If your next job involves working on a roof whether that’s fixing loose tiles or clearing out blocked gutters, safety should always be a top priority. It’s a good idea to assess the area and ensure that you have the safety gear you need before getting to work, that way accidents are kept to a minimum.
Here’s how to stay safe when working on a roof.
Purchase a high-quality roof ladder
Standard ladders might not be able to provide the support you need while working at height. Alternatively, specially designed roof ladders provide greater stability as they attach to the roof and make climbing up and down a whole lot easier. Plus they can be easily manoeuvred to fit various slopes so you can remain safe no matter what kind of roof you’re working on.
Check the weather conditions
Poor weather and working on a roof do not make a good match! It might seem obvious enough to avoid doing repairs in weather conditions such as ice, snow, and high winds, however, many people choose to ignore this! Wet weather conditions, for example, can result in slippery surfaces and poor visibility so it’s best to check ahead of time and plan your workday around cool and calm weather.
Wear appropriate PPE
It’s important to wear the correct personal protective equipment when using a roof ladder and working on a roof as doing so will prevent injuries. Consider wearing:
- Protective footwear with steel toecaps (or equivalent) should be worn to protect your feet against dropped objects and prevent puncture by sharp materials.
- Safety glasses will protect your eyes from dust or any other materials that could enter your eyes.
- A safety helmet will protect you against anything that falls off the roof when climbing up and down, and protect your head in case you fall.
- Knee pads & gloves should be worn to protect your knees from strain and damage and provide extra protection for your hands when using tools and holding on to the ladder.
If you’re looking for roof ladders, look no further than Top Tower. We also have a range of scaffold towers, podium steps and low-level platforms available so you can find the right access solutions for your next project. Visit our website for more!
