10' to roof edge rule

[CTSeng]

When did the requirement for guards when equipment is less than 10 feet from a roof edge come into effect? Have a client who is being pressured to add guards at exisitng roof edges by union maintenance staff that are pointing out the unsafe conditions that have been in place for at least 10 years. While we agree, some obvious situations warrant a guard others are borderline 8 or nine feet from a roof edge.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[imok2]

12/15/2003 - Fall protection requirements for construction workers doing work while on a roof.
Osha Standerd 1926.501(b)(1)
"Unprotected sides and edges." Each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems. Go to standerd for more info

 

[CTSeng]

I have never considered annual or semiannual HVAC maintenance of existing equipment to constitute the use of OSHA construction standards. Nor have I ever seen a technician using a fall arrest system. Is this the norm in some parts of the world?

 

[ChrisConley]

We're seeing it up in Canada. Even on roofs without HVAC equipment fall arrest is required for roof drain and roofing inspection. Hasn't been made retroactive yet. Big money for these systems, I'm seeing $200 - $300,000 bills to add.

My complaint is that a tech that will take the time to use tie-offs and fall arrest is the type of person that won't ever fall off a roof. The type of person that refuses to use the tie-offs is the same genius that ends up falling off.

 

[EEJaime]

We are seeing this as a requirement on public works projects because of Cal-OSHA and union rules. Our design team has to include these barrier or tie-off systems where we don't have parapets of sufficient height, or as on a current project, curved, sloping, metal roofs with glass daylighting dormers along the radius. The window cleaners will need to tie-off to a cable system in order to travel on a walkpad next to the glass with the roof curving away from them. Definite safety concerns.

 

[RossABQ]

Most construction safety programs won't let you walk within 10' of a roof edge that has a parapet less than 4' high, unless tethered. Fine with me, I saw a co-worker trip on a roof drain basket and it could have ended badly. I've also seen water-soaked insulation under a membrane roof cause someone to lose their balance.

 

[lbradway]

See IBC 2006 section 1013.5 Mechanical equipment. Guards shall be provided where appliance, equipment, fans, roof hatch openings or other components that require service are located within 10 feet of a roof edge or open side of a walking surface and such edge or open side is located more than 30 inches above floor, roof or grade below.

Hope that helps. It came up not too long ago here also.

 

[Ron]

The guards do not have to be permanent. Temporary measures are acceptable.

 

[DUMechEng]

additional requirements in IMC 2006 304.10

i might be missing something but i dont see anywhere in the code or the commentary that says temporary measures are acceptable. i would have a local authority sign of before assuming that.