3 Tips For Being Safe While On A Roof

Date Published:

August 12th, 2019

Categories:

Home Maintenance

There are many different reasons why you could be working on a roof. For instance, you could be taking down a chimney, repairing a hole in a roof’s decking or replacing loose or missing shingles. Regardless of why you are there, it is important to work safely when you are working dozens of feet above the ground. Here are a couple of things you should keep in mind to make sure you are safe.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Being aware of your surroundings is important in general for safety, but it is even more important when you are on top of a roof. It is important that you don’t run into other people or large objects such as a chimney while working at heights. It is also a good idea to be on the lookout for any toolboxes, buckets or other sturdy items that could be painful to kick or otherwise knock over with your feet or legs. Finally, be cognizant of tree branches or power lines as you could be seriously hurt if you make contact with them, according to All About Circuits.

Proper Footwear

A pliable, flexible shoe with a sticky grip is best, according to Absolute Steel. It is also a good idea to make sure that the shoe has clean soles to ensure that you have proper traction when walking on a pitched roof. If possible, choose a shoe or boot that has a steel toe as you may be working with heavy objects. If something were to come loose or be dropped on your foot, the steel can offer protection. However, be sure that whatever you wear is light enough that it won’t cause damage to shingles or other roofing materials.