Low Slope Roof Safety
Here you will find a detailed report of the update to the OSHA 1910.28(b)(13) walking and working surface standard. This standard applies to low-sloping roofs, for which we manufacture our equipment. We simplify the update so you can understand how this change impacts your operation and what you should look out for when identifying potential violations.
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Commercial low slope roof safety
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Everything you need to know about the new OSHA low slope roof requirements relating to general industry.
As most people are aware, OSHA has recently updated the 1910.28(b)(13) walking-working surface standard. OSHA defines low-slope roofs as any roof that “has a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 (vertical to horizontal).” If your roof exceeds a 4 inch vertical rise for every 12 inches of horizontal length, then this osha low slope roof requirement rule will affect you.
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Risk area 1 - 6ft from the edge
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(i)
Risk Area 1 accounts for the 6 feet closest to the leading edge and therefore the most dangerous area on the rooftop. When a person is working in this area, OSHA requires conventional fall protection. Depending on the application, Guardrail Systems provide passive fall protection.
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Risk area 2 - 6-15 ft from the edge
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(ii)
Risk Area 2 covers the area 6 feet to 15 feet from the leading edge. Conventional fall protection is required as danger remains high due to the proximity to the roof edge. If the work being performed is “infrequent and temporary,” the employer may use a designated area. Designated areas are typically created by using a warning line system. (When OSHA released the rule, OSHA had acknowledged, “Although the final rule does not place a specific time limit on what constitutes a temporary task, OSHA agrees with SMACNA that short duration tasks generally are those that take less than ‘1-2 hours’ to complete. Guadrail Systems provide protection when performing frequent and/or not temporary tasks. Warning Line Systems provide protection when performing infrequent and temporary tasks
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Risk area 3 - 15+ ft from the edge
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(iii)
Risk Area 3 is the least dangerous, but still requires safety measures to ensure worker safety. When work is performed 15 feet or more form the roof edge, the employer must protect each employee by providing a fall protection system or a designated area. If the work being performed is “infrequent and temporary,” fall protection isn’t required, but we still recommend it. Guardrail Systems will provide a fall protection system and Warning Line Systems will provide a designated area.