We can’t place enough emphasis on safety measures when it comes to roof repair and installation, seeing as how falls are among the leading causes of injuries in the building industry. This is the reason why we discourage homeowners from doing any kind of DIY roofing work. Read on as DryTech Roofing shares a closer look at the safety measures we take when we work on roofs.
Safety Training
All our installers have received safety training, and constantly receive updates and refresher courses. Manufacturers likewise provide additional training. Awareness and know-how are important traits for installers. Knowing where to set their foot, when to wear safety equipment and when to double-check their equipment can help avoid fall-related injuries.
Checking the Roof’s Structural Integrity
Before roofers begin any kind of roofing work, the roof’s structural integrity is thoroughly checked. Installers should be aware of structural deterioration such as dry rot, water damage or improperly installed old roof. Stepping on such an area could result in one of the installers falling off the roof, or the roof itself collapsing.
Roof Edge
Roofing work doesn’t always have to involve climbing the roof. Working at the roof’s edge is better when accessed from below. Staying on an extended ladder can be dangerous, so a more stable platform such as a scissor lift or aerial is used. If the ground-level areas have foot traffic, we make sure it’s safe from falling debris by using scaffolding.
Safety Equipment
Roofers use a special kind of climbing safety gear called a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS). It consists of an anchorage system, a full body harness and a lanyard or lifeline. Once attached to a secure anchor point, the PFAS works the same way as mountain climbing gear, but allows the installer to move to part of the roof. It’s important for the PFAS to have a body harness and not a belt, as the latter can cause injury due to the sudden force concentrated in one spot during a fall.
To learn more about roofing safety, or if you need our roofing services, call DryTech Roofing today at (240) 491-5600. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve Maryland and the surrounding areas.