HEAT SAFETY

Why Roofing is So Dangerous in Heat

Extreme Temperatures:

• Air temperature: 85-95°F (typical summer day)
• Roof surface temperature: 150-170°F (dark shingles)
• Heat radiating from roof: Adds 10-20°F to air temperature
• Effective temperature on roof: 100-110°F+

Physical Demands:

• Heavy labor (carrying 70-80 lb shingle bundles)
• Constant movement (bending, kneeling, standing)
• No shade
• Reflective surfaces amplify heat

Heat Illness Progression

Stage 1: Heat Cramps

• Symptoms: Muscle cramps, especially in legs, arms, abdomen
• Cause: Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance
• Treatment: Stop work, drink water with electrolytes, rest in shade
• Can progress to heat exhaustion if ignored

Stage 2: Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, pale/clammy skin
• Cause: Prolonged heat exposure, dehydration
• Treatment:
  • Stop work immediately
  • Move to cool area
  • Remove excess clothing
  • Drink cool water
  • Apply cool, wet cloths
  • Monitor - can progress to heat stroke

Stage 3: Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

• Symptoms:
  • Body temperature 104°F+
  • Hot, dry skin (sweating stops)
  • Confusion, slurred speech
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizures
• Treatment:
  • CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
  • Move to cool area
  • Remove clothing
  • Cool body rapidly (ice packs, cold water)
  • Do NOT give fluids if unconscious
• Fatal in 50% of cases without immediate treatment

Heat Stroke Prevention

Hydration:

• Drink before you're thirsty: Thirst means you're already dehydrated
• 1 cup (8 oz) every 15-20 minutes: 2-4 cups per hour
• Water + electrolytes: Sports drinks, electrolyte tablets
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Dehydrating
• Start hydrating the night before: Pre-hydration is critical

Work Schedule Modifications:

• Start early: 6:00-7:00 AM start (cooler temperatures)
• Frequent breaks: 10-15 minutes every hour in shade
• Avoid hottest hours: 12:00-3:00 PM (take extended lunch break)
• Reduce work pace: Slower pace generates less body heat

Acclimatization:

• First 3 days are most dangerous: Body hasn't adapted to heat
• Gradual increase:
  • Day 1: 50% normal workload
  • Day 2: 60% normal workload
  • Day 3: 80% normal workload
  • Day 4+: Full workload
• Monitor new workers closely: Highest risk group

Clothing:

• Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Moisture-wicking fabrics
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Sunscreen (prevents sunburn, which impairs cooling)

Buddy System:

• Workers monitor each other for heat illness symptoms
• Never work alone in extreme heat
• Check on each other every 15-20 minutes

When to Stop Work (Heat)

Stop Work If:

• Air temperature exceeds 100°F
• Heat index (temperature + humidity) exceeds 110°F
• Any worker shows signs of heat exhaustion
• Excessive fatigue or dizziness

LIGHTNING SAFETY

Why Lightning is Deadly for Roofers

Extreme Risk Factors:

• Highest point in area (roofs are lightning targets)
• Metal tools and materials conduct electricity
• No shelter available
• Wet conditions increase conductivity

Lightning Statistics:

• Lightning kills 20+ outdoor workers per year
• Strikes can occur 10+ miles from storm center
• 30% of lightning strike victims die
• 70% of survivors have permanent disabilities

Lightning Safety Rules

30-30 Rule:

• 30 seconds: Count seconds between lightning flash and thunder
• Less than 30 seconds = storm is within 6 miles
• STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY and seek shelter
• Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming work

When to Stop Work (Lightning):

• Lightning visible, regardless of distance
• Thunder audible (storm is within 10 miles)
• Dark clouds approaching
• Sudden wind increase
• Weather forecast predicts thunderstorms

Safe Shelter:

• Enclosed building: Best option
• Hard-topped vehicle: Second best (close windows, don't touch metal)
• NOT safe: Sheds, tents, under trees, open areas

RAIN & WET CONDITIONS

Why Wet Roofs Are Deadly

Extreme Slip Hazard:

• Wet shingles are extremely slippery
• Moss and algae become like ice when wet
• Metal roofs are nearly impossible to walk on when wet
• Fall risk increases 10x on wet roofs

Electrical Hazards:

• Water conducts electricity
• Power tools + water = electrocution risk
• Wet hands reduce grip on tools

Material Damage:

• Wet underlayment won't adhere properly
• Wet deck can delaminate
• Water infiltration damages interior

When to Stop Work (Rain)

Absolute No-Go:

• Active rain
• Roof is wet (from rain, dew, frost)
• Rain forecast within 2 hours
• Fog reducing visibility

WIND SAFETY

Wind Hazards

Dangers:

• Workers blown off roof
• Materials become projectiles (shingles, plywood)
• Ladders blown over
• Tarps act as sails, pull workers off roof

When to Stop Work (Wind)

Wind Speed Limits:

• 20 mph sustained winds: Stop work on steep roofs (6:12+)
• 25 mph sustained winds: Stop all roofing work
• 30 mph gusts: Stop all roofing work

COLD WEATHER SAFETY

Cold Weather Hazards

Frost and Ice:

• Frost makes roofs extremely slippery
• Ice is nearly impossible to walk on safely
• Shingles become brittle and crack when cold

Hypothermia:

• Wind chill on roofs is extreme
• Wet clothing accelerates heat loss
• Fingers and toes most vulnerable (frostbite)

When to Stop Work (Cold)

Temperature Limits:

• Frost or ice on roof (wait until melted)
• Air temperature below 40°F (shingles too brittle)
• Wind chill below 32°F (frostbite risk)

RJ Roofing Bros Weather Policies

We Stop Work For:

• Any rain or wet conditions
• Lightning within 10 miles
• Winds over 20 mph sustained
• Air temperature over 95°F (heat index over 105°F)
• Air temperature below 40°F
• Frost or ice on roof

Heat Safety Measures:

• Hydration stations on every job site
• Mandatory 15-minute breaks every hour in heat
• Early start times (6:00 AM) in summer
• Extended lunch breaks during hottest hours
• Heat illness training for all crew members

The Bottom Line

Weather kills roofers. Heat stroke, lightning, falls on wet roofs - all preventable by respecting weather conditions and stopping work when conditions are unsafe.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we monitor weather constantly. We stop work at the first sign of unsafe conditions. No deadline is worth a worker's life. We've never had a weather-related injury because we take this seriously.

Questions about weather safety? Call (604) 997-1292