Kattsafe OSHA Roof Safety

Superior Services provides Kattsafe USA OSHA-compliant roof safety solutions and products to ensure a safe working environment on commercial roofs.

OSHA Compliant Roof Safety

Superior Services is proud to offer Kattsafe USA OSHA compliance roof safety compliance programs. We are the leaders in consulting and advising best practice OSHA roof safety.

Learn more about our OSHA Roof Safety Compliance programs below. Call us at 517-321-8222 or contact us via email to schedule a HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe review.

The HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe program is designed utilizing roof protection equipment such as guardrails, anchors, lifeline systems, roof hatches and fixed ladders. The HIGH FIVE™ system is broken down into the following 5 areas of roof safety:

Roof Access
Roof Access Fall Hazards
Designated Walkway Routes
Equipment Near Fall Hazards
Unprotected Edges

Roof Access

The first step is making sure that the initial roof access is safe. Most falls and accidents occur within roof access. Equipment within safe, OSHA approved roof access includes fixed ladders, roof hatches, elevated work platforms and exterior stair system. Key safety questions include: Is fall protection required on the method of access? Can unauthorized persons access the roof?

Roof Access Fall Hazards

The second step of the HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe program is discovering what fall hazards are present at the access or egress point of the roof. As this is evaluated, the important question is “Would someone accessing the roof be exposed to a fall hazard more than 4 feet?” To prevent this, roof guardrail systems can be installed for fall protection near ladders, stairs and roof hatches. If portable ladders are to be used, ladder support brackets can be utilized.

Designated Walkway Routes

The third step of the HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe program is confirming that designated walkways and walkway routes are clearly marked. Marked walkway routes assist workers to avoid fall hazards and keep them on designated paths. Walkway routes should keep workers away from skylights, smoke vents, openings, elevation changes or any other possible hazards.

Equipment Near Fall Hazards

The fourth step of the HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe program is to identify all possible equipment within the danger zone. Any equipment on a low slope roof that is within 15 feet of the leading edge or fall hazard must be within OSHA compliance. This often calls for roof guardrail systems to be constructed around the equipment to ensure passive protection. Other solutions may include a warning line system and a fall restraint or fall arrest system.

Unprotected Edges

The fifth step of the HIGH FIVE™ Kattsafe program is to locate and be aware of any unprotected edges on the roof. Unprotected edges are a serious risk to those working on the roof. Unprotected edges are dangerous due to sloped roofs with slippery surfaces and possible trip hazards. Securing unprotected edges means installing roof guard rail systems, warning line systems, fall arrest roof anchors and lifelines.

OSHA Roof Safety Guidance Zones

Red Zone

Accounts for the 6 feet closest to the leading edge and typically the most dangerous area on the rooftop. When a person is working in this area, OSHA requires conventional fall protection such as guardrails, anchors or lifeline systems.
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(i)

Orange Zone

Covers the area 6 feet to 15 feet from the leading edge. Conventional fall protection such as guardrails, anchors or lifeline systems are required as danger remains high due to the proximity to the roof edge. If the work being performed is “infrequent and temporary,” the employer may use a designated area. Designated areas are typically created by using a warning line system. OSHA does not clearly state what constitutes as an “infrequent and temporary” task.
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(ii)

Green Zone

The least dangerous, but still requires safety measures to ensure worker safety. When work is performed 15 feet or more from the roof edge, the employer must protect each employee by providing a fall protection system or a designated area. If the work being performed is "infrequent and temporary," fall protection isn't required, but we still recommend it. Remember that there could be other risks in this zone such as skylights, pits, elevation changes and other trip hazards.
OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(iii)

Area A

Toe-boards are recommended on guardrail systems that are over access doors, walk-paths or areas where people may be working below per OSHA 1910.28(c)(1).

Area B

Roof hatches (when open) are considered a hole and therefore are a fall hazard. OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(i), OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(iv).

Area C

Fixed ladders over 24ft in vertical height require a ladder safety device or fall protection anchor per OSHA 1910.28(b)(9)(i) A, B, C & D.

Area D

Equipment within 15ft of a fall hazard must be protected by a form of fall protection. Exception for the 6ft - 15ft zone: if the work performed is temporary and infrequent, a warning line could be used. OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(ii).

Area E

Skylights must be protected as per OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(i)

Area F

When workers are 15ft or greater from the fall hazard, fall protection is still required. If the work performed is temporary and infrequent, then fall protection is not required per OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(iii)(A). If there’s frequent access, fall protection will be required.

Area G

Safe access must be provided over obstacles, pipes or elevation changes that exceed 19in per OSHA 1926.1051(a).

Area H

If the parapet wall height is less than 39in, a form of fall protection must be provided. OSHA 1910.29(b)(1).

Area I

Clearly designated paths of travel coupled with documented training can result in workers being kept away from fall hazards. OSHA 1910.22(c).

Area J

Warning Line Systems can be set no closer than 6ft from the leading edge if the work being performed is “infrequent and temporary.” Best practice is to install warning lines 15ft from the leading edge. OSHA 1910.28(b)(13)(ii).