One of the biggest concerns for a roofer is safety. Safety could mean the difference between life and death for a roofer. One of the worse problems for a roofer is keep safe when on a very steep slope roof. Every roofer should practice and teach their employees to pay attention to the safety of not only the roofers, but to the homeowner and to the job site as well. The importance of safety implies that the roofing company who integrates this into their company and considers this as their first and foremost priority. By roofers abiding the proper safety regulations means that they not only care about their company, but they also care about the well-being of the job site. A professional roofing company always considers safety as something that helps them get well-deserved respect from their peers, and the accidents that might happen are decreased, which in turn up's their reputation in being a accident free and more profitable roofing company.
Safety common sense is another part of practicing roofer safety. Roofers should take their time when working, as working so fast and trying to get the job done faster than it should get done is bound to bring needless accidents to the job site. Tailoring safety to the different projects that are taking place is another way to avoid accidents. This includes talking with the roofers and having a mutual understanding with them concerning the safety importance on that particular job site. Also, discourage unsafe work practices. Leading by example will also help the roofing employees know, understand, and implement them into their own work while on the job site.
Keeping your job site clean. This should be common sense to anyone, but you would be surprised at just how many roofers do not even think twice about keeping the job site clean and organized. Less hazards, such as tripping, and identifying all danger areas and avoiding them makes for a professional job and crew. The most productive job sites are monitored and always being cleaned up by the clean up crew so the job just flows better.
All roofers use some sort of ladders, and used properly, these ladders can be a roofers best friend, used improperly, they can be a roofers worst enemy. There are several types of ladders, and the Type 1A ladders are the best one's to use. Roofers should always use ladders that conform to local codes and/or are OSHA approved. Inspecting the ladder rungs, inspecting the ladders functions, the ropes, pulleys, and cleaning any tar, oil, or dirt from these rungs should be the number one thing to look for and clean. Never use any ladder that is damaged, throw them out, and never trust homemade ladders. After the end of the day, use ladder safety, never leave ladders unattended, only allow professional roofers to use the ladders, never the homeowners, take down all ladders on the job site and lock them together on the ground overnight.
Electrical wiring has claimed many deaths of roofers because of metal ladders being set up near these electrical wires. Never trust electricity, electricity can travel from one wire to another wire, even ladders that are set up several feet away. Keep always a non-conductive ladder on the job site. Keep your distance from these electrical wires.
When you climb a ladder, there is a proper way, and a amateur way, that is what sets the professional from the amateur. Always keep your face towards the ladder, use both hands, step on one rung at a time, and never slide down a ladder, this is very unprofessional. Make sure your boots/shoes are clean of any oils and dirt and tar. Do not overload ladders, only one roofer at a time please on a ladder for safety's sake.
Make sure to always secure the base of a ladder, place on a level, solid ground. Secure the top of the ladder with some plywood ladder brace. Set the ladder up against a solid backing. Also, try to extend the ladder 36" above the landing or roof eave for maximum protection and safety.
Decks and Traction is another safety precaution that should be talked about. Reduce tripping hazards, keep the work area mess free, shingle granules can be like ball bearings, which can cause a slip and fall hazard. Clean the deck of these and dirt to help with traction. Wear safe footwear. Roof deck protection helps so much when providing protection from the hazards of traction.
Roofers use many tools, hammer safety requires eye protection to be worn at all times to protect your eyes. Hit the nails squarely to keep the nails from flying back at you, throw away damaged hammers. Power Nailer Safety, these tools should be treated with the up most respect. Always check your power nailer for correct operation, operate when in position on the material to be nailed, never rest the tool against your body, and always of course wear safety glasses, keep this and all tools clean and in working order. Never, ever point a nail gun or any other tool at anyone, they are not toys and should be treated as such.
Utility Knifes have many uses for the roofer, always cut away from your body, make sure your blades are always sharp, never dull, retract the blade when storing in the tool box.
Last but not least, handling of material should be done with of course safety. Use your legs when lifting heavy materials, always use your legs, never your back. Lift one bundle at a time, do not overload your back, and store materials close to the roof, the closer to the roof, the easier and safer it is and also taking less time and less energy waste to retrieve the roofing material.
Accidents do happen and professional know how to handle them. Give first aid, call 911, record the accident and the accident details on a accident form.
To find out more about Roofing safety please visit the following links: Douglasville Roofing Specialist or Douglasville Roof Repair. This article was authored and Submitted by Joseph Vann Hamby. All editing and summaries are Authored by Joseph Vann Hamby in a collective effort to encourage safe roofing practices among all roofing contractors.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Vann_Hamby_Sr.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Safety Concerns For a Roofer
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