LADDER SAFETY

Ladder Selection

Extension Ladders (Most Common for Roofing):

• Type I (Industrial): 250 lb capacity - recommended for roofing
• Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty): 300 lb capacity - best for roofing with tools
• Fiberglass: Non-conductive (safer near power lines), heavier
• Aluminum: Lightweight, conductive (dangerous near power lines)

Length Requirements:

• Ladder must extend 3 feet above roof edge
• For single-story home (10 ft eave): 20-24 ft ladder
• For two-story home (20 ft eave): 32-36 ft ladder

Ladder Inspection (Before Each Use)

Check for:

• Bent or damaged rails
• Cracked or broken rungs
• Missing or damaged feet
• Damaged locks or spreaders
• Excessive wear or corrosion
• Oil, grease, or other slippery substances

If any defects found: DO NOT USE - tag out and remove from service

Proper Ladder Setup (The 4:1 Rule)

The 4:1 Ratio:

• For every 4 feet of ladder height, base should be 1 foot from wall
• Example: 20 ft ladder height = 5 ft from wall
• Too steep (more than 4:1): Ladder can tip backward
• Too shallow (less than 4:1): Ladder can slide out at bottom

Setup Process:

1. Choose location: Solid, level ground, away from doors/windows
2. Extend ladder: While on ground, extend to desired height
3. Position base: 4:1 ratio distance from wall
4. Check feet: Both feet firmly on ground, no wobble
5. Secure top: Tie off or use ladder stabilizer
6. Extend 3 feet above roof: Provides handhold for mounting/dismounting

Ladder Stabilizers and Standoffs

Why Use Them:

• Prevents ladder from damaging gutters
• Provides wider, more stable base at top
• Allows ladder to rest against wall, not gutter
• Reduces tip-over risk

Types:

• Standoff stabilizers: Attach to top of ladder, span 24-36 inches
• Ladder levelers: Adjust for uneven ground
• Ladder mitts: Rubber covers for ladder top (protect gutters)

Climbing Safely (3-Point Contact)

The 3-Point Contact Rule:

• Always have 3 points of contact: 2 hands + 1 foot, or 2 feet + 1 hand
• Face the ladder while climbing
• Maintain center of gravity between rails
• Don't lean to either side

Carrying Tools on Ladder:

• DON'T carry tools in hands: Breaks 3-point contact
• Use tool belt: Keeps hands free
• Use hoist/rope: Lift heavy tools after reaching roof
• Make multiple trips: Better than overloading

Common Ladder Mistakes (That Kill People)

1. Overreaching

Leaning to the side to reach farther. Shifts center of gravity, causes tip-over. Move the ladder instead.

2. Standing on Top 3 Rungs

Top 3 rungs are not designed for standing. Causes loss of balance and falls.

3. Using Ladder in High Winds

Wind can blow ladder over. Don't use ladders in winds over 20 mph.

4. Setting Up on Soft/Uneven Ground

Ladder sinks or tips. Use ladder levelers or solid base.

5. Not Securing Top

Ladder can slide sideways. Tie off or use stabilizer.

TOOL SAFETY

Utility Knife Safety (Most Common Injury)

Why Knives Are Dangerous:

• Used constantly in roofing (cutting shingles, underlayment, packaging)
• Sharp blades cut deep
• Cuts often happen when knife slips or blade retracts unexpectedly

Safe Knife Practices:

• Use hook blades: Designed for roofing, less likely to slip
• Cut away from body: If knife slips, it doesn't cut you
• Retract blade when not in use: Prevents accidental cuts
• Replace dull blades: Dull blades require more pressure, more likely to slip
• Wear cut-resistant gloves: Provides protection if knife slips
• Never cut toward your hand: Hold material so cut is away from hand

Common Knife Injuries:

• Cutting toward hand holding material
• Knife slips on wet/oily surface
• Blade retracts while cutting (cheap knives)
• Reaching into tool belt and grabbing exposed blade

Nail Gun Safety

Nail Gun Hazards:

• Fires nails at 1,400 feet per second
• Can penetrate skull, cause brain injury or death
• Accidental discharge common
• Nails can ricochet off hard surfaces

Safe Nail Gun Practices:

• Sequential trigger mode: Requires trigger pull for each nail (safer than bump-fire mode)
• Never point at anyone: Treat like a firearm
• Disconnect air when not in use: Prevents accidental discharge
• Wear safety glasses: Protects from ricochets and debris
• Keep hands clear of nail path: Nails can penetrate hand
• Check for obstructions: Don't nail into wires, pipes, or other nails

Common Nail Gun Accidents:

• Bump-fire mode causes accidental discharge
• Nail ricochets off metal flashing
• Double-firing (two nails from one trigger pull)
• Nailing through hand holding shingle

Power Tool Safety (Saws, Drills, Grinders)

Circular Saw Safety:

• Blade guard must function: Never disable or remove
• Unplug when changing blades: Prevents accidental start
• Secure material: Don't hold with hand while cutting
• Watch for kickback: Saw can jump back toward you
• Keep cord clear of blade: Cutting cord causes shock/electrocution

Reciprocating Saw Safety:

• Used for cutting roof deck, removing old materials
• Blade can bind and cause loss of control
• Keep hands clear of blade path
• Watch for hidden nails, wires, pipes

Angle Grinder Safety:

• Used for cutting metal flashing, masonry
• Extremely dangerous - can cause severe cuts
• Always use guard
• Wear face shield (not just safety glasses)
• Sparks can ignite materials - have fire extinguisher nearby

Air Compressor Safety

Hazards:

• High-pressure air can cause injury
• Hose whip (hose disconnects under pressure)
• Compressor explosion (if over-pressurized)

Safe Practices:

• Never exceed rated pressure
• Drain moisture daily
• Inspect hoses for damage
• Never point air nozzle at anyone
• Disconnect air before servicing tools

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Eye Protection (MANDATORY)

Why It Matters:

• Flying debris from nail guns, saws, grinders
• Dust from cutting, grinding
• Chemicals from sealants, cleaners
• Eye injuries can cause permanent blindness

Types:

• Safety glasses: Minimum protection, side shields required
• Safety goggles: Better protection, seal around eyes
• Face shields: Required for grinding, cutting metal

When to Use:

• ALL roofing work (no exceptions)
• Especially when using nail guns, saws, grinders
• When working below others (falling debris)

Hand Protection

Cut-Resistant Gloves:

• Protects from knife cuts, sharp metal edges
• ANSI cut level A2-A4 recommended for roofing
• Doesn't eliminate cuts, but reduces severity

When NOT to Wear Gloves:

• Operating power tools (gloves can get caught)
• Using nail guns (reduces trigger feel)

Foot Protection

Roofing Shoes:

• Soft soles: Better grip on shingles (hard soles slip)
• Good tread: Prevents slipping
• Ankle support: Reduces ankle injuries on uneven surfaces
• Steel toe: Protects from dropped materials

What NOT to Wear:

• Hard-soled boots (slip on shingles)
• Sandals, flip-flops (no protection)
• Worn-out shoes (no grip)

Head Protection

Hard Hats:

• Required when working below others
• Protects from falling tools, materials
• Type I (top impact) or Type II (top and side impact)

The Bottom Line

Ladder falls and tool injuries are preventable. Proper setup, 3-point contact, and PPE eliminate most accidents.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we train every crew member in ladder and tool safety. We provide all PPE. We inspect ladders daily. We've never had a serious ladder or tool injury because we follow these protocols.

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