1. Introduction:

Let’s assume that you have hired a local company for a commercial roofing project for your brand. What is the first expectation you would have from them? Wait! Let us guess. Following the safety regulations and protocols of commercial roofing, right? Well, it was not quite a hard guess. Anyways, it is not just the duty of property owners but also of the roofing companies to make sure their employees are following the safety protocols. In this blog, we will walk you through all the important regulations for commercial roofing.

2. Safety Regulations for Commercial Roofing: We’ve Got You Covered

Common safety regulations for commercial roofing focus on three main things: first is fall protection; second is material handling; and third, last but not least, personal protective equipment (PPE).

Implementing fall arrest devices, guardrails, or safety nets for employees at heights, as well as handling materials correctly to avoid falling hazards, are important regulations. It’s also critical to make sure employees have the proper PPE, such as harnesses, safety glasses, and hard hats.

Let’s discuss these in detail:

A. First Safety Regulation: Fall Protection

The first rule of a roof is: The roof must not fall. The protective layer above our heads should do justice to its main goal, right? After all, it is the main shelter. Here’s how you can ensure that:

• Guardrails: One of the main fall protection measures is the installation of guardrails, particularly around openings and roof edges.
• Safety nets: In situations where guardrails are impractical, safety nets can be utilized as a backup fall protection measure.

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): PFAS, such as harnesses and lanyards, are used when other fall protection methods are not in place. You can use personal fall arrest systems, especially for work at heights of 6 feet or more.
• Warning Lines: Another effective way is to employ warning lines. They can be used to designate areas near the roof edge where fall protection is required
• Roof Hatch Safety: Ensure roof hatches are properly secured and marked to prevent accidental falls. 

B. Second Safety Regulation: Material Handling

The second safety regulation is material handling. Well, imagine you’re visiting your company to observe the roofing work and you see the materials and equipment falling from the roof. Ouch! That was a quick miss. Make sure to follow the instructions given below to avoid hurting anyone. 

• Secure the Materials and Equipment: Secure all materials on the roof to prevent them from falling and injuring workers below.
• Designate Areas For Necessary Equipment: To reduce trip hazards and possible falls, set aside specific areas for material storage and movement.
• Make Use of Toe Boards: Use toe boards along the edges of scaffolding or temporary platforms to prevent materials from falling.
• Prevent Debris From Falling: To prevent people from being hit by falling debris, isolate the area beneath where work is being done. 

C. Third Safety Regulation: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Last but not least, the third safety regulation is procuring all the personal protective equipment on time to avoid any hazard, whether it’s damage to the property or harm to any of the commercial roofing workers. Here is a checklist of all the important safety equipment that you might need:

• Hard Hats: These protect workers from head injuries in case of any falling objects. 
• Safety Glasses: Protect eyes with safety goggles from debris and other hazards. 
• Gloves: They provide a strong grip and protection for hands from any cuts, etc. 
• High-Visibility Clothing: This type of clothing protects employees from potential hazards by increasing their visibility, particularly in crowded work areas.
• Safety Footwear: They provide ample protection against slips, trips, and falls, as well as impact protection. 
• Respirators: When working with substances that emit dust or fumes, it’s recommended to utilize respirators.

3. Key Considerations Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor: 

Before hiring a roofing contractor, there are a few things that you might want to consider: 

• Make sure that the employees of the roofing company are properly trained on safety procedures, equipment usage, and hazard identification. 
• In case of any emergency, as a precaution, have a rescue plan in place for rescuing workers who may be injured or incapacitated on the roof. 
• Be mindful of the weather conditions and postpone work if necessary due to wind, rain, or ice. 
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment and the work area to identify and address potential hazards. 

4. Conclusion:

The most crucial criterion for judging any commercial roofing contractor is whether they follow the safety regulations or not. To make sure your contractor doesn’t expose you to liability, delay the project, or even damage your building’s reputation, it is your job as a property owner to make sure that the right commercial roofing safety precautions are in place.

How much does commercial roofing cost?

$4 and $15 per foot is the average cost of commercial roofing.

How much time does it take to complete a commercial roofing project?

It takes at least two to three months to complete a commercial roofing project, depending on the size and complexity of the design.

What is the most common commercial roofing?

Single-ply roofing and tar or gravel roofing are the two most common types of commercial roofing.