Osha Low Slope Roof Requirements

The roofing safety zones.

Osha low slope roof requirements.

The extremely high danger zone less than six feet from the roof s edge requires one of the following. Work on low slope roofs. As explained below the answer is no. Slope is calculated by rise over run thus a low sloped roof is a roof where for every 12 units inches feet or meters measured horizontally run the roof does not increase or decrease by.

Osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12. Osha s fall protection standard for construction 29 cfr part 1926 subpart m beginning at 1926 500 generally requires fall protection when there is a fall distance of 6 feet or more. Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined.

Steep roof above 4 12 slope 29 cfr 1926 501 b 11. Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10. This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph b of this section each employee engaged in roofing activities on low slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems safety net systems personal fall arrest systems or a combination of warning line system and guardrail system warning line system and safety net system or warning line system and personal fall arrest system or warning line system and.

Employers must provide the right equipment employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job including the right kinds of ladders scaffolds and safety gear. Osha is adding this provision to make the general industry standard more consistent with the construction fall protection standard which includes a provision addressing roofing work performed on low slope roofs 1926 501 b 10. Roof slope osha defines a low slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 500 b definitions. Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems.

29 cfr 1926 500 defines low slope roof as a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10 allows the use of a safety monitor on a low slope roof. Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met.