Safety Monitoring for Roofing Work
This is a method in which a person, rather than a mechanical system, warns roofers when they are in danger of falling.
The monitor, who must be a competent person, is responsible for recognizing fall hazards and warning workers about them.
Safety monitoring can be used only to protect those who do roofing work on roofs that have slopes no greater than 2:12 and widths no greater than 50 feet. Safety monitoring on roofs wider than 50 feet is not permitted unless a warning-line system also protects the workers.
The safety monitor's responsibilities:
- recognize fall hazards
- warn employees when they are unaware of hazards or aren't working safely
- stay on the same walking/working surface as the workers to see them and to communicate with them while they are working
- avoid any other work or distracting activity while monitoring the workers
Only those who are doing roofing work are permitted in the area controlled by the safety monitor. Mechanical equipment can't be used or stored in the area.
Catch Platforms
Catch platforms, which consist of a stable platform and an attached standard guardrail, can protect roofers when other systems or methods are not feasible.
Platform guidelines:
- The platform should not be more than 18 inches below the eave line of the roof.
- The platform should extend horizontally at least 2 feet beyond the eave line of the roof.
- The platform must have a standard guardrail and toeboard. The top guardrail should rise substantially (at least 12 inches) above the eave line of the roof. Install intermediate rails or a solid barrier between the top rail and the platform to prevent a worker from sliding under the top rail.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
4-6. According to OSHA, the safety monitor must be a _____ and is responsible for recognizing fall hazards and warning workers about them.
You forgot to answer the question!