ROOFTOP SAFETY / FALL PROTECTION

1. Building owners and operators are

responsible for the safety of people

on roofs.

2. Regulations:

• Federal Regulated Companies:

Canada Labour Code

• Provincial Regulated Companies:

Provincial workplace safety (OHSA,

WorkSafeBC, etc.)

• Maintenance Contractors:

Regulated provincially

Have a rooftop safety policy / procedure

for employees and contractors.

1. Control roof access

2. Provide safe access via ladders,

walkways, etc.

3. Eliminate hazards (guardrails, etc.)

4. Train employees on fall protection

awareness

5. Develop Fall Protection Plans

6. Review contractor Fall Protection Plans

7. Install fall restraint or fall arrest systems

8. Use Control Zone procedures

9. Use other procedures as approved by

safety authority.

NOT A SAFETY WORKER

• In BC, work above 3m requires use of Fall Protection, and

work above 10m requires a written Fall Protection Plan

• Typical Fall Protection Equipment:

• Guardrails and cover guards

• Ladders, walkways, and platforms

• Roof Anchors for restraint and arrest

• Swing stage equipment

• Temporary vs. Permanent Fall Protection

Systems

• Restraint : Personal Fall Protection - not able to fall off roof

with systems provided

• Arrest : Personal Fall Protection – system could allow

falling, but arrests the fall

CSA / Building Codes / Provincial

Safety Authority

Sections 4.1.5.15(1)(b) & 4.1.5.15(2) &

4.1.5.15(4) for Horizontal Railing

CSA

• Z259.series Design of Various Systems

& Equipment

• Z91.02 Health and Safety Code for

Suspended Equipment Operations

ANSI A14.3 American Standard for Fixed

Ladders

• Guardrails around openings

• Guards around non-load rated

fenestration

• Pre-fabricated vs. custom fabricated

• Roof penetrating vs. non-penetrating

• Temporary / Permanent Fall Restraint

• Fall Arrest / suspended work

• Fixed Post, collapsible, & wall anchors

• Horizontal Life Lines (HLL)

• Re-certifications

OWNER / OPERATOR / BUILDING MANAGER

• Ensure plan & policy is in place

• Enforce and document

• Install fall protection equipment as

required

OCCUPANTS

• Training for employees

• Verify contractor compliance

• Enforce and document

ENGINEERS

• Design and manage installation of fall

protection systems

• Assist with preparing the Owner’s FPP

• Certification and re-certification of

equipment

CONTRACTORS

• Use permanent system or install

temporary fall protection systems

• Maintenance work

AESTHETICS

• Guards and anchors may be visible

ROOFING DAMAGE

• Many roofs damaged or destroyed

during installation

• Consider Roofing Contractor as the

Prime Contractor

• Structural & Roofing Inspections

MANUFACTURER “FREE DESIGN”

• Determine what YOU need

• Third party design gives you

access to all options and

competitive pricing

ONGOING OPERATING COSTS

• Administer Program

• Re-certification of anchors

• Soft goods / PPE

www.ircgroup.com

Brian Boomars, P.Eng. bboomars@ircgroup.com

“Know Your Building

From the Outside In”