We can't discuss torch applied systems without first talking about propane safety.  Propane or LPG (liquefied Petroleum Gas) is a fuel gas that is compressed and stored in pressurized tanks.  The tanks or cylinders come in different sizes with the most common for our industry ranging  between 20 and 100 pound cylinders.  A small tank being used in cooler weather may frost.  Let it thaw naturally and never torch the cylinder to defrost it.  Propane cylinders should be kept upright and chained/secured in that position .  They should be positioned in areas away from equipment or vehicle traffic.  They should be located away from any heat activity so they don't over heat. Use care when lighting a torch and when handling a lit torch.  Check all connections and hoses for leaks before you start.  Never use a... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:21:13 AM

Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS, if read and followed, are a powerful means of controlling chemical exposures. MSDS are written by chemical manufacturers for the chemicals they produce or import. The purpose of the MSDS is to communicate information on the recommended safe use and handling procedures for that chemical. Categories MSDS may look different, yet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all MSDS must provide certain categories of information about the chemical substance or mixture: ·... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:20:59 AM

Let's talk about what makes a fire and what we can do to prevent one. Fire can be compared to a triangle. Three sides are necessary to make a triangle and three ingredients are necessary to cause a fire. These are heat, air, and fuel. If any one of these three sides is missing, there can be no fire.   HEAT Heat, the first side of the fire triangle, can come from many sources. It can be generated by sparks from welding operations, discarded cigarette butts, electrical shorts, frayed wiring, friction from power tools, and hot exhaust pipes.  FUEL Fuel, the second side of the fire tr... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:20:27 AM

Temporary stair railings and guard rails are not a special luxury for select jobs—they are REQUIRED BY LAW ON ALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS to protect workers like you from falls. Since falls from upper levels account for such a high percentage of construction accidents, both stair railings and guard rails should be built in conjunction with the building progress, NOT PUT OFF to a later date, or as time permits. Because of their importance, don't cheat on quality—BUILD THEM RIGHT! A standard guard rail must be 42" high from floor to top of rail, its posts must not exceed 8' centers, it must have a midrail, and a 4" high toeboard strong enough to stop tools, materials, etc, from sliding or rolling over the edge. If a 4" toeboard is not sufficient to restrain adjacent materials, then paneling or screening should be used.... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:20:11 AM

Falls are one of the most common accidents on a job site.  On average, about 7,000 workers die each year form a fall.  As a roofer, we could fall walking on the job site, off the ladder going to the work area, fall off the edge of the roof or even through the roof. Who has seen or hear of a worker who sat on a skylight for a break, a drink or a smoke,  then the skylight breaks  and the worker falls to the concrete floor below.  Another hazard we face every day are floor opening.  These may exist for roof top units, roof access or other reasons.  But we don't need a skylight or a floor opening to fall through a roof.  We can over load a roof with materials and equipment until the structure gives way or we can start working on an ol... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:19:32 AM