flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines

Codes and Standards

How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines

Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | June 1, 2020

Courtesy Pixabay

Building owners have a responsibility to protect people who venture on their roofs, according to OSHA.

OSHA prescribed certain safety requirements that were introduced in January 2017. Among them are a raised warning line 15 feet from the roof edge, and a guardrail or cage around skylights.

OSHA has designated three work zones on low-slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. The extremely high danger zone (less than six feet from the roof’s edge) requires a protective feature such as a guardrail system, safety net system, personal fall protection systems (e.g., personal fall arrest, travel restraint, positioning system), or a 42-inch-high parapet.

Guardrails are typically installed six feet from the roof’s edge. If there is something near the edge like a condenser unit requiring periodic maintenance, then guardrails must be placed right up to the roof edge.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2017

2017 National Energy Codes Conference includes code boot camp, PNC Tower tour

The DOE-sponsored event will be held in Pittsburgh July 17-20.

Codes and Standards | Apr 10, 2017

Congressional hearing on skills gap includes look at construction industry

Strategies to boost ranks of construction workers include mentoring programs, increased safety measures, trade group support, and outreach to school counselors.

Codes and Standards | Apr 6, 2017

Product-specific EPDs seen as key aid to earning green building credits

The product-specific EPDs allow designers to more quickly earn a LEED v4 credit in the Materials & Resources category.

Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2017

Updated AIA Disaster Assistance Handbook released with significant enhancements

Updates provide guidance on how design and construction pros and emergency managers can work together to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2017

Global standards for indoor environmental monitoring under development

Systems and sensors guidelines will be aligned with major green standards.

Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2017

New standard test method for static loading and impact on exterior shading released

The method provides a standard lab procedure evaluation of ice and snow loads and impacts.

Codes and Standards | Mar 30, 2017

WELL enters strategic partnership with developer of standards and assessment tools

GIGA’s RESET standard and data collection will be integrated into the WELL standard.

Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2017

Climate-specific code changes target energy savings for tropical zones

Hawaii considers updated 2015 IECC tailored to its climate.

Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2017

Safety concerns over wood-frame construction raised after Raleigh apartment fire

The unfinished building was destroyed in a five-alarm blaze.

Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2017

Bills in Maryland Legislature would restrict use of wood in multifamily construction

American Wood Council and design and construction professionals are speaking out against the measure.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021