A messy job site can be an unsafe job site and it hurts our reputation as professional roofers. Pour housekeeping presents hazards to workers, the general public, and to the building. Slip, trip, falls and puncture wounds are only a few of the injuries which can be caused by a messy site. Trash can clog up roof drains during a severe rain storm and cause flooding or even a roof collapse to the building. Trash and debris can also blow off the roof and cause personal injuries or property damage. A solvent soaked rag can cause a fire if not properly disposed of in a container.
Store materials and equipment at least six feet from any roof edge and away from any entry or exit ways and public foot traffic. All flammable liquids, rags, etc. should be stored in approved safety cans. Tools and equipment should be put away after use and debris from the roofing work should be disposed of at regular intervals.
If the roof is less than 20 feet high, trash and debris can be tossed off if a guardrail system is in place. A safer way and one which is required on roofs higher than twenty feet high is to use a trash chute. A guardrail system is still required around and behind the chute to prevent falls and a chain should be used across the opening to the trash chute when it is not being used. The chute should be secured to the building and extend into a trash container. A 2X4 piece of lumber can be attached to the roof in front of the chute opening to provide a stop for the wheelbarrow making it easier to tip and dump a load of debris. Remember not to over load wheel barrows. Use a heavy duty dump cart or power equipment with trailers for larger loads.