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Building Assessment, Restoration,
and Demolition
Roof Inspection, Tarping, and Repair |
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Activity Description
- The hazards outlined in this activity sheet apply to experienced inspectors and construction workers performing roofing work (removal, repair, or installation of roofing materials such as shingles, tile, and tar paper). For some operations or situations, other activity sheets also apply; see related activity sheets below. The hazards outlined in this activity sheet also apply to personnel installing plastic sheeting/tarps on roofs or sections of roofs damaged (e.g., blown away, punctured) by high winds from hurricanes or tornados.
- High winds damaged roofs in all regions impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2005). Each damaged roof must be inspected and then either repaired or replaced to prevent further damage to the structure. This activity is a routine part of recovery from any natural disaster involving high winds.
- Plastic sheeting is often installed to temporarily patch roofs when permanent repairs cannot be made immediately. During the first 100 days following Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers oversaw the installation of blue plastic sheeting/tarps on over 107,000 roofs. This specialized and focused work is often done quickly to minimize damage to the structure and its contents.
- Subsequent activities can involve replacing a few tiles, recovering the entire roof, or completely rebuilding the roof deck and everything above it.
- Roof inspection, repair, and replacement
generally require employees to mount ladders or scaffolding to reach
the roof. Once they are on the elevated surfaces, they handle
materials and operate nail guns or power tools. They might also
use saws or pruning shears to size the furring strips typically
used to secure tarps. Depending upon the roof and roofing material,
the surfaces can be steep, slippery, and/or deteriorating. Any
work on roofs typically must be performed in full sun and near
the utility/power lines attached to the structure.
- Roofing materials used for hurricane recovery
activities vary by type of structure and the extent of the damage.
Activities can involve plastic sheeting, asphalt shingles, tar
paper and tiles.
- Response and recovery workers conducting this operation may be employed by Federal, State, local, and private employers. Review How to Use This Matrix in the introduction for a discussion of how this information may apply to different employees.
| Personal
fall protection systems are a critical component of protection during installation of roofs. This activity sheet
describes the use of two types of personal fall protection
systems: 1) fall restraint systems and 2) fall arrest systems.
Both types involve a body harness that is connected by a
lanyard to an anchor point, but these fall protection systems
vary in how they function. With a fall
restraint system
the length of the lanyard and other system components hold
the individual on the roof. Even if he or she trips, the individual
cannot drop past the edge of the roof. The more common fall
arrest system differs in that it allows the employee
a longer lanyard and more freedom of movement, but this means
that it could be possible for a falling individual to drop several
feet off a roof before being stopped by the system. As a
result, the lanyard and anchor for a fall arrest system must
include special features. To protect the individual as the lanyard
stops the fall, the fall arrest components must be stronger—anchorage
points must be able to support 5,000 pounds. The height of
the employee, the stretch of the shock absorber and the length
of the lanyard must all be taken into consideration when
rigging a fall arrest system to prevent a falling individual
from hitting the ground or other objects (e.g., vehicles
in driveways). |
About the Activity Sheet
This activity sheet does not provide an in-depth analysis of OSHA standards and regulations and cannot address all hazards. It does not increase or diminish any OSHA requirement or employer obligation under those requirements. It is intended as a guide and quick reference for employers and response and recovery workers. The Matrix captures major activities involved in hurricane response and recovery, highlights many of the hazards associated with them, and recommends beneficial work practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other exposure control methods. Employers must evaluate the specific hazards associated with the job/operation at the site where the work is being performed.
Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.
The Hazard Exposure and Risk Assessment Matrix for Hurricane Response and Recovery Work provides a general overview of particular topics related to current OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, or the equivalent State Plan standards and requirements. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA/State Plan administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. Employers should modify their procedures as appropriate when additional, relevant information becomes available.
Activity-Specific Sampling
and Monitoring Information
 Fall protection concerns were found at over three-quarters
of the work sites OSHA observed. Safety-monitoring systems were
not established and fall protection (harnesses, lanyards, lifelines,
connectors, anchorages, and anchorage points) was not used or
was used improperly where this equipment was required. - Other common concerns included improper use of ladders and
scaffolds, PPE issues, and electrocution and shock hazards from
power lines and power tools. PPE was either not being worn when
needed, or the PPE selected did not provide adequate protection.
- For safety and health monitoring data and sample results, see
the Summary of Activity Sampling Data and Safety and Health Monitoring Information.
General Recommendations
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices. See general recommendations document.
Personal Protective Equipment.
The general PPE is recommended for
all response/recovery tasks/operations; only the additional
PPE that may be needed for a specific hazard is noted below.
General PPE includes:
- Hard hat for overhead impact or electrical hazards
- Eye protection with side shields
- Gloves chosen for job hazards expected (e.g.,
heavy-duty leather work gloves for handling debris with sharp edges
and/or chemical protective gloves appropriate for chemicals potentially
contacted)
- ANSI-approved protective footwear
- Respiratory protection as necessary—N,
R, or P95, filtering facepieces may be used for nuisance dusts
(e.g., dried mud, dirt and silt) and mold (except mold remediation).
Filters with a charcoal layer may be used for odors.
Recommendations Specific to Hazards Associated with This Activity
FALLS FROM HEIGHTS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
During roofing repairs to residential
roofing covered by OSHA instruction STD-03-00-001 using plastic
sheeting, shingles, tar paper, or tile (Group 4 work)
 Limit access/set up controlled access zones- Residential Roofs where the fall distance is less than 25 feet measured from the eave to ground level and the roof pitch is less than 8:12:
- up to 4:12 pitch: use conventional fall protection system, safety monitoring system (monitors and warning lines), or roof slide guards
- over 4:12 pitch to 8:12 pitch (except for tile): use conventional fall protection system or roof slide guards. (On tile roofs a safety monitoring system may be used)
- slide guards on roofs with greater than 6:12 pitch should have a maximum of 8 feet spacing
- Residential roofs where the fall distance is greater than 25 feet (any slope) from eave to ground level or where the roof pitch is greater that 8:12 require the use of a conventional fall protection system
- Cover or guard holes and openings as soon as they are created. Covers must support two times the weight (body, equipment, materials) that may be imposed. Permanently mark covers over holes "Danger – Roof Opening"
- When installing plastic sheeting on roofs, permanently mark areas where structural support is inadequate "Danger – No Step"
- Control access both outside and inside the structure. Keep occupants out of spaces where roofs are being worked overhead
During roofing repairs to roofing other than that covered by OSHA instruction STD-03-00-001- Limit access/set up controlled access zones
- Roofing work on low-slope roofs (slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal)) with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels:
- workers must be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or 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 safety monitoring system
- on roofs that are 50 feet or less in width, the use of a safety monitoring system alone is permitted
- Roofing work on steep pitched roofs (slope greater that 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal)) with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels: workers must be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems
- Cover or guard holes and openings as soon as they are created. Covers must support two times the weight (body, equipment, materials) that may be imposed. Permanently mark covers over holes "Danger - Roof Opening"
- When installing plastic sheeting on roofs, permanently mark areas where structural support is inadequate "Danger - No Step"
- Control access both outside and inside
the structure. Keep
occupants out of spaces where roofs are being worked overhead
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Personal fall arrest system including harnesses,
lanyards, lifelines, connectors, anchorages, and anchor points
(as needed)
IMPROPER LADDER OR SCAFFOLD USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Inspect ladders for cracked, broken, or defective parts before
use
- Do not exceed the load rating of ladders
or scaffolds—remember
that load ratings include people, tools, and equipment
- Set up ladders and scaffolds on stable surfaces
- Set extension or straight ladders at a 75 degree angle from the
ground (1/4 foot back for every foot of rise) and provide 3 feet
above an upper landing surface to ease climbing onto/descending
from height
- Use non-conductive ladders (e.g., fiberglass) and exercise extreme
caution when working near power lines
- Secure ladders that can be displaced by work activities; consider
barricades at the base to keep traffic away
- Have a competent person inspect scaffolds before use. A competent
person is able to recognize existing and predictable hazardous
conditions and has the authority to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate the hazardous conditions
- Ensure that the scaffold is plumb, and braced and guyed to prevent
tipping, swaying, and displacement
- Ensure that the scaffold is built on
base plates and mud sills or other firm foundations. Footings should be able to support
the scaffold without settling or moving. Do not use unstable
objects to support scaffolds
- Fully plank each scaffold on all working
levels. For wood
planking, use wood graded for the intended load
- Provide guardrails or fall protection systems on platforms 10
feet or higher
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Fall arrest systems on platforms without
guardrails 10 feet or higher
CONTACT WITH DOWNED LINES AND LIVE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Assume that electrical lines are energized
until proven otherwise. Lines
and other conductors may become re-energized without warning as
utilities are evaluated and restored after a disaster
- Inspect the work area for downed conductors and do not go near,
drive over, or otherwise come in contact with them
- Downed electrical conductors can energize other objects, including
fences, water pipes, bushes, trees, and telephone/CATV/fiber optic
cables
- Unless deenergized and visibly grounded, maintain proper
distance from overhead electrical power lines (at least 10 feet)
and/or provide insulating barriers
GENERAL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATION
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Hearing protection—see Noise hazard
- When working from an aerial lift, use a
body harness that is properly attached (or body belt for tethering
or restraint use only) for fall protection
POWER AND HAND TOOL USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
 Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) or double insulated
power tools, or implement an assured equipment grounding program - Inspect power tool condition (including any cords) and verify
operation of safety features before use
- Do not use equipment that is defective, such as equipment with
inoperable safety switches, missing guards, frayed/cut cords etc.
- Ground power tools properly
- Avoid standing in wet areas when using portable power tools
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Hearing protection—see Noise hazard
- Hand protection for cut- and abrasion-control and vibration dampening
- Eye protection appropriate to the impact hazard
IMPACT HAZARD FROM NAILS/FLYING OBJECTS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Eye protection appropriate to the impact
hazard
NOISE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Place generators, compressors, and other noisy equipment at a distance or behind a barrier when possible
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Hearing protection when working around potential noise sources and when noise levels exceed 90 dBA. A useful "rule of thumb"-if you cannot hold a conversation in a normal speaking voice with a person who is standing at arms length (approximately 3 feet), the noise level may exceed 90 dBA
SLIPS, TRIPS, AND FALLS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
 Select tarps constructed of sheeting that is non-reflective and
has a textured surface to reduce slips- Watch for tripping hazards from power tools, generators, and
compressors used
- Use caution when walking on tarps; keep surfaces dry; if damp
(e.g., from rain, dew or fog) allow them to dry before walking
on them
- See general recommendations document
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Consider the use of flat-soled ANSI-approved
slip-resistant safety shoes (e.g., deck shoe or sneaker style)
instead of work boots
MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING
 Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- For tarps, make sure that the tarp roll is secure before lifting
it up onto the roof; consider using more that one person or lifting
equipment to lift tarp to the roof, if necessary
- Take care when unrolling the tarp onto the roof surface
- See general recommendations document
CHEMICAL AND MATERIAL STORAGE AND USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Segregate and store incompatible chemicals
separately. For
example, store solvents and oxidizers (e.g., peroxides) separately,
and acids and caustics separately
- Secure compressed gas cylinders and
ensure that they are stored properly when not in use (regulators
off and valve caps on when not in use; separate oxygen and fuel
gas by 20 feet or using a non-combustible barrier (5 ft high,
fire-resistant rating of at least ½ hour))
- Store chemicals in containers approved and designed for chemical
storage and mark all storage locations
- Store and handle hazardous materials in areas with natural or
forced ventilation; do not store or handle in low-lying areas
- Isolate, secure and identify storage areas
- Prohibit smoking near storage areas
- Keep ignition sources at least 25 feet away from storage areas
- Ensure that fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents are available
in the immediate area
- Bond and ground containers before dispensing
flammable liquids. Reference
29 CFR 1926.152(e)(2)
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Gloves made of material that will protect user from chemicals
handled
- Face shield or goggles with indirect
venting. If a face shield is selected, eye protection must be
worn under the face shield
- Coveralls or apron resistant to chemicals being handled
- Disposable boot covers resistant to the chemicals being handled
- A respirator and cartridges specific
for chemical, as necessary
GENERATOR USE
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices
- Never attach a generator directly to
the electrical system of a structure unless a qualified electrician
has installed a transfer switch for the generator. If the structure’s electrical system
is not isolated, it may energize the utility’s wiring system
for great distances and create a risk of electrocution for utility
workers and others in the area
- Always plug electrical equipment directly
into the generator using the manufacturer’s supplied cords
or grounded (3-pronged) extension cords that are rated for the
total anticipated load
- Do not overload a generator; it can overheat and create a fire
hazard
- Ground and bond generators according
to the manufacturer’s
recommendations; ensure that any manufacturer-required connections
are secure before using the generator
- Keep the generator dry; protect with a canopy if needed; do not use it in wet or rainy conditions
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous,
colorless, and odorless gas that is produced by the incomplete
burning of the generator’s
fuel. CO is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen
in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs
of oxygen
- Never use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces such as garages
and basements; opening windows and doors may not prevent CO from
building up in those spaces. Do not use a generator outdoors near
doors, windows, and vents that could allow CO to enter
- Ensure that a generator has 3 to 4 feet of clear space on all
sides and above it to ensure adequate ventilation and cooling
- Before
refueling, shut down the generator and allow it to cool
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
DISCOVERY OF UNKNOWN CHEMICALS
Key Engineering Controls and Work Practices- If hazardous chemical containers are found or leaking materials
are detected:
- Do not use spark-producing devices (e.g.,
engines, tools, electronic, and communications equipment) in
the immediate area
- Take self-protective measures (i.e., move to a safe distance
upwind) and contact hazardous material response personnel for
evaluation/removal before continuing work in the area
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
- Evaluate the need to revise protective clothing,
respirator, and glove selection
OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Select any of the following
potential hazards that can be associated with this activity in
order to access relevant recommendations in the general recommendations
document:
Additional Medical Needs
Additional Training Needs
Related Activity Sheets
Other Resources and References
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M, Fall protection. OSHA.
- 29
CFR 1926 Subpart I, Hand and power tools. OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart X, Ladders. OSHA.
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart Subpart L, Scaffolds. OSHA.
- Preventing Falls. OSHA Fact Sheet,
(2004), 352 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Working Safely Around Downed Electrical Wires. OSHA
Fact Sheet, (2005), 21 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Plain Language Revision of OSHA Instruction STD 3.1, Interim Fall Protection Compliance Guidelines for Residential Construction. OSHA,
(1999).
- Using Portable Generators Safely. OSHA Fact Sheet, (2005),
22 KB PDF, 2 pages.
- Portable Generator Safety. OSHA Quick Card, (2005), 19 KB PDF, 1 page.
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