While a blanket of snow can pose a significant threat to a building's structural integrity, it can also risk the safety of those tasked with its removal. This guide, drawing on the expertise of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), outlines essential safety practices for roof snow removal, emphasizing the importance of worker well-being and risk mitigation.

Understanding the Hazards: A Spectrum of Risks

Roof snow removal is inherently hazardous, exposing workers to a range of potential dangers, including:

• Falls from Heights: The most prevalent and often fatal risk is falling from the roof. Workers can lose their footing on snow or ice, be pulled off balance while shoveling, or step through weakened sections of the roof. Examples of incidents investigated by OSHA include:
• A worker was removing snow from a roof, when he lost his balance and slid off the roof. He fell and struck his head on construction materials that were being stored below the roof, and sustained a fatal head injury.
• A worker was laying grid lines and shoveling snow on a second floor deck. An elevator shaft opening was covered with a plastic tarp with temporary guardrails installed around a portion of the shaft opening. The worker, who was not wearing any fall protection, fell 30 feet through the unguarded portion of the elevator shaft opening and died.
• Four workers were building a second-floor room addition. One of the workers was standing on a 12-foot aluminum ladder attempting to clean snow from a low-slope roof, 10 feet above ground. The feet of the ladder slid, the worker fell, struck his head on the ladder and then on the concrete driveway. He died several days later.
• A worker was shoveling snow from the roof of a residential construction site. He fell from a height of more than 11 feet and was fatally impaled by a scaffold upright in the course of his fall.

• Roof Collapse: The combined weight of snow, workers, and equipment can exceed the roof's load capacity, leading to a partial or complete collapse. Older buildings, flat roofs, and roofs with structural damage are particularly vulnerable to collapse under heavy snow loads.

• Equipment-Related Injuries: Using snow blowers, shovels, and other tools can result in cuts, amputations, eye injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. Improper use, lack of training, and inadequate guarding of moving parts contribute to these injuries.

• Electrocution: Contact with power lines or damaged electrical cords poses a serious risk of electric shock or electrocution. Workers must be aware of overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance, especially when using conductive tools like snow rakes.

• Extreme Weather Conditions: Cold temperatures, strong winds, and icy surfaces increase the risk of falls, frostbite, and hypothermia. Workers should be dressed appropriately for cold weather and be aware of the signs and symptoms of cold stress.

• Overexertion: Snow removal is physically demanding, potentially leading to fatigue, dehydration, back injuries, and even heart attacks. Workers should pace themselves, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated to avoid overexertion.

Under the general duty clause, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized serious hazards in the workplace, including hazards associated with snow removal from roofs. This article describes the steps you can take to prevent injuries and deaths from these hazards.

To minimize risks and ensure worker safety during roof snow removal, implementing a comprehensive safety program is paramount. This program should encompass the following key elements:

Planning and Risk Assessment: Laying the Foundation for Safety

Develop a Detailed Plan

Before commencing snow removal, create a comprehensive plan that addresses weather conditions, roof condition, required equipment, worker assignments, and safety procedures. This plan should be reviewed and understood by all workers involved in the operation. The plan should include:

• Weather Monitoring: Establish a system for monitoring weather forecasts and adjusting the plan based on changing conditions.

• Roof Assessment: Conduct a thorough inspection of the roof to identify potential hazards, including weak spots, obstructions, and power lines.

• Equipment Selection: Choose appropriate equipment for the job, considering the type of roof, snow conditions, and accessibility.

• Worker Assignments: Assign specific tasks to workers based on their training and experience.

• Safety Procedures: Outline clear safety procedures for all aspects of the operation, including fall protection, ladder use, and communication protocols.

Assess Roof Load Capacity

Determine if the roof can safely support the combined weight of snow, workers, and equipment. In the context of snow removal, it is essential to rely on the service load rather than the ultimate load. The service load represents the weight that the structure can safely and continuously support during normal use, including the accumulation of snow. Relying on the ultimate load, which is the maximum capacity of the structure before failure, would be risky, as it doesn't account for the necessary safety margins to avoid permanent deformations or damage. By adhering to the service load, snow removal can be conducted in a way that preserves the structural integrity and prevents potential hazards. Consult a structural engineer, especially for older buildings or flat roofs, to ensure the roof's structural integrity. This assessment should consider:

• Snow Load Calculations: Use accurate methods to calculate the snow load on the roof, taking into account snow depth, density, and water content.

• Structural Analysis: Evaluate the roof's structural capacity to determine its ability to withstand the calculated snow load .

• Safety Factors: Apply appropriate safety factors to account for uncertainties and potential variations in snow load.

Identify Potential Hazards

Conduct a thorough roof inspection to identify weak spots, obstructions, power lines, skylights, and any other potential hazards. Mark these hazards clearly to alert workers. This inspection should include:

• Visual Inspection: Look for signs of damage, deterioration, or potential hazards, such as cracks, sagging, or loose materials.

• Sounding: Use a sounding tool to check for hidden weaknesses or voids in the roof deck.

• Probing: Probe areas of suspected damage or weakness to assess their extent.

Establish a Ground Safety Zone

Set up barriers and warning signs to restrict access to the area where snow will be discharged from the roof. This prevents bystanders from being struck by falling snow or ice. The safety zone should be:

• Clearly Marked: Use highly visible barriers, such as cones, tape, or fencing, to define the perimeter of the zone.

• Adequately Sized: Ensure the zone is large enough to encompass the area where snow and ice are likely to fall.

• Monitored: Assign a worker to monitor the safety zone and prevent unauthorized entry.

Training and Safety Equipment: Empowering Workers with Knowledge and Protection

Comprehensive Training

Provide all workers involved in roof snow removal with comprehensive training on the hazards, safety procedures, and proper use of equipment. Training should be conducted by a qualified instructor and documented for each worker. Training should cover:

• Fall Hazards: Explain the risks of falling from heights and the importance of fall protection.

• Roof Collapse Hazards: Describe the factors that contribute to roof collapse and the signs of a potentially overloaded roof.

• Equipment Safety: Provide hands-on training on the safe use of all equipment, including snow blowers, shovels, ladders, and aerial lifts.

• Emergency Procedures: Review emergency procedures for falls, roof collapses, and other potential accidents.

• Cold Stress: Educate workers on the signs and symptoms of cold stress and how to prevent it.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equip workers with appropriate PPE, including safety harnesses, lanyards, helmets, eye protection, gloves, and non-slip footwear. Ensure that PPE is properly fitted, maintained, and inspected before each use. PPE should be:

• Job-Specific: Select PPE that is appropriate for the specific tasks and hazards involved in roof snow removal.

• High-Quality: Choose PPE from reputable manufacturers that meets or exceeds industry standards.

• Regularly Inspected: Inspect PPE before each use to ensure it is in good condition and free from damage.

• Properly Stored: Store PPE in a clean, dry location when not in use.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

Inspect all equipment, including snow blowers, shovels, ladders, and aerial lifts, before each use to ensure they are in good working order. Follow manufacturer's instructions for maintenance and repair. Equipment inspections should include:

• Visual Checks: Look for signs of damage, wear, or malfunction, such as cracks, dents, loose parts, or frayed cords.

• Operational Tests: Test the equipment's functionality to ensure it operates as intended.

• Maintenance Records: Keep detailed records of all inspections , maintenance, and repairs.

Safe Snow Removal Techniques: Minimizing Risks During the Operation

Clear Access Points

Ensure that ladders, hatches, and other roof access points are clear of snow and ice before workers ascend. Use salt or de-icing agents as needed, and provide handrails for added safety. This includes:

• Shoveling and Scraping: Remove snow and ice from all walkways, stairs, and ladders leading to the roof.

• De-icing: Apply de-icing agents to prevent ice buildup and ensure secure footing.

• Handrails: Install handrails along walkways and stairs to provide additional support and stability.

Ladder Safety

Never use a shovel or snow rake while standing on a ladder. Ensure the ladder is stable and secured, and never carry heavy or bulky loads while climbing. Ladder safety guidelines include:

• Stable Footing: Place the ladder on a firm, level surface, and use leg levelers if necessary.

• Secure Placement: Secure the ladder at the top and bottom to prevent slipping or tipping.

• Three Points of Contact: Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand).

• Proper Angle: Position the ladder at a 75-degree angle (approximately a 4:1 ratio of height to base distance).

• Extension Above Roof: Extend the ladder at least three feet above the roof edge to provide a safe handhold for dismounting.

Uniform Snow Removal

Remove snow evenly across the roof surface to avoid creating unbalanced loads that could stress the structure. Start from the center and work outwards, removing snow in layers. This helps distribute the weight evenly and prevent localized stress points.

Prevent Pileups

Avoid allowing snow to accumulate in large piles on the roof, as this can create concentrated loads and increase the risk of collapse. Discharge snow to the ground frequently. Use chutes, conveyors, or other methods to safely and efficiently remove snow from the roof.

Use Appropriate Tools

Use plastic shovels or snow rakes to avoid damaging the roof membrane. Avoid using sharp metal tools or heavy equipment that could puncture or weaken the roof. Choose tools that are lightweight, ergonomic, and designed for snow removal.

Teamwork

Never work alone on a roof. Always have a partner present to monitor for hazards, provide assistance, and call for help in case of an emergency. Partners should maintain visual contact with each other and communicate regularly.

Regular Breaks

Snow removal is physically demanding, especially in cold weather. Encourage workers to take frequent breaks to rest, rehydrate, and warm up. Provide a heated shelter or break area if possible. Breaks should be taken at least every hour, and more frequently in extreme conditions.

Monitoring and Communication: Maintaining a Safe Environment

Weather Awareness

Monitor weather conditions closely, paying attention to changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation. Adjust safety procedures as needed to address changing conditions. Use a reliable weather app or service to stay informed of current and forecasted conditions.

Clear Communication

Establish clear communication protocols between workers on the roof and those on the ground. Use visual or audible signals to alert each other of hazards or changes in conditions. Two-way radios are an effective communication tool. Communication should be frequent and consistent, ensuring everyone is aware of potential hazards and any changes in the work plan.

Emergency Procedures

Develop and practice emergency procedures for falls, roof collapses, and other potential accidents. Ensure all workers are familiar with these procedures and know how to respond in an emergency. This includes having a designated first aid responder and a plan for contacting emergency services. Emergency procedures should include:

• Fall Rescue: Establish a plan for rescuing a worker who has fallen and is suspended by their fall protection system.

• Roof Collapse: Develop a plan for evacuating the roof and the building in case of a collapse.

• First Aid: Ensure a designated worker is trained in first aid and CPR, and that a well-stocked first aid kit is readily available.

• Emergency Contacts: Post emergency contact information in a visible location, including phone numbers for emergency services, the company safety officer, and the site supervisor.

By implementing these comprehensive safety practices, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with roof snow removal and create a safer working environment for your employees. Remember, worker safety is paramount, and a proactive approach to prevention is the key to a successful and injury-free winter season.

Innovative Solutions for Proactive Management: Domely Connect

Technology offers new solutions for enhancing winter roof management, particularly in snow load monitoring. Domely Connect, a smart roof monitoring system , utilizes sensors, cameras, and AI to:

• Continuous Snow Load Monitoring: Sensors provide real-time data on snow depth, density, and water equivalent, eliminating the need for manual measurements and guesswork. This allows for constant awareness of the snow load on the roof, even during storms or when the building is unoccupied.

• Proactive Problem Detection: AI-powered visual inspections analyze daily images of the roof, identifying issues like ponding water, clogged drains from ice dams. This early detection allows for timely intervention, preventing minor problems from becoming major headaches.

• Automated Alerts: The system automatically sends alerts when snow load approaches critical thresholds or when potential problems are detected, enabling timely intervention. This gives building managers ample time to schedule snow removal or repairs, minimizing the risk of damage or safety hazards.

By using Domely Connect , you can reduce the frequency of manual inspections , minimize risks to workers, and make data-driven decisions about snow removal.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Every Aspect

Roof snow removal is a necessary task, but it should never come at the expense of worker health and safety. By adhering to best practices, utilizing appropriate safety equipment, and embracing innovative technological solutions, you can minimize risks and create a safe working environment for everyone involved.

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility. Foster a culture of safety within your organization, and always prioritize prevention as the most effective solution.