Like any piece of equipment or tool, operators of cutters and brooms need to be properly trained.  Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when operating the machines.  Eye protection is required whether you are the operator or are working in the vicinity of the equipment to prevent flying debris from striking your eyes.  A very dusty job may require goggles instead of safety glasses along with respiratory protection.  Some equipment might require hearing protection due to the noise of the equipment.  The greatest hazard when using this equipment is the roof edge.  Fall protection should always be in place.  The equipment operator should always know where he/she is in relation to the edge.  Power brooms and roof cutters have a tendency to kick up gravel and debris which can be thrown off the roof onto other w... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:37 AM

Rigging looks like an easy operation, one that doesn't seem to require any particular skill or experience. But don't be fooled. Many people who've thought that "anyone can do it" have lost fingers or hands, or suffered more serious injuries. We don't want any one injured while rigging on this job. So I'm going to point out some of the "do's and don’ts." Pay close attention.  GET YOUR SIGNALS STRAIGHT Appoint one member of the crew to act as signalman, and instruct the crane operator not to accept signals from anyone else.  The signalman must not order a move until getting an "all ready" from each crew member. Each worker in turn must be in the clear before giving an "all ready" to the signal-man. If you must hold on to the chain, sling, choker... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:19 AM

When you hear this request at a service station, you can be pretty sure the job will be done safely.  Service station operations and equipment are designed with safety in mind. But what happens when you fill up that front-end loader or portable generator on the job? Do you do it the safe way so you won't get hurt?  RULES TO REMEMBER Never smoke during refueling operations. And don't refuel near an open flame. Keep a C02 (carbon dioxide), or an ABC Dry Chemical extinguisher handy, just in case.  If there's a chance of a vehicle rolling while being refueled, chock the wheels. Before filling the fuel tank, shut off the engine. ... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:17:19 AM

It is important to protect yourself and coworkers from injury.  It's equally important to protect the general public and surrounding  property from injuries or property damage. Keeping as much distance between the public and job activities by using barricades, temporary fencing, caution tape is a good way to help prevent incidents.  Keep equipment, dumpsters, and kettles away from building entrances, windows, sidewalks and streets.  Erect a canopy or covered walkway for entrances and sidewalks next to the building if foot traffic cannot be redirected.  Parked cars are some times damaged by our activities on the roof.  Be aware of wind direction and if coatings or debris are being blown off the roof.  Items on the roof should be secured, especially during non work hours, so they do not become airborne and land on cars or th... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:16:40 AM

As roofers, we are exposed to several types of burns.  Not too many roofs are shaded so we are always exposed to sunburns which can be a discomfort and may cause skin cancer.  We work with motorized equipment and propane fuel torches.  And we have to move and apply hot asphalt and coal tar pitch. Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one way to guard against getting burned.  Our work clothing should consists of a long sleeved shirt with the sleeves down and cuffs buttoned,  long pants with no cuffs, gloves (leather or cotton) with the cuffs of the gloves tucked under the buttoned cuffs of your shirt and heavy sole boots with over the ankle leather protection. What about eye and face protection?  Safety glasses or goggles should be wo... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:16:24 AM