Safety first

Jobsite safety is the sole responsibility of the contractors. They are responsible for full compliance with every governing agency — federal, state, provincial, and local — and with any owner-specified site rules. Identification of those requirements is beyond the intent of this guide. Any action required of the manufacturer on safety shall be specifically identified in the contract documents.

Roof panels / roof safety

Panels can collapse

Roof panels are a walking surface (except for slipperiness) ONLY when they are completely fastened. Panels that are not completely seamed or fastened are not safe and can collapse suddenly, without warning.

• Never step, kneel, or place weight on an edge or edge corrugation of any panel.
• Use extra care on creased or kinked panels. Weight on any point of such a panel before it is fully installed may collapse it.
• Never stand or work within five feet of the end of a panel that is not completely secured.
• Before a panel is fully installed, stand, kneel, or work directly over the roof structural.
• Never allow more than one worker on the same unsecured panel between two roof structurals.
• On a partially installed roof, step only on the filler-panel area directly over the roof structural. Do not step on the side-lap.
• Never use unattached roof panels as a work platform for any purpose.

Panels are slippery

Painted or unpainted, roof panels are slippery. Dew, frost, or any other moisture makes it worse. Roof pitch adds to the hazard. Fall protection is essential at all times.

Loose panels may slide out from under you

Never step on a single roof panel or a stack of several roof panels lying unattached on the roof structure. A stack can slip. Do not step on loose panels.

Preventing roof falls

1. Always use fall protection — lifelines, harnesses, lanyards, safety nets, scaffolding, manlifts, catch platforms, Sky-Web systems, and whatever else the site rules require.
2. If you need a work platform for insulation or anything else, use only platforms built to the safety regulations. NEVER use unattached or partially attached panels as a work platform.
3. Wear good work boots. Slip hazard is highest at the roof edge while installing panels or insulation. Use walk boards in the flat of the panels. Always use fall protection near the edge.
4. Do not step on loose roof panels or a stack of several roof panels.

Walk boards

One method to stabilize panels during erection is to place walk boards in the flat of the panels. Run them the full length of the roof slope. Drill a hole near the ends of each board and tie it to the next with rope. Cut a groove in the bottom of each board so it lays flat and does not rock on the slope. Adequately secure walk boards to the building. Walk boards are not a substitute for fall protection.