task that they don’t pay attention to the edge of the roof and can either knock materials over the edge or be injured from falling. Along with edge awareness, it’s important to know exactly where any holes, weak spots, skylights, or other holes in the roof are located.
- Roof Integrity and Stability – Accidents can also occur if the integrity of the roof hasn’t been verified. Rotted areas can easily be punctured by tools or even by the weight of a human. It’s important to make sure the roof will support whatever foot traffic is expected to occur regularly.
How METALWALK® Systems Help
- Protect Roof – Rooftop METALWALK® systems can help maintain the integrity of the roof because it protects the roof from foot traffic and can also protect the roof from severe weather. The grated panels are constructed in a way that prevents water and snow from being trapped and causing water damage or rot to the underlying roof. The finish of the metalwork is also weather-resistant so that it will last many years. The system can even be installed without penetrating the roof.
- Non-Skid Surfaces – The non-skid surface of rooftop walkways dramatically increases safety as well. Employees won’t have to worry about slipping in wet weather with non-skid grating.
- Safety Handrails and Toeboards – Safety handrails that meet OSHA and IBC requirements prevent the loss of edge awareness, and are especially useful if you need stairs to access a raised section of the roof. These handrails, along with toeboards keep workers on the roof from losing the edge without taking focus from the job at hand.
