Osha Low Slope Roof Requirements

Work on low slope roofs.

Osha low slope roof requirements.

Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10. The extremely high danger zone less than six feet from the roof s edge requires one of the following. As explained below the answer is no. Osha is adding this provision to make the general industry standard more consistent with the construction fall protection standard which includes a provision addressing roofing work performed on low slope roofs 1926 501 b 10.

Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined. Low sloped roof is a term that osha felt it needed to be defined in its walking working surfaces update published november 18 2016. Osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. Slope is calculated by rise over run thus a low sloped roof is a roof where for every 12 units inches feet or meters measured horizontally run the roof does not increase or decrease by.

Employers must provide the right equipment employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job including the right kinds of ladders scaffolds and safety gear. Each employee on a steep roof with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet 1 8 m or more above lower levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems with toeboards safety net systems or personal fall arrest systems. Osha s fall protection standard for construction 29 cfr part 1926 subpart m beginning at 1926 500 generally requires fall protection when there is a fall distance of 6 feet or more. Roof slope osha defines a low slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 500 b definitions.

29 cfr 1926 500 defines low slope roof as a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10 allows the use of a safety monitor on a low slope roof. A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12. Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met. Final paragraph b 13 is a new provision that establishes fall protection requirements when employees perform work on low slope roofs.

This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning. The roofing safety zones.