Working on a roof ladder safely is perilous; roof work accounts for about one-fifth of all construction fatalities. Roofs are cleaned and inspected by more than just homeowners and maintenance personnel. Professional roofers are also killed when they fail to follow roof safety procedures or do not use the proper roof safety equipment. Working on a roof without scaffolding, for example.
Falls from roof edges or openings, through delicate materials, or through roof lights are the most common causes of death and injury.
Any work at height is dangerous, and roof safety devices must always be employed to work safely on a roof.
Before employing a roof ladder, you should assess whether there is any other viable alternative to do the job without working at height.
You should have additionally examined alternate safer techniques of operating at height that do not include using roof ladders. Mobile elevated work platforms, articulated boom lifts (cherry pickers), and scaffolding are examples.
How can you utilize a roof ladder safely if there is no other practical means to complete the task?
What exactly is a roof ladder?
A roof ladder is nothing more than a suspended ladder with a ridge hook at the top that rests against the opposite side of a pitched roof. Bearers beneath the climbing face of the ladder support the ladder while also ensuring that there is enough space between the ladder and the roof to provide a strong hand and foothold.
A roof ladder must not be utilized as a bridge or a leaning ladder. Roof ladders are intended for usage on sloping roofs; they should not be used on level or steeply pitched roofs.
Make certain that whichever sort of roof ladder you purchase meets an appropriate standard.
What kinds of roofs are ideal for using a roof ladder?
A roof pitch angle of 25 to 45 degrees. Outside of this range, do not utilise a roof ladder.
The ladder must be the appropriate length for the job. It should not be too lengthy that it overhangs the roof edge so much that it becomes imbalanced. Not so short that getting to the ladder necessitates going onto the roof itself.
The roof must be strong enough to hold the weight of the ladder and the user. Certain sheet roofing materials, such as polycarbonate and other lightweight roofing systems, may not be appropriate.
How do you safely install and access a roof ladder?
A leaning ladder is typically used to allow the roof ladder to be carried up onto the roof. (Because if scaffolding or other safer alternatives to roof ladders could have been employed, they should have!).
The leaning ladder should be used in compliance with Work at Height Regulations Schedule 6. There are four major factors to consider.
When a load is applied, the ground or surface on which the leaning ladder rests must be stable, firm, and strong enough to sustain the ladder safely. This is done so that when you use it, the rungs or stairs remain horizontal.
The ladder must be secured at or near its top or bottom to prevent it from slipping (fasten it with a good rope to something fixed for example). Alternatively, an anti-slip or equivalent stability device. Or any other arrangement with comparable effectiveness. (For example, someone else climbing the ladder.)
The ladder must be long enough to extend three ladder rungs above the roof ladder. This will provide a secure grip when climbing the roof ladder.
The ladder should be leaning at a 75-degree inclination to the ground. TIP: Apply the four-to-one rule: for every four inches of height you must climb, shift the bottom one away from the wall.
To install the roof ladder in a safe position. To begin, if you’re using an adjustable length roof ladder, make sure it’s the correct length before climbing the leaning ladder.
As you climb the leaning ladder, grab the roof ladder towards the top, preferably by the second or third rungs, where it feels well balanced.
Carry the roof ladder up to eaves level and push it up onto the roof with the running wheels before flipping it over onto its bearers.
Check that the ridge hook (roof hook) is properly fastened to the other side of the pitched roof. If ornate ridge tiles were utilized, a specifically designed ridge or roof hook should be used.
System for preventing falls
When using restraint devices, the forces that can arise from a fall can be more than the ridge hook can withstand. It has been demonstrated, however, that by connecting the roof ladder to a secured leaning ladder, a complete’system’ will halt the fall and prevent the ridge tile or ridge hook from giving way. Visit our website to find the best ladderlift for rental purpose.
Using a roof ladder safely.
Take extra precautions when climbing and descending the roof ladder. Before attempting to get on or off the roof ladder, be sure you have a solid grasp on the leaning ladder. (This is why the leaning ladder has three rungs higher than the roof ladder.)
Crawl up and down the roof ladder, grabbing the rungs with your hands rather than the stiles (sides). Make sure you have a firm grip on the rungs. Take cautious not to stand directly on the roof’s surface.
Maintain three points of contact and descend by crawling backwards on your front.
Keep your hands free when climbing and descending the ladder, wear a suitable tool belt, and DO NOT overload the ladder with tools, materials, or other items.
Keep an eye out for any overhead power lines; many roof ladders are made of aluminum, which is a good conductor of electricity. Any touch with a power line could result in a surprising outcome!!
- Consider the weather conditions; severe winds, ice, harsh sun, and fog all add extra risk to the operation, which may necessitate a delay for safety reasons.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Appropriate slacks. Working on rooftops necessitates the protection of one’s legs from cuts, grazes, and splinters, hence shorts are not advised.
- Footwear that is protective. To defend against falling objects, steel toecaps (or comparable) are required. Midsole protection is required to prevent nail and other sharp materials from puncturing or penetrating the shoe.
- Helmets for safety. When working on roofs, you should wear a safety helmet for two reasons. The first is to guard against anything that might fall off the roof, when climbing up or down, or while on the ground. The second benefit is fall protection.
- In situations when material is likely to fly into the eyes, safety glasses should always be used. This encompasses any situation in which cutting or sawing is going place.
- Knee pads should also be considered to protect the knees from strain and damage caused by joint compression and wear.