This article was written by our newest blogger, Adam Snape, on behalf of Myredlandroof, a roofing firm based out of the United Kingdom with over 90 years’ experience in the trade.
Any DIY (Do It Yourself) project within the home should be done safely and efficiently, and this is no truer than with a roofing project. This is an extremely hazardous aspect of home or building renovation and the correct health and safety practices should be adhered to. Here are some useful tips to ensure you stay safe when performing any roof based projects.
Look at the weather and check the surface
Roofs are dangerous places and are constantly exposed to the elements. Always take into account the weather conditions before you decide to go up, and remember that it will be extremely slippery during wet or icy weather. Leaves and other debris falling onto the roof can also be safety hazards. Roof-based work should be avoided in high winds or during heavy rain.
Safety wear
To adhere to construction regulations and laws, certain safety equipment must be worn. It’s best to wear a hard hat and suitable work boots which are sturdy and have good traction when working on a roof. It’s also strongly advised to wear a harness to make work on a roof surface even safer.
Clean up as you go
The area is dangerous enough without any excess debris or materials. When you have finished a certain aspect of the job, clean up any leftover materials before moving onto another stage as equipment such as nails and shingles can be extremely hazardous. Advise any co-workers or employees to do the same.
Don’t work alone
Always carry out any roof work with at least one colleague. If there is an accident there will be someone there to help.
Ladder safety
Make sure the ladder you use is securely fastened to the floor and is on a solid, level surface. For further safety precautions, use ladder stabilizers. If you are unsure of the safety of the ground surface, instruct an employee to hold the ladder in place, or if the ladder is positioned on grass, create holes in the ground to make the area even safer.
For more information, see Redland’s article about Emergency Roof Repair.
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