Most do-it-yourself tasks are fun and they don’t really endanger your life. Occasionally you can hurt a finger or bruise your thumb when redoing the flooring on your kitchen or replacing cabinets, but that’s just that – no real danger.
However, roofing is a different game altogether. A DIY project on your roof, especially during the spring, presents several hazards that can cause major bodily harm. It is for this reason that it is important to understand roofing techniques and employ all the safety procedures before you go up there.
April showers bring May flowers. Isn’t that how it goes?
Spring is synonymous with rain. And while some areas are experiencing rays of sunshine, many others have daily downpours or drizzles throughout the season. The rain (and melting of snow) that is usually experienced during the spring, creates slippery working conditions that can be dangerous, especially if you are working on the roof. Spring is a tricky season for roofing.
The possibility of slipping and falling increases exponentially during these conditions. Did you know that falls from roofs account for about 1/3 of fall casualties in the construction sector? This is according to this study conducted by The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR). The hard truth is, had the correct safety precautions been applied, most of these deaths could have been prevented.
To avoid a deadly fall when roofing during spring, here are some key safety tips to employ:
- Always wear a hard hat when on the roof
- Put on a tie-off shock absorbing lanyard at all times
- Make sure that your ladder is a minimum of two feet over the rooftop. This ensures that your ladder is strong
- Instead of using hands to carry tools to the roof, use a pulley to carry larger tools and a tool belt to carry the smaller tools
- Check your safety equipment before starting your roofing job
Remember to stay safe as you carry out your roofing project. Best of luck!
