Do you realize you may be risking serious injury many times a day and not even know it? Well, it's true if you don't lift correctly. Improper lifting may  cause back injuries that can take months and even years to heal. Sometimes they are permanent and disabling. A little know how, however, can enable you to lift correctly.  PREPARING TO LIFT Give the load the once-over. If it looks too heavy, don't be afraid to ask for help. Be sure you're wearing safety shoes. There is always the chance of dropping something on your toes. If the object has rough or sharp edges, wear a good, tough pair of work gloves. They'll give you a good grip and protect your hands.  MAKIN... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:12:14 AM

Do you know there's a killer on this job that you probably meet face-to-face everyday? I'm talking about the common, ordinary ladder. Ladders are involved in many accidents, some of which are fatal. Your life literally can depend on knowing how to inspect, use, and care for this tool. Let's spend a few minutes talking about ladders.  INSPECTING LADDERS Before using any ladder,  inspect it. Look for the following faults:   1. Loose or missing  rungs or cleats.   2. Loose nails, bolts, or screws. ... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:11:53 AM

Ladders.  Where would we be without them?  On the ground.  We use them nearly every day and all day long.  It would be tuff if not impossible to do our job with out them.  If you've been roofing for a while, climbing a ladder is like walking.  You don't have to think about it.  But you should.  You might carry tools or materials up with you and you shouldn't.  If you can't sling what you need over your shoulders, use a pail or bag fastened to a rope which goes up the ladder.  Then hoist the tools/materials up. When setting up a ladder, take a look around.  Are there power lines near the area, is the soil compact and stable, will it be near vehicles or equipment traffic, or in the kettle area. When ready to climb tak... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:11:36 AM

Plan the kettle location to keep it away from windows, exit doors, building air intakes, and ladders/stairs.  If air intakes need to be covered, contact the building maintenance department.  Locate the kettle in a low pedestrian traffic area and barricade the area if needed.  The surface for the kettle should be firm and level.  Avoid loose dirt, sand, or sloping surfaces.  Be sure to chock the wheels of the kettle and position it where the lid opens away from the building. Always use Personal Protective Equipment when operating the kettle.  Remember work boots with over the ankle leather uppers and heavy soles, long pant legs that come over the tops of your work boots and are cuffless, and long sleeves shirt that covers the cuffs of you glovers; cotton gloves are OK but leather is better and never rubber.  Protect y... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:11:21 AM

Job-built ladders provide an excellent way to reach unusual locations. They also accommodate high-traffic ladder use. Although the basic construction of a job-built ladder is fundamental, specific guidelines must be followed to ensure its safety and strength. Don't Skimp on Material Quality. All the lumber used must be finished on four sides (s4s), and free of sharp edges or splinters. All nails must be driven full length and flush. Depending on your location, various selections of wood species and associated grades can be used. As a rule-of-thumb, the lumber must be equal to, or better than, #1 Hem-Fir. Don't skimp on the ladder's quality. Your work is hazardous enough. There's no need to add a poorly built ladder to the list of hazards. Limitations. A singl... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:10:48 AM