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614 Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment
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Slide-Guard Systems

A slide-guard system prevents workers from sliding down a sloped roof.

Is this slide guard system adequate?

The system consists of a slide guard (typically 2-by-6-inch lumber) and at least two roof brackets and must be installed under the supervision of a competent person. Roof brackets are available from roofing-equipment suppliers.

When are Slide Guards Allowed?

In residential construction, slide guards are not permitted to be used as the primary means of fall protection in lieu of conventional fall protection methods during roofing work (removal, repair, or installation of weatherproofing roofing materials, such as shingles, tile, and tar paper). However, slide guards may be used as part of a written, site-specific fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926.502(k) if the employer can demonstrate that the use of conventional fall protection would be infeasible or create greater hazards. Residential construction means that the end-use of the structure will be a home and the structure is built using traditional wood frame construction materials and methods.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

4-5. When may slide guard systems be used as the sole fall protection system when performing roofing work?