Employees are faced with various types of hazards during shingle tear off activities. These can vary from a fall, to exposed nails, heat stress, electrical hazards, as well as strains and sprains.
Ways to assess and address these risks:
- A company fall protection plan should be implemented and reviewed with all employees
- Power lines should be assessed at the start of each job and a plan should be put in place to shut off power of any lines running to the home
- Ensure any openings on the roofs such as skylights are guarded properly
- Limit area directly below the perimeter of the home to prevent debris from falling on anyone below
- Do not walk on any scrap material such as tarping, or plastic
- Repair or cover any failing decking to prevent someone from falling through
- Work should not be performed on any roof that is wet or icy
- Sweep off any excess asphalt granules to prevent slips
- Utilize shingle tear off tools to avoid sprain or strain
- A magnetic sweeper should be used to pick up any excess nails
- Ensure anchoring methods are safe and that the anchor source is able to withstand the appropriate weight/force of a fall
- Get rid of scraps as removal takes place
Assess the roof you are working on before the job begins. Look for clear hazards such as a slippery surface, soft areas on the roof, and determine where scrap material will go. Planning with these basic rules can prevent a potential major accident.