Roof Safety Basics

Before you get on the roof for that small fix, you should be aware of the safety risks associated with roof projects. Even if you have a one-story home, there’s still plenty that could go wrong that could harm you or damage your home. Here are a few roof safety basics to know before you get started on your next repair.

GENERAL ROOFING SAFETY TIPS

Following proper roofing safety procedures begins before you head up to the roof. Take notice of each potentially dangerous area in your site, like power lines, and unsafe roof access areas. Once on the roof, be sure to do the following:

• Make sure your work area is clean, organized and blocked off from pets and children.
• Never work when the roof is wet or slippery.
• Avoid working on your roof during extremely hot or cold weather. Extreme temperatures can cause shingles to become damaged and prevent them from sealing or lying properly.
• Wear soft-soled footwear for optimum traction.

Take advantage of the fall-related safety equipment available to you, such as a harness and ropes with a roof anchor into the framing of the roof structure. Also, toe boards and brackets that you can walk along on are great roofing safety precautions to take.

LADDER SAFETY

In order to repair your roof, you have to find a way onto the roof. Ladders are the obvious choice in most cases. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury nationwide. In fact, 43% of fatal falls involve a ladder for those on the job. This is important for homeowners to be aware of as they DIY. Ladder safety should be taken very seriously. Here are a few ladder safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always be sure your ladder is on level ground.
• Use a properly sized ladder to reach your roof safely; a ladder that’s too short is dangerous.
• A roof ladder hook will ensure that your ladder is secure.
• Follow the 4-to-1 ladder rule.
• Keep three points of contact with the ladder at all times.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY

We cannot stress enough how vital it is to be careful around power lines. Proper roof safety goes beyond the roof itself. If you cannot avoid power lines, call your utility company before you start working.

• Make sure you are using a wooden or fiberglass ladder instead of metal, and be extra careful when using metal flashing. Remember that electricity can jump or “arc” to a metal object several feet away.
• Never touch hot wires with your hands or tools.

NAIL GUN SAFETY

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A pneumatic nail gun is a dangerous tool and can easily become a weapon. So, it should always be handled with extreme care when exercising roofing safety procedures.

• Never point a nail gun at another person.
• Make sure the safety mechanism is working properly, and never tamper with it.
• Only pull the trigger when the “business end” of the nail gun is pressed firmly against the material you intend to fasten. Do not “shoot” nails from a nail gun.
• Make sure your nail gun is properly cleaned, inspected, and well-lubricated before use.
• Do not rest a nail gun against your body to prevent misfires.
• Always disconnect the air supply as soon as you are finished using a nail gun, and never work on the tool while it is connected to the power supply.

NOT FEELING UP TO THE JOB? CALL THE EXPERTS AT TOTAL HOME ROOFING

Don’t trust your roof to just any contractor. Choosing Total Home Roofing assures that you’ll be working with a quality, dependable roofing contractor with a proven reputation for customer satisfaction and a history of following roofing safety to the letter. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. If you need help with your roofing project contact, Total Home Roofing