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FALL PROTECTION & Roof safety

Sometimes your job will require you to access, and traverse roofs. If you can avoid the roof altogether, you should always choose to do so. In this module, you will learn best practices in navigating roofs and how to use your fall protection system.

At the end of this module, you should understand

  • Safe Roof Pitches
  • Types of Roofs
  • What you can/can't walk on
  • Components of a personal fall arrest system
  • Fall Restraint Vs. Fall Arrest

Regardless of what you learn in this section, always utilize common sense and best judgement before walking on a roof. Just because a roof is usually safe, does not mean it is always safe and there are numerous situations that can change scenarios in an instant. Falling off a roof can kill you.

    Roof Pitch

    • When considering going onto a roof, one of the first things to check is the pitch. The pitch of a roof is calculated by the number of inches it rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. For example, a roof that rises 8 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run has an 8-in-12 pitch. A pitch of 7/12 to a pitch of 8/12 is the general turnover point from being safe to dangerous. Other conditions can also apply to safety such as wetness, moss/algae, snow, ice, dust, heat,

      condition of roof, type of roof and other factors. See the picture below.

    • Roof Terms


      Valley: The point where two slopes on the roof meet, like a gutter. Avoid stepping here.
      Peak/Apex :This is the highest point of the roof. Avoid on any type of roof.
      Hip: This is where the peaks would continue down the side of a roof. Do not step on the hip.
      Pitch: Also referred to the steepness. do not step on a roof with a pitch of 8/12 or higher.
      Avoid all roofs if there are any factors which cause safety hazards.

    Types of Roofs

    • Metal Roof

      Normally, metal roofs are very easy to walk on unless they are wet, dusty, or have other debris. Metal roofs can be incredible slippery when wet and should be avoided until dry. Do not step on the peak, hip, or valley. This particular example has a fiberglass skylight, which is NOT safe to walk on. Stepping on a fiberglass skylight can cause a major accident if you fall through. If you are unsure of what kind of roof you are working with, discuss with a customer or supervisor.

    • Asphalt Shingle

      If the pitch is safe, asphalt roofs are typically safe to work on based on their durability and provided traction. If there is moss buildup, or anything slippery, avoid the roof. The valley, hip, or peak should not be stepped on. Laying a ladder against the edge of asphalt shingles without standout brackets can cause damage.

    • Clay Tile

      Clay tile is incredibly breakable. Place your foot in the lower part of the tile (where water flows). Never step on the valley, peak, or hip of the roof. Go slow and be very agile. Try to keep your distance on the tile as short as possible and map out a plan to avoid movement. If you have to cross a large portion of roof, then have a coworker move your ladder to the other end so you can get down without going all the way back. Think of clay tile like a clay plant pot. It's soft to the touch. It's important to know this from concrete tile because clay tile is more delicate. There is high probability of breaking tile on this type of roof and it should be avoided as much as possible.

    • Concrete Tile

      Concrete tile is similar to clay tile. Concrete usually has a slightly rougher texture. It's a little more durable, but still breakable and should be treated with care. Always walk in the down part of the tile (where water flows). Never step on the valley, peak, or hip of the roof. Go slow and be very careful.

      Try to keep your distance on the tile as short as possible and map out your plan up there. If you have to cross a large portion of roof, then have a coworker move your ladder to the other end so you can get down without going all the way back. Even though you're less likely to break this kind of tile you should still try to avoid it as much as possible.

    • Flat Concrete Tile

      These are flat concrete tiles. These are easier than most types on tiles to walk on. Try to walk where the tiles overlap and keep your foot closer to the edge. Disperse your weight amongst as many tiles as possible and be agile. Never step on the valley, peak, or hip of the roof. Always keep your distance on tile as short as possible and map out your plan up there. If you have to cross a large portion of roof, then have a coworker move your ladder the other end so you can get down without going all the way back. If you put your foot in the middle of the tile there's is a good chance of breaking it. This is the easiest type of tile to walk on but it should still be avoided at all costs.

    • Wood Shingles

      If the pitch is safe and you don't see moss, mildew or any other buildup you should be safe to precede. Because wood is soft and organic, it can attract a lot of living moss buildup when there is moisture on it. Stay off the roof if you notice this. It can become extremely dangerous and slippery if you continue. Consider a different way of getting to the window. If you approach but the roof is cracking or breaking then find another way. When the wood dries out it becomes extremely stiff and can break when you step on it. Always use caution and if you're not sure, stay off of it.

    • Slate Roof

      These types of roofs are not very common but are still out there.

      Slate is a type of stone and very breakable. It typically crumbles when you walk on it. Sometimes a slate roof can look like a deteriorating asphalt roof from a distance. If you get up there and realize it's slate, then stay off of it.

      While roofers have special technique to walk on a slate roof, window cleaners should not attempt. It's not worth the liability risk and will most likely cause a lot of damage.

    • Glass Roof

      Do not ever step on a glass roof or the frame. This could also mean a skylight. There are tons of different architecture features you might see over the course of cleaning windows. If something seems unique then talk with the customer or supervisor to figure out a safe solution that won't cause damage. A job like this could require a pole, water fed pole, a lift or a repelling system to safely reach it.

    • Solar Panels

      Never walk on solar panels. Not only are they glass but they are usually held up by aluminum frames that cannot hold the weight of a person. If you're working around a solar system use caution as there could be live exposed electricity around the area and could cause electrocution.
     

    Fall Protection

    • OSHA requires fall protection in any area where a worker has a fall hazard of four feet or more for general industry. Trying to eliminate roof work all together is the best solution if you can do the job safely by other means such as a pole, water fed pole, removing the window, etc. If you must get on the roof then you should use fall protection. Fall protection consists of several different components used together to provide safety for working at heights. This PPE is supposed to protect you in the event of a fall or restrain a worker from getting near the edge. If a roof is completely unsafe or impossible to walk on, you should not be pulling on your equipment to get you somewhere. This equipment is designed to protect you in the event of a fall, it is NOT climbing gear. These rules do not apply to portable ladders.

    • Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

      These are systems of equipment and rope used to catch an individual in the event of a fall. A PFAS should have the ability to catch an individual before they have the opportunity to contact a lower surface with minimal swinging, while also decelerating the fall. The ABCs of fall protection are anchor, body harness, and components.

    • Personal Fall Restraint System (PFRS)

      A personal fall restraint system refers to a system to keep an individual from making contact with a fall hazard. This could be similar to a PFAS except only to have a leash long enough to get work done while restraining the worker enough to avoid getting near the fall hazard. Unlike a PFAS any harness equipment or lanyards should be fixed to avoid expansion and giving the worker a longer leash than expected.

    • Rope Descent System (RDS)

      Rope descent systems are used for descending workers off of elevated surfaces, usually buildings. This work is incredibly dangerous and should only be attempted by professionals. Any training on this should should be hands on and up to OSHA standards.

      THIS MODULE DOES NOT TEACH ROPE DESCENT SYSTEMS

    • Suspended Scaffold System

      Suspended scaffold systems are elevated platforms that can ascend or descend the side of a buildings. These can usually support multiple users and equipment. Suspended scaffold is safer than RDS but can still be extremely dangerous especially in weather that isn't ideal. Any training on this should be hands on and up to OSHA standards.

      THIS MODULE DOES NOT TEACH SUSPENDED SCAFFOLD SYSTEM

    • Guardrail System

      Railing system used to protect a worker from a fall hazard. Temporary and permanent guardrail systems should be designed, installed, and inspected by a qualified individual up to OSHA specifications.

    • Safety Net System

      Safety nets systems are designed and installed to catch a worker or tools in the event of a fall. Saftey net systems should be designed, installed, and inspected by a qualified individual and meet or exceed OSHA standards.

    • Warning Line System

      Warning line systems are barriers to fall hazards. These can be used to keep workers in a designated safe working area. The worker should make contact with the warning line before entering a danger area. This could be rope, wire, chain, caution tape, etc. Warning line systems should be designed, installed and inspected by a qualified individual up to OSHA specifications.

    • Safety Monitor

      A safety monitor is a qualified individual who monitors workers while they're working around a fall hazard. Safety monitoring is usually only allowed when another fall protection method is being implemented.

      Safety monitors should:

      • Have no other responsibilities.
      • Be able to identify falling hazards.
      • Be able to clearly communicate with workers.
      • On the same level as workers.
      • Warn workers when in an unsafe position.

    • Fall Restraint

      Fall restraint is a system which forces the user to avoid a fall hazard altogether. This can be done with a personal fall arrest system with limited reach, barriers, or a spotter to help a worker avoid the hazard completely. A worker needing access to a roof should almost always be able to stay in fall restraint and it's always better than fall arrest.

    • Fall Arrest

      Fall arrest is used for a worker who needs access to something in which they cannot avoid the fall hazard. A fall arrest system will catch and hold the worker in the event of a fall before hitting the ground. While the force of the fall and the harness itself isn't comfortable it could safe the worker's life instead of hitting the ground. High rise window cleaners, high rise workers and some other trades can't avoid fall arrest and therefore cannot set their personal fall arrest system in fall restraint.

    • Fall restraint is always better than fall arrest because it avoids the fall hazard altogether. When working at heights ask yourself the following:

      • Can you avoid the fall hazard completely?
      • If not, will a fall restraint system work to avoid the fall hazard?
      • If not, can we safely set up a personal fall arrest system?

    • Kilonewton Kn

      A Kilonewton is a unit of measurement of force. One kN is equal to approximately 225 pounds of force. Most safety jurisdictions require that safety equipment can withstand 5,000 pound of force, which is equal to 23 kN or above. Safety equipment is commonly measured in kN and it's helpful to know it the equipment you're using is up to safety standard.The components of your fall protection equipment will have a measurement of weight capacity and it's your responsibly to inspect and check it to make sure it's up to standard.

    • Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)

      Below we'll talk about different components of a personal fall arrest system. While the following is common in the industry, there are many other options and products out there that could change your setup. Make sure you know how to use each piece of equipment and read the manufacturers manual on proper uses. Using equipment improperly or outside local safety codes could cause serious injury or death. Make sure you have a qualified individual present. If something doesn't seem right then stop job immediately.

    • Anchor

      Below we'll talk about different components of a personal fall arrest system. While the following is common in the industry, there are many other options and products out there that could change your setup. Make sure you know how to use each piece of equipment and read the manufacturers manual on proper uses. Using equipment improperly or outside local safety codes could cause serious injury or death. Make sure you have a qualified individual present. If something doesn't seem right then stop job immediately.

    • Anchor Strap

      Anchor straps are anti fraying straps used to wrap around anchors to give the worker a safe tie off. These should be inspected before and after each use. Check for any wear including swelling, shrinking, tears, fuzziness, missed stitching, or any other damage that could make it unsafe. Be sure your strap is installed to manufacture recommendations.

    • Carabiner

      The carabiner is what connects your rope to the anchor strap. Be sure that your carabiner is clearly labeled so you know it's up to ANSI and OSHA standards. The carabiner should be double locking, which means it takes two actions to open.

      could cause safety concerns

      You'll see typical kilonewton markings informing the user how much force the carabiner can withstand in different angles and conditions. When inspecting, be sure to make sure the labels are current, legible, and up to safety standard. Make sure the gate functions properly and closes completely. Check the body for severe wear or any other issues that could cause safety concerns.

    Lifeline

    • Rope

      Your rope will give you your working area. Your rope should be synthetic, not natural, and engineered to be part of a fall protection system. Before working with any rope, you should always inspect it for any damage such as shrinkage, swelling, fraying, fuzziness, tears, or wear of any kind. If you find any damage to a rope, immediately pull it from service and make sure no one can use it. If a rope is used for any unintended purpose, it should also be pulled from service immediately and marked as unsafe for your fall protection system.


      Rope Label

      Rope labels should always be on all safety rope, and visible show the weight capacity, thickness, length, and identification. This information is crucial to make sure the rope you are working with is up to standard and compatible with all equipment components.


      Figure 8 on Bight

      A Figure 8 on Bight is a common knot used in the window cleaning industry and climbing professionals. A rope bight simply means the rope is folded over and doubled up into a figure 8. See image below.

    • Vertical Lifelines

      Vertical lifelines provide direct resistance between the worker and the anchor. Vertical lifelines are common in PFAS that aren't permanantly installed and movement tends to be up and down, between the anchor and the hazard.

    • Horizontal Lifelines

      Horizontal lifelines use two or more anchors, that a worker can utilize to move along an area. The movement tends to be side-t-side and parallel to the fall hazard. These systems are typically permanently installed on on surfaces that are commonly accessed by workers on industrial facilities.This is a much less common set up, because it can be difficult to find two anchors in the correct position.

    • Rope Grab

      The rope grab works like a seatbelt. When significant pressure is put on the grab (from a fall) it pulls down and locks. Always test your rope grab before beginning work and make sure it is installed correctly. Failure to install the rope grab with the correct orientation can be catastrophic. Installing a rope grab upside down will not stop a worker from falling. Never use a rope grab that is not correctly sized for your rope.

    • Lanyard

      Your lanyard connects you to your anchor point, and carries the shock absorber in between you and the anchor point. A lanyard can also be fixed which means it doesn't expand or stretch. This would be used in fall restraint systems because it is meant to keep the worker from ever being exposed to a fall hazrad. If a lanyard is torn, stretched, or frayed, do not use it. Make sure you know the weight capacity and length of your lanyard.

      Snaphook

      These are at each end of a lanyard. These hook to the anchor point and the D-ring on the back of the harness. The snap hook should take two actions to unlock.

    • Body Harness or Safety Harness

      This harness goes around your body to hold you in the event of a fall. The harness should be tight but allow for a full range of motion. Always have your harness fully on or fully off (if not needed). Also use your harness when going on a lift, attach the snap hook (from the lanyard) to a safe spot on the lift. Body belts are prohibited from a PFAS. Body belts only support the lower part of the body.

    • Shoulder Straps

      These straps go over your shoulders and should be free of any damage.


      Dorsal D-Ring

      The dorsal ring is on your back and connects your lanyard to the rope grab


      Chest Straps

      Your chest strap should be compressed and tightened to your body, fully locked and free of any damage or wear.

      Impact Indicators

      Impact indicators will give you a warning that there was significant force or a fall in the harness. If these indicators are torn then remove the harness from service.


      Leg Strap

      These straps go around your legs and should be free of any twists, rips, or frays. These should also be tightened against your legs and fully locked.

    • Pendulum or Swing Fall

      A pendulum swing happens with a worker relieves slack in his safety system to reach a portion of the roof to one of the sides of the roof. If the worker lets out too much slack and then falls, naturally the rope line will swing back towards center of the anchor. This swing can be very dangerous for the worker because the extra slack in the line could cause the worker to hit the ground. You can avoid this by understanding safe areas on the roof as well as understanding your safety factor.

      Your safest working area is is directly in front of the anchor where it's providing you resistance.

    Fall Clearance Distance =

    • Fall Distance

      Free fall distance: This is the distance the worker falls before the PFAS begins to slow the fall. When using a PFAS, this distance must be 6 feet or less and also prevent the worker from contacting a lower level.

    • Deceleration Distance

      Deceleration distance is the distance the lanyard stretched in order to arrest the fall. Deceleration distance must be no greater than 3.5 feet.

    • D-Ring Shift

      This is the distance the D-ring moves and the harness shifts when they support the worker's full weight. As the line tugs upwards, the harness can shift so the D-ring location is higher on the worker than it was before the fall. This shift is often assumed to be one foot, but it can vary, depending on the equipment design and the manufacturer.
      Assume one foot.

    • Back D-Ring Height

      Back D-ring height: The D-ring height is measured as the distance between the D-ring and the worker's shoe sole while the worker is wearing the harness.
      This height is often standardized as five feet for six-foot-tall workers (shorter workers may also be protected using this default distance). It is necessary to adjust the back D-ring height for workers exceedina
      six feet.

    • Safety Factor

      Safety factor: A safety factor is an additional distance added to the total fall clearance distance to ensure there is enough clearance between the worker and the lower
      level after a fall. It is typically 2 feet.

    • Fall Clearance Examples

      Adding these distances up will give you your fall clearance. If your fall clearance is more than the height of the fall hazard then the PFAS wouldn't work and the worker would hit the ground.

      Example 1:Free Fall = 6 ft, deceleration = 3.5 ft, d-ring shift = 1 ft,back d-ring height = 5 ft, safety factor = 2 ft.
      Total fall clearance = 17.5 ft

      The work is working on a roof that is 24 ft from the ground so the worker is safe. If the worker was working on a roof that was 12 feet from the ground the PFAS wouldn't stop the worker from hitting the

      Example 2:Free Fall = 3 ft, deceleration = 2 ft, d-ring shift = 1 ft,back d-ring height = 5 ft, safety factor = 2 ft.Total fall clearance = 13 ft

      The worker is working on a roof that is 10 ft from the ground. The PFAS won't work and the worker would be in danger. If the height was 15 ft the worker would be safe.

    If you feel you have a full understanding of this module, proceed to the test. Once you complete the test, you will be redirected back to the main module page.

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