Osha Low Slope Roof Work

Employers may use designated areas for work that is more than 6 feet and less than 15 feet from the edge if it is both infrequent and temporary.

Osha low slope roof work.

A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12. Low slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal. The roofing safety zones osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. In a few very specific situations low slope roof work some leading edge work precast concrete erection and residential construction.

In its discussion about the final rule the agency said osha is limiting the use of designated areas to low slope roofs and to work more than 6 feet from the edge. See 1926 501 b 2 12 and 13 because of feasibility limitations the standard permits the use of a warning line in combination with other measures instead of conventional fall protection guardrail systems personal fall arrest systems or safety net systems to keep employees away from an edge. 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.

Employers can elect to protect their workers from falling while engaged in roofing activities on low slope roofs by a combination of warning line system and guardrail system warning line system and safety net system warning line system and personal fall arrest. Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met. This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning line systems and safety monitors. 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.

Lower levels means those areas or surfaces to which an employee can fall.