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.
Osha low slope roof work.
Low sloped roof is a term that osha felt it needed to be defined in its walking working surfaces update published november 18 2016.
The extremely high danger zone less than six feet from the roof s edge requires one of the following.
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.
Steep roof above 4 12 slope 29 cfr 1926 501 b 11.
Work on low slope roofs.
Lower levels means those areas or surfaces to which an employee can fall.
Low slope roof means a roof having a slope less than or equal to 4 in 12 vertical to horizontal.
The roofing safety zones.
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.
In a few very specific situations low slope roof work some leading edge work precast concrete erection and residential construction.
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.
Osha walking working surfaces standard low sloped roof fall protection defined.
Low slope roof 4 12 slope or less 29 cfr 1926 501 b 10.
A low sloped roof is defined as a slope equal or less than a ratio of 4 to 12.
Aerial lifts may be used to transport personnel so long as the requirements in 29 cfr 1926 453 which cover aerial lifts are met.
See 1926 501 b 2 12 and 13 because of feasibility limitations the standard permits the use of a warning line in combination with other measures instead of conventional fall protection guardrail systems personal fall arrest systems or safety net systems to keep employees away from an edge.
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.
Final paragraph b 13 is a new provision that establishes fall protection requirements when employees perform work on low slope roofs.
Osha has designated three work zones on low slope roofs with unprotected edges that are four feet or more above a lower level.