Matt Savin, Loss Control Consultant, FRSA-SIF
Most of us understand that we must have personal protective equipment (PPE) on our jobsites, but there seems to always be the question of why, what or when. The information below should help you to understand all three questions. This article does not touch on all types of PPE, but does provide information on the most common types you should find on a typical roofing job site.
Hard Hats – Hard hats are not always required, but you should always have them handy. If there is even the slightest potential for objects to fall from the roof, anyone on the ground or a lower level must be wearing a hard hat. If there is a low ceiling, for instance an attic while checking for a leak, a hard hat would be required to prevent the employee from hitting his or her head. If a crane is delivering materials to the roof, every employee on the roof and on the ground must have a hard hat to help protect them if the load becomes unstable and falls.
Hearing Protection – This might be one of the least used or understood forms of protection used on a jobsite. Anytime the noise levels are expected to be greater than 85dB in the work area, employees must be provided and wear proper hearing protection. The easiest way to tell if it is loud enough to require protection is to try to have a conversation. If the area is loud enough that you must raise your voice, it is loud enough to require your employees to protect themselves.
Eye Protection – Eye protection is another afterthought for most roofers, especially those that install shingle roofing. Like most PPE, safety glasses are not always required, however it is a good habit to wear them. Some instances when they are required include, but are not limited to using power tools, some hand tools and pneumatic tools. Often, the instructions for the use of the tool will tell you if you are required to wear safety glasses or goggles.
Respiratory Protection – Respirators were once thought of as unnecessary on a roofing jobsite. Many people don’t understand why or when they actually need them. Most of your drills or saws have a stamp on the side which makes respiratory protective equipment mandatory. Any time you are in a dusty environment, you should understand what you may be inhaling and decide what type of mask will properly protect you and your employees. OSHA has released a new standard on silica, which also lays out potential respiratory hazards while working on a lightweight or tile jobsite.
High Visibility Clothing – Many general contractors require the use of high visibility clothing on jobsites. Even if you are not working on a site for a GC, there are still many instances when a highly visible vest is required. If you are working in a high traffic area on a site, near a roadway or even in a parking lot, some form of high visibility clothing is required. Any time you or an employee is flagging for a crane or other operator, high visibility clothing is necessary.
Gloves – Cuts to the hands and fingers are one of the most common injuries on a jobsite. Gloves are great gear to have available, but like most situations, what type of glove depends on the application. If you are cleaning up a TPO job, it’s likely that chemical gloves will be required to handle the chemicals on site. While cutting metal, you should have cut resistant gloves to possibly save you a trip to the ER. There are now also cut resistant chemical gloves available.
Footwear or Foot Protection – Proper footwear is often a point of contention for those working on a sloped roof. Steel or composite toed footwear may not always be the best on a sloped roof, but proper footwear is a must. There are manufacturers that make shoes soft enough that you can grip and walk steep sloped roofs. Going barefoot or wearing sandals should always be forbidden on any jobsite. Another good idea is to purchase puncture resistant insoles for your shoes. They are not costly and can be worth every cent when you pull the nails from the bottom of your shoes instead of the bottom of your foot.
Of course, we know that one of the most critical forms of PPE is personal fall protection equipment. OSHA requirements encompassing types of equipment, roof slopes and types of roofs, are vast.
Remember, it is important that all employees are trained on how to properly inspect, care for, wear and use the PPE that you provide to them. The employer is responsible for making sure employees have the proper PPE and are trained to use it.
To be compliant with all OSHA regulations, your employer’s requirements and the GC or builder’s needs, always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment necessary for the job!
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