Low Slope Roof Definition Osha

Low sloped roof is a term that osha felt it needed to be defined in its walking working surfaces update published november 18 2016.

Low slope roof definition osha.

Such surfaces or areas include but are not limited to ground levels floors roofs ramps runways excavations pits tanks materials water equipment and similar surfaces and structures or portions thereof. Osha defines a low slope roof as a roof having a slope of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical rise for every 12 inches horizontal length 4 12 1926 500 b definitions. 1910 28 b 13 i when work is performed less than 6 feet 1 6 m from the roof edge the employer must ensure each employee is protected from falling by a guardrail system safety net system travel restraint system or personal fall arrest system. Red indicates a warning line drains within six feet of the roof s edge or ladders that need guardrails.

Final paragraph b 13 is a new provision that establishes fall protection requirements when employees perform work on low slope roofs. Such areas or surfaces include but are not limited to ground levels floors platforms ramps runways excavations pits tanks material water equipment structures or portions thereof. Low slope roof means a roof that has a slope less than or equal to a ratio of 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal. Lower level means a surface or area to which an employee could fall.

A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12. The roofing safety zones osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level. 29 cfr 1926 500 defines low slope roof as a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10 allows the use of a safety monitor on a low slope roof. Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined.

Slope is calculated by rise over run thus a low sloped roof is a roof where for every 12 units inches feet or meters measured horizontally run the roof does not increase or decrease by. Low slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal. This is important because the osha definition is used as a basis for implementing low slope fall protection measures such as warning line systems and safety monitors. Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met.