The Best Roof Safety Equipment

As roofing business owners, you are responsible for supplying the safety equipment for each employee and ensuring that your job sites meet required safety standards. Roofing’s fatality rate is 13 times higher than the average trade job, making it one of the deadliest jobs a civilian can do. By embracing the mindset of 'safety first, safety always,' and investing in high-quality gear that complies with all safety regulations, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. 

Check everyone in your team is aware of workplace risks with our free H&S checklist! 

Looking for more information on keeping your crew safe? Check out: 

• Managing Health and Safety Risks - A Guide for Tradespeople
• Health & Safety Requirements for Small US Trade Businesses
• Health and Safety Requirements for UK Trade Businesses
• Health and Safety Requirements for Tradies NZ 
• Health and Safety Requirements for Trade Businesses in Australia

Low on time? Skip ahead! 

1. Fall protection for roofers
   • Full-body harness 
   • Work positioning harness
   • Carabiners
   • Anchors
   • Lanyards
   • Shock absorbers
2. Additional safety ear and PPE for roofers
   
   • Roofing boots
   • Roofing helmets 
   • Roofing safety gloves
   • Safety glasses
   • Ear protection
     
3. Structural roofing safety equipment

1. Fall protection for roofers

Falls from roofs account for a staggering one-third of all fall-related fatalities within the construction industry. This makes roofing one of the top three deadliest civilian occupations, with an average of 59 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. As roofing business owners, you are responsible for keeping yourself and your team safe from the risk of injury and falls, by providing quality safety equipment for your staff and ensuring they are properly trained and required to use it. Basic fall protection equipment for roofers includes: 

Full-body harness

A full-body harness is designed to a) stop you from hitting the ground after a fall and b) distribute the force of your fall so the impact is cushioned. Unlike a work positioning harness, which is designed to keep you safe whilst working whilst hanging, a full-body fall harness is built to absorb the shock should you fall whilst working on a roof. As a general rule, it is recommended that a fall arrest system be used at any time when working at a dangerous height. A full-body harness should include:

• Dorsal connection: The fall arrest point located between your shoulder blades.
• Webbing: Strong, UV-resistant, and fray-resistant material.
• Adjustment points: Found on the legs, waist, chest, and torso.
• Leg straps: Available in different types, such as tongue buckle, pass-thru buckle, and quick connect buckle.
• Pelvic support: A sub-pelvic strap that helps distribute the force of a fall.
• Lanyard keeper: A place to store your lanyard when not in use.
• Padding: Provides comfort and absorbs shock, with cushioned areas on the shoulders, legs, and hips.

Our choice: Guardian B7-COMFORT HARNESS

• Patent-Pending DiaLock Torso Adjusters offer an easy, quick and precise adjustment method.
• Three-Six-O Harness Chassis keeps the harness fully integrated while allowing the torso and sub-pelvic & legs to move independently of each other.
• Patent-pending adjustable padding offers exceptional comfort and a custom fit.
• EZ D-ring provides an easy and ergonomic solution to dorsal D-ring connection.
• Custom Aircraft-grade aluminium hardware to reduce weight.
• Patent-pending personal SRL adapter integrated into the EZ D-ring keeps personal SRLs high and tight on the body.
• Patent-Pending Trauma Suspension Relief Straps integrated into the leg pads.

Work positioning harness

A work positioning harness allows a roofer to work hands-free in a supported position, often while supported by a support system mid-air. However, it's important to note that the potential for a free fall must be limited to 2 feet or less, or else additional fall prevention should be included. The following features are recommended for a work positioning harness:

• Adjustability: The harness should fit without restricting movement.
• Anchorage: A secure support structure, such as a ladder or vertical rods.
• Body support: A full body harness or body belt with D-rings for attaching equipment.
• Connection: An anchor bolt, trolley, carabiner, or rebar assembly to secure the roofer to a solid structure.

Our choice: 3M ExoFit X300 Comfort Construction Positioning Safety Harness

• A weight distribution system for reducing shoulder strain.
• 6,000 lb polyester webbing, nylon/polyester hybrid comfort padding, and alloy steel hardware.
• Reduces D-ring slide and allows for safe adjustments; includes an adapter location for connecting personal SRLs.
• Revolving torso adapters.
• Suspension trauma relief straps.
• Auto-resetting lanyard keepers allow for fast and easy parking of snap hooks and carabiners.
• Tested and certified to ANSI/ASSP Z359.11 (310 lbs.), conforms to OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.140 and 1926.502 (420 lbs.)

Carabiners
Carabiners play a crucial role in roof safety systems as they serve as secure links between harnesses, ropes, and anchors. Here’s what makes them important:

• Weight-bearing: Carabiners are designed to handle significant weight.
• Secure fastening: Carabiners feature secure locking mechanisms, such as twist locks, to prevent accidental opening.
• Durable: Made from strong materials like steel or aluminium, carabiners are resistant to rust, corrosion, and wear.
• Easy to use: Carabiners are designed for quick and easy attachment and detachment.

Our pick: Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate Carabiner

• Hot-forged for lighter-weight construction.
• The square hinge end holds the belay loop securely in place.
• A slightly curved spine maximises gate opening.
• The keylock nose prevents snagging.

Anchors

Anchors are essential for roofers because they provide a secure point of attachment for a restraint system. They also work to reduce a roofer's ability to venture too far past a safe area. A typical setup for a roofer's safety system includes an anchor, which serves as a solid support structure, and an anchorage connector, such as an anchor sling or roof anchor system, that connects to this structure. The worker wears body support, like a full-body harness with a back-mounted D-ring, which is then connected to the anchor using a positioning lanyard. Features of a good anchor include:

• Durable construction: A good roof anchor should be made from high-strength materials, such as stainless steel or galvanised metal, to withstand the forces exerted during a fall and resist corrosion.
• Easy installation: The anchor should be easy to install, with clear instructions and compatibility with various roof types. 
• Compatibility with safety gear: It should be compatible with standard fall protection equipment, including full-body harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
• Meets safety standards: The anchor must meet or exceed relevant safety regulations and standards.

Our choice: Peakworks Fall Protection V8229100 Industrial / Construction Reusable Roof Anchor Bracket 

• Double powder coat to reduce rusting
• Support a fall up to 310lb weight

Lanyards

A lanyard is a A lanyard is a short, flexible line of rope, wire rope, or webbing strap with connectors at each end. LA rope lanyard allows roofers to move more freely across a roof while remaining securely attached to an anchor point. The typical requirements of a roofing safety lanyard are:

• Must be flexible rope, wire rope, or webbing strap
• May be no longer than 6 feet
• Must hang freely
• Must be attached to or include a deceleration device that slows the worker to a stop in the event of a fall
• Must meet a minimum tensile load of 5,000 lbs

Our choice: TRSMIMA Rope Harness Safety Lanyard

• Heavy-duty braided polyester rope with a 310 lbs weight capacity.
• Alloy steel rope grab with double locking and anti-panic features.
• Steel snap hooks with 5,000 lbs tensile strength and 3,600 lbs gate rating.
• Shock absorber designed for up to 6-foot free fall with a 48-inch maximum deployment distance.

Shock absorbers

When a roofer falls, the shock absorber deploys, snapping to extend the length of the lanyard to decelerate the fall rather than stopping it abruptly. This reduces the forces exerted on the roofer’s body, minimising the risk of injury. A shock absorber should include:

• Safety compliance: Most safety regulations and standards require the use of shock absorbers in fall arrest systems to protect workers at height.
• Injury prevention: By reducing the impact forces during a fall, shock absorbers decrease the likelihood of serious injuries, such as spinal injuries or fractures, which can occur if the fall is halted too suddenly.
• Versatility: Shock absorbers are adaptable to various roofing environments, whether roofers are working on steep pitches, flat roofs, or complex structures. 

Our choice: KwikSafety Pythin External Shock Absorber

• Meets ANSI Z359.13-2013 standards.
• Bright yellow 1-inch polyester webbing for improved visibility.
• Self-locking rebar and snap hooks with 5,000 lbs tensile strength and 3,600 lbs gate strength.
• Extends up to 48 inches, supporting users weighing 130-310 lbs.

2. Additional safety gear and PPE for roofers

Roofers face more risks than falling whilst working, including heat stroke, noise pollution, slips and cuts. Basic PPE should be provided to reduce the risk of these injuries. 

Roofing boots

Slip-resistant boots with strong tread patterns and rubber soles provide traction and stability on sloped surfaces. The Best Roofing Boots need to shield your feet from debris and be lightweight and flexible to accommodate constant movement and bending, as well as able to withstand the impacts of exposure to the elements. 

Our choice: Cougar Paws Peak Performer Boot

• 6” boot with a soft, flexible leather upper.
• An adjustable strap provides increased comfort and stability.
• Thermal Protection: Specifically engineered to protect your foot from the high temperatures on the roof.

Roofing helmets

Roofers need to wear helmets to protect themselves from hazards, such as falling objects like tools, materials, or debris. Additionally, helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries in case of falls from heights. They also shield roofers from low-hanging beams, pipes, and other obstacles that could cause head injuries.

Our choice: Defender Safety H1 Safety Helmet Hard Hat with Visor ANSI Z89.1

• Type 1 Class C
• Slotted for accessories 
• Adjustable vents 
• 6-Point ratchet suspension
• Chin cup
• Replaceable sweatband 
• ABS outer shell 
• Inner EPS foam

Roofing gloves

Roofing safety gloves protect hands from sharp materials, rough surfaces, and hot equipment — basically, everything a roofer is likely to encounter during work. A good pair of roofer safety gloves should also provide a secure grip, reducing the risk of dropping tools or slipping on materials.

Our choice: Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Nitrile Grip Work Gloves

• Nitrile coating is compatible with light oils and provides excellent grip and abrasion resistance.
• The knit wrist helps prevent debris from entering the glove.
• Complete breathability with micro-foam coating.

Safety glasses

Safety glasses protect the eyes from flying debris, dust, chemicals, and other hazards, working to prevent injuries and the impact of long-term damage. They also shield against UV rays and intense light, which can result in deteriorating vision over time. With a bunch of awesome options on the market, there's no reason not to treat your staff to a pair that reflects their style. 

Our choice: Natty Workwear's Kenneth Black Polarised Safety Glasses

• Black frame with polarised G15 lens
• Transparent side shields for ultimate peripheral protection
• Moulded nose bridge designed for maximum comfort
• Certified AS/NZS 1337.1:2010 standard
• UV400 UV protection
• An all-rounder for both him and her

Ear Protection

Roofers need to prioritise ear protection, especially when using loud equipment or working in environments with high noise levels. The risk of tinnitus and hearing loss becomes significant where noise exposure is intense. By wearing ear protection, workers can protect their hearing from irreversible damage.

Our choice: 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs

• Ear Muffs with 21 dB Noise Reduction Rating.
• Attach to a hard hat (sold separately) for hearing protection in low to moderate-noise environments.
• Advanced foam inserts and spacers improve sound attenuation.
• Soft, wide foam cushions and tilting earcups for comfort and an effective seal.
• Durable ABS plastic construction, impact-resistant and ideal for tough conditions.
• Replaceable cushions and inserts for easy maintenance; compatible with 3M PELTOR HYX1 Hygiene Kit.

3. Structural roof safety equipment

As roofing business owners you will also be required to provide the following structural roofing safety equipment. Requirements differ by region, however, most countries will require the following to be provided whenever there is a reasonable risk of a fall:

• Guardrails 
• Skylight safety nets or roof safety mesh 
  
• Roof brackets
• Scaffolding 
• Ladder systems 
• Warning line systems
• Fire extinguishers

Failing to do so exposes your roofing business to severe consequences, including injuries, fatalities, or legal liabilities. Roofing safety requirements are stringent for a reason; they are designed to protect your workers' lives, which could be at stake if all potential hazards aren't properly addressed. Ensuring comprehensive safety preparation is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility to safeguard those who rely on you.

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