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Winter brings unique opportunities for outdoor activities. Play bocce with snowballs. Build an igloo. Create a personal bobsled course.
Winter also brings unique challenges for rooftop work, where slippery surfaces, heavy snow, and high winds increase the risk of a fall. Despite these challenges, workers must still inspect and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and other building services equipment on the roof.
Preparing rooftop fall protection for wintry weather is essential to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance. Wintertime rooftop safety begins with assessing potential hazards. Are there unprotected roof edges? Where can snow, ice, and debris accumulate? Are there skylights that can be obscured by snow?
Before winter sets in, inspect the rooftop to mitigate fall hazards. Check structural elements and install fall protection equipment, including guardrails, safety gates, walkways, and lifelines. Confirm they are properly secured and functional.
Roof edge guardrails are “collective” fall protection that safeguards multiple workers collectively without requiring personal fall protection equipment (PFPE) or specialized training. They should be constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel for strength, durability, and corrosion resistance.
A modular system features pipe-fitted components and recycled PVC counterweight bases that remain stable under snowy, icy, or windy conditions. The guardrail system adapts to virtually any flat or low-slope roof layout and installs easily without penetrating the roof’s surface.
Workers commonly use ladders and hatches to access the roof but these are high-risk areas for a fall, literally coming and going. Winter conditions make climbing a ladder or using a hatch more hazardous.
Self-closing gates feature a spring-loaded mechanism that closes immediately after the worker passes through. This creates a barrier after the worker transitions to the rooftop, and the opening remains guarded. The gates are an integral part of a roof hatch railing kit and a roof ladder kit.
Snow and ice buildup on the roof is an obvious trip hazard. Anti-slip roof walkways help protect workers by providing a stable path to traverse the rooftop from access points to work areas. Set in sturdy, non-bounce steel frames, walkway treads are constructed of anodized aluminum or glass-reinforced nylon. They are self-draining to prevent snow or ice accumulation. Walkway systems with guardrails add another layer of fall protection, guiding workers safely across designated zones.
Obstructions on the roof—ducts, pipes, conduits, and cables—present another trip hazard, especially if obscured by snow. A roof crossover enables workers to walk up and over an obstacle. The crossover features anti-slip walkway treads as steps and platform decks. They are set in aluminum or galvanized steel frames and flanked by compliant guardrails on both sides of the steps and platform. Crossover platforms also allow workers to navigate a gap or change in roof level.
Skylights are a hidden fall risk, especially in winter when snow can obscure their location. They are considered a hole in the roof as they may not be able to support a worker’s weight. Installing skylight covers or guardrails offers crucial protection against accidental falls.
A skylight screen is a low-profile galvanized or stainless steel mesh that attaches to and covers the skylight without blocking the sunshine. It is available in four formats for distinct types of skylights. Skylight guardrails, constructed of aluminum or galvanized steel, surround the skylight or roof dome and do not penetrate the roof.
For rooftops where permanent guardrails are not feasible or practical, horizontal lifeline systems with compliant anchor points provide essential fall arrest options. A horizontal lifeline features galvanized and stainless steel components with a cable system that can simultaneously protect up to three workers. During winter, lifeline and anchor points should be inspected to ensure they’re free from ice and debris, preventing damage or failure.
Fixed roof anchors can be installed permanently on flat or low-sloped roofs, BUR membrane or single-ply membrane systems, modified bitumen, green roofs, and metal roofs with underlying steel, concrete, or wood structures. Mobile roof anchors can be positioned on flat or low-sloped roofs. They feature rubber-coated base weights with suction cups to apply additional friction in case of a fall.
Addressing these elements before winter can safeguard your workers and keep rooftop operations compliant and efficient. Ensure your rooftop fall protection is ready for the season, enabling safe work in even the coldest and most challenging conditions.
Don't leave your workers' safety to chance. Download this white paper now and equip yourself with the knowledge to protect your team this winter. Ensure your rooftop is not just ready for the season—but ready to keep everyone safe.