Even if you are not afraid of heights, performing any type of roof repair can be a scary experience. Depending on the degree of slope, it can be extremely difficult to maintain your footing and make roof repairs at the same time. To ensure your safety, it is important to wear an approved safety harness that will prevent you from falling to the ground.
Inspect Your Gear Carefully look over your harness and ropes to make sure they are not worn or frayed. Never use any gear that may have weak spots or broken fasteners. Make sure every piece of equipment is in good working order before attempting to use it to support your weight.
Snug Fit Adjust the straps of your harness so that it fits securely. A snug fit will ensure that the harness will not slip or move and cause an injury if you would happen to fall. The harness should fit comfortably without being restrictive or binding.
Properly Place the Roof Anchor Use a roof anchor that is directly above the area where you will be working. It is important to stay within 4 feet of the roof anchor so that it will remain secure. The roof anchor can be moved as necessary or more can be added for more stability.
Roof anchors should be mounted at the peak and at least 6 feet from the edge of the roof. Make sure one roof anchor is still secured before moving the gear to a different one. This will prevent you from slipping or losing your balance during the transfer.
Reposition the Rope-Grab Often Reposition the rope-grab as you move along the roof. This eliminates slack and helps to hold you secure. Roof repair requires two hands. Having a rope-grab readily available is a valuable safety measure.
