The roof is, essentially, the most dangerous part of a commercial or residential building. It is also one of the highest places you can be in, and if anything happens while you are there, it could mean fatal injury or even death.
So, you must support yourself safe when going up on the roof. That is why you must use a safety roof harness. A roof suspension system is essential but only works well if used correctly.
You must understand how your particular roof harness works, how to tell when it will wear out, and what other gears you have to use to get the best results out of your harness. Look at the most crucial things to remember to stay safe when using a roof harness.
What is a Safety Roof Harness?
The roof harnesses designed for roofers are safety straps or belts to which you attach yourself for fall protection. Roof harnesses are usually made of nylon webbing that can be adjusted as needed. You need to attach the harness to a roof anchor. You must also have a straightforward fall arrest system when working on roofs.
As for safety harnesses, there are two types that you can purchase. The first is the Personal Fall Protection System (PFAS), and the second is fall prevention.
In simpler terms, the PFAS system prevents crashes to the ground, and the fall protection system prevents from the roof in the first place.
Let’s look at the tips for using a roof safety harness correctly.
Get Your Roof Harness Ready
First, you must get your roof safety harness ready. You must look at the harness to ensure it looks new and undamaged. Remember to discontinue using it if the harness survives a fall. You should also ensure that your harness can adequately support your weight. Examine the belts closely and ensure they fit snugly over your legs and chest without disrupting breathing. Remember, the proper harness for you isn’t necessarily the same for someone else.
Calculate Fall Clearance
Fall clearance is the minimum vertical distance between you or whoever works on the roof and the next lower level. The lower level can be either the ground or another job platform. The drop height is also called the reach height, fall zone, and fall distance. Calculating the fall distance is essential because the harness will not touch the ground in case of a slip and fall. If your harness is too loose and you hit the ground before you stop falling, it won’t help. For instance, if you’re working on the second floor, you’ll need a minimum drop height of about 6 feet. Anything more than that will increase the risk of you hitting the ground if you slip and fall. So, it is, undoubtedly, a crucial part of how to use seat belts in loops.
Install Anchor Points
After thoroughly inspecting the harness and calculating the drop height, you should install an anchoring point. An anchor point is a metal anchor that connects a fall arrest system to a roof or scaffolding. You should look at the instructions provided by the manufacturer and understand how to use nails or screws to act as roof anchors. You must anchor in the right spot and never miss a step.
Connect The Roof Harness Properly
First, tie the lifeline to the anchor point to fasten the roof safety harness. Then attach the rope grab and sling to the lifeline. The rope grab gets attached to the lifelines’ both ends, and one end stays attached to the D-ring on the harness.
After that, Tie only one side of the lanyard (the side without the karabiner attached) to the other D-ring at the top of your back, about shoulder height. Attach each side of this initial clip to the additional two D-rings on the side of each thigh. One can securely strap it in four places – around each leg and over each shoulder.
Lastly, you need to adjust this clip so it’s tight enough to barely fit between two fingers and loose enough to leave the room if needed when climbing or moving. Now that you’ve got your head-to-toe tight, ensure everything fits and functions correctly.
How Does A Safety Harness Work?
As with the repellent harness, the adjustable buckles and straps get strategically placed on areas of the body that can easily support the wearer’s weight. These critical body areas include the shoulders, chest, pelvis, and upper thighs.
The safety harness distributes the fall force over a large body area, allowing the roofer to remain upright. In short, harnesses get designed to protect people in case of a fall while working at heights.
What is the difference between a safety belt and a safety harness?
A waist safety belt is worn only on a person’s waist, while a safety harness is worn around a person’s legs, arms, and torso.
According to OSHA, using a safety belt as a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) is unacceptable as it can result in serious injury in the event of a fall.
Are Safety Harnesses Considered PPE?
Yes, Personal Protective Equipment or PPE includes anything used or worn to minimize risks to human health and safety. It may also have hearing protection, respiratory protection, eye protection, protective clothing, and safety harness systems.
Why Is It Necessary To Inspect PPE Before and After Use?
Fall protection equipment wears out over time, especially with daily use. A pre-and post-operation checklist makes it easier to know when these items need replacement. This quick and thorough job will make a huge difference.
If you are a roofer or doing some work on the roof occasionally, you must also know what to look for while inspecting a safety harness. You must know what to do when you see something is wrong. You must, at all costs, check your fall protection equipment regularly before and after use.
Final Take
It’s essential to take correct precautions for your safety, and that’s why it is crucial to understand the tips to use a roof safety harness properly. Roof harnesses are only helpful if used correctly. So, use this article to learn how to use a Safety Roof Harness and the preventive measures you must take while working on the roof.
