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Roofing Operations

Work conditions at roofing projects are often difficult and harsh and continuously expose workers to serious hazards. In California one of the most common causes of work-related deaths is falls from roofs. Injuries common to the roofing industry include (1) broken bones because of falls; (2) back injuries because of awkward postures and heavy lifting; and (3) burns from contact with hot roofing asphalt and associated equipment.

Roofing operations are classified as either single-unit or multi-unit. Examples of single-unit (monolithic) roofing are built-up roofing, flat-seam metal roofing, and vinyl roofing. Examples of multi-unit roofing are asphalt shingles, cement, clay and slate tile, standing seam metal panels, shingle metal roofing, and wood shingles.
The following regulations aim to minimize or eliminate the hazards associated with the roofing industry:

April 2007 Update

Roofing Operations and Equipment

Section 1731, Roof Hazards – New Production-Type Residential Construction: This section only applies to new production type residential construction and does not apply to custom built homes, re-roofing, roofing replacements or additions on existing residential dwellings (see section 1730). This standard lowered the requirement for fall protection from (an eve height) of 20 feet down to 15 feet. On slopes greater than 7:12, employees must be protected regardless of height. Requires documented employee training that includes: work on or near gable ends, slipping, holes and openings, skylights, work on ladders and scaffolds, roof access, placement and location of materials on roofs, impalement hazards, and care and use of fall protection systems.

http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sb4a30.html

A. Work on roofs higher than 20 ft. or work involving equipment that the operator must pull backward, regardless of roof height, requires one or a combination of the following to reduce the fall hazard: 1730(b)(1)

  1. For single-unit roofs with slopes of 0:12 through 4:12
    1. Warning lines and headers
    2. Personal fall protection systems per. 1724(f)
    3. Catch platforms with guardrails
    4. Scaffold platforms
    5. Eave barriers
    6. Parapets that are 24 in. or higher
    7. Standard railings and toeboards. 1730(b)
  2. For single-unit roofs with slopes exceeding 4:12
    1. Parapets that are 24 in. or higher
    2. Personal fall protection systems per. 1724(f)
    3. Catch platforms
    4. Scaffold platforms
    5. Eave barriers
    6. Standard railings and toeboards. 1730(c)

      Note: Provisions in 1730(c) do not apply at job sites where motorized equipment on which the operator rides has been designed for use on roofs having slopes greater than 4:12 and is used where a parapet is at least 36 in. high at roof edges that are perpendicular to the direction in which the equipment is moving. 1730(c)

  3. For multi-unit roofs
    1. Parapets that are at least 24 in. high
    2. Personal fall protection systems per. 1724(f)
    3. Catch platforms
    4. Scaffold platforms
    5. Eave barriers
    6. Roof jack systems (Safety lines are required when using roof jack systems on roofs steeper than 7:12.). 1730(e),(f)

      Note: On a roof with a slope exceeding 4:12, do not use equipment that must be pulled backward by an operator. 1730(d)

B. Hot operations are subject to the following regulations:

  1. Workers must not carry buckets containing hot material up ladders. 1725(a)
  2. An attendant must be stationed within 100 ft. of any kettle not equipped with a thermostat. 1725(d)
  3. Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders must not be located where the burner will increase the temperature of the cylinder. 1725(g)
  4. A Class BC fire extinguisher shall be kept near each kettle in use as shown below:
    1. For a kettle with a capacity of less than 150 gal. = 8:BC
    2. For a kettle with a capacity of 150 gal. to 350 gal. = 16:BC
    3. For a kettle with a capacity of more than 350 gal. = 20:BC. 1726(d)
  5. The fuel tanks of compressed-air-fueled kettles must be equipped with a relief valve set for a pressure not to exceed 60 psi. 1726(c)
  6. Coal tar pitch operations are subject to the following requirements:
    1. Workers must use skin protection. 1728(a)
    2. Washing or cleansing facilities must be available. 1728(c)
    3. Workers must use respirators and eye protection in confined spaces that are not adequately ventilated. 1728(b), 5158
  7. Hot pitch and asphalt buckets have the following maximum capacities:
    1. Carry buckets = 6 gal.
    2. Mop buckets = 9 1/2 gal. 1729(a)(2),(4)

C. Personal fall protection for roofing operations is regulated as follows: 1724(f)

  1. Personal fall arrest systems, personal fall restraint systems, and positioning devices must be installed and used in accordance with Article 24 in the GISO. 1724(f)
  2. Safety lines must be securely attached to substantial anchorages on the roof. 1724(f)
  3. Roof openings must be railed or covered. The cover must be securely fastened and able to withstand 2 times the expected load or a minimum of 400 pounds. 1632(b)(3)
  4. Covers must bear a sign stating - OPENING-DO NOT REMOVE. 1632

    Note: An employee approaching within 6 feet of any finished skylight or skylight opening must be protected from falling through the skylight or opening. 3212(e)