Roofs are essential parts of any home, and are key to keeping a home both dry, safe and stable. Keeping a well maintained, waterproof and smart roof is key to many homeowners. Increasingly, more and more homeowners are choosing to carry out their own roofing work, and repairs across their house, garage and outbuildings. Whilst this is an excellent way of saving money, and with more and more roofing kits being made available which simplifies replacing and repairing roofs massively - working on a roof does come with some unavoidable risks which need taking into considering. Below, we run through some of these risks and how you can work on your roof, in the safest possible way. Wear the Correct Clothing & PPE One of the most important considerations to have in place when tackling any roofing job, is wearing the correct clothing and PPE - allowing you to stay safe and comfortable on any roof. Below we run through some of the key items: Safety Boots - Steel toe- capped to protect against drops, and with sole protection to protect against standing on sharp objects, such as nails. Avoid rigger boots which can allow roofing materials to fall down into the boot and do not provide adequate levels of control. Safety Glasses - Whenever hazardous materials are used, so should safety glasses. Safety glasses also provide an important barrier between flying materials, which come from sawing and cutting. Knee Pads - Although Knee Pads are not an essential part of PPE - they provide a massive increase in comfort levels. Allowing you to stay comfortable, and working! Safety Helmets - The first reason for wearing a helmet on a roof is to protect your head from falling debris - the other reason for wearing a helmet is to protect you in case of a fall. Gloves - Gloves are another key part of safety clothing and PPE - protecting your hands from aggravating materials and chemicals - they also protect the hand from cuts and grazes. Consider the Weather It’s never recommended to be roofing in wet weather, which can very quickly make a roof incredibly slippery. In cold weather conditions, make sure you wear warm clothing which protects you from the elements. In warmer weather, precautions also need to be taken. Sun tan lotion should be worn when the sun is shining - sun burn and sun stroke can easily sneak up on you when working - so keep hydrated too. Safe Access There are a couple of ways to access a roof, with the most common on domestic jobs being ladders. On larger jobs however, it is always preferable to having scaffolding access. Always use roofing ladders, which can be secured to the roof - climbing onto, and off the roof is one of the most dangerous aspects of any roofing project - so make sure that the ladder is secure and fit for purpose. Carrying & Handling Materials When handling hazardous materials and chemicals, ensure to read all handling instructions and ensure correct adherence. Material should also not be allowed to remain on the roof once it is used, creating a dangerous cluttered environment. Keep Work Area Tidy As with all DIY and building projects, a clean and tidy work area is essential for effective completion of a task, and is essential when carrying out any roofing work. Keep the roof clear of debris and used materials, whilst ensuring the base of your job is kept clean and tidy - reducing the risk for those walking beneath you. Also, don’t throw rubbish and debris down off the roof, instead lower them carefully, or use a rubbish chute. If you have any questions or comments RE roofing safety, leave a comment below!
