6 Tips for Safe Roof Snow Removal
Every winter, many accidents occur due to snow removal on roofs. Individuals who do not take the necessary safety precautions can be exposed to very serious risks such as, falls from heights, burial under the snow and discomfort caused by the cold or by intense physical efforts.
To reduce the chances of accidents, take a look at the 6 tips for safely removing snow from rooftops suggested by our experts.
1. Don’t let snow accumulate
One of the best practices for minimizing the risk of accidents when removing snow from a roof is to do it regularly. A regularly cleared roof means less snow to remove each time, and therefore, less physical and cardiovascular effort.
The accumulation of snow on your roof should not exceed 70 cm at the maximum precipitation point. This is why it is important to keep the roof cleared on a regular basis.
Please note: It's important to consider weather conditions, such as forecasts of snow or freezing rain, which can make snow heavier and increase the risk of a roof collapse.
Questions about the safe removal of snow from your roof? Our engineering experts can help by creating solutions tailored to your needs!
2. Have an action plan
It is essential to properly assess the potential risks before starting to remove snow from a roof, in order to identify hazardous factors beforehand. When assessing the roof, there are many elements to consider:
- The buffer zone (a zone surrounding a minimum of 2 meters away from the parapets)
- The protection area around the exit hatch
- The safety distance zone from power lines
- The snow dumping area on the roof (provide guardrails to prevent falls)
The snow dumping area on the ground (delimited with the help of signage to ensure pedestrian safety)
3. Fall arrest systems
Installing permanent fall arrest systems, such as guardrails or anchors, as a preventative measure, can significantly improve safety in the case of a fall during snow removal.
It is also important to consider factors such as the weight of the snow, the equipment, and the workers to avoid a potential roof collapse. When in doubt, it is strongly suggested to call a structural engineer.
4. Use the right tools
The use of snowplows rather than a shovel to lift the load of snow is highly recommended. Snowplows will reduce the physical effort required to complete the task and cause less strain on the body.
It is essential to wear the proper protective clothing when removing snow. Wearing good boots, warm clothes, a hat, mittens, and cleats will help prevent any risk of falling or damage from the cold such as frostbite.
Note that it is also important to use proper tools that won’t damage the roof’s surface. Choosing plastic tools or fitting your tools with protective covers can help you avoid causing cracks or other damage to the roof.
We also recommend using signage to help identify areas that may be more dangerous on the roof.
5. Listen to your body
Snow removal can cause added stress and often leads to multiple heart and back injuries. It is always better to push the snow, rather than trying to lift the load in order to lighten the physical demand on the body. We strongly recommend removing the snow from your roof with another person to share the task and help in case of an accident.
6. Call professionals
When in doubt, it is always better to get a professional’s perspective or help.
The experts at SPI Health and Safety can assess your risks and your needs to ensure safe snow removal from the roof.
By working with professionals, you benefit from the use of specialized equipment such as safety harnesses and fall arrest systems that comply with current standards. Our experts are also trained to apply techniques that minimize the risk of accidents. Do not hesitate to contact our team for your protective equipment, the installation of railings or the delimitation of areas on the roof.
Still have questions or concerns?
