Examining rooftops is quite tedious enough; however, it is a priority and therefore unavoidable. You should use proper ladder safety measures while inspecting your roof for protection and ease. Fortunately, there are approved, tested, and proven safety procedures for a roof inspection. These procedures have guidelines and rules to follow for assured effectiveness when using your ladder to aid height balance.
For proper ladder safety when inspecting your roof, here is a list of things to look for and check off.
Proper Ladder Set
Ladders can be either simple or have a touch of complexity to them. For instance, there are extensive Ladders that require more setup than simple ladders. Ladders tend to shift stance due to weight pressure and unbalance. One of the most important things to remember is to try not to fall off. Yes, it happens and yes, falling off a ladder is avoidable. Where and how you set up your ladder determines workplace safety, accidents, and fatality.
Place the ladder at the base of the building in a vertical position. Move the ladder away from the base until it is aimed at a proper angle.
A roof inspection is done within the highest safe space standing level and the highest safe working level; you should therefore pick up a ladder right for the job. You can choose the height and sturdiness of the ladder. If you decide on step ladders, ensure they have a solid footing and can withstand your weight.
For step ladders, they should always be opened during use. Never use a closed step because it has no balance to endure any weight or leaning on it. Weight will eventually lead to a shift in the stance, inevitably leading to falling or fatal accidents.
All four steps of the ladder should be placed firmly on a solid footing. Make sure the ground floor is not where the ladder will sink into, a slippery slope or ground, or shaky ground. Leveling devices can also be used for uneven ground.
Setup Ladder in a Secure Area
The location of your house or business that needs roof inspection is also a determinant of your safety. Set up your ladder in a safe area free of blockage, overcrowding, and trespassing. If your workspace is open to people, signs should be placed to indicate works in progress.
Also, doors should be locked or signed as unavailable to avoid a collision or accidental opening of the door that will lead to a crash.
Extend Ladder
Pay attention to the distance from the roof to your ladder. It is advisable to leave three feet of your ladder above your roof. This is to avoid struggling to get above the roof for inspection. Three feet of the ladder above the roof also aids easy descending. Place the ladder at the base of the building in a vertical position. Move the ladder away from the base until it is aimed at a proper angle.
The next step is to extend the ladder to the desired height or in alignment with the roof, then engage the locks to secure it. The 4:1 ratio has been proven effective for safety. Use the 4:1 ratio extension by placing the ladder one foot away from the building at every four feet of ladder lane.
Secure Ladder to the Roof
The simplest method for securing a ladder to the roof is standing on the bottom step of your ladder with both feet securely on the rung. Then both feet are pressed down firmly to set and secure the ladder to the ground. After it is secure enough for your approval, you can safely climb the ladder until you reach the roof edge without an accident. Note that this step is for climbing up to the roof for inspection.
To descend from the roof, hook one end of a strap cord to the lip of the gutter and turn the cord tightly around the leg of the ladder. Then face the ladder and climb down carefully. Use both hands when climbing down; remember to keep your feet in the center as you go down.
Inspection By Professionals
When it comes to roof inspections, it is recommended that you enlist the help of professional roofing contractors who understand the tasks and can employ standard procedures with appropriate tools and equipment, thereby reducing the risk of accident hazards. Your safety should not be based on guesses and unnecessary risk of falling from great heights because necessary details are ignored due to inexperience and lack of equipment.
Choose your safety by getting an expert to do it at an affordable cost. Shoreline Roofing contractors are trained to guarantee your satisfaction and offer exquisite craftsmanship by paying attention to details.
We are skilled professionals with years of roofing experience and can guarantee your safety through their standard service. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection.