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Know Your Roof

*To reduce the risk of roof collapse, know your roof’s design capacity.

*The roof’s design may be compromised by building use and condition.

*Be alert to lower buildings or roof top equipment that can trap drifting snow.

*Snow loading is more likely to occur on flat or low slope roofs.

*If your building has a wood or metal truss roof, you should be more aware of snow loads.

 

Monitor the Situation

*Don’t wait until media reports of collapses occur before monitoring your own building.

*If the roof already has a significant amount of snow or ice, and a new storm is expected in a few days, safely reduce the snow load before the next storm.

*If any signs of deflection due to weight of snow are noted, evacuate the building and seek professional help to determine structural stability.

 

Protect Workers and Property

*Snow removal is best done from the ground, with a snow rake or an aerial lift.

*If workers must go on the roof, “fall through” hazards should be marked, workers should wear fall protection and electrocution hazards should be identified.

*If done improperly snow removal can severely damage a roof surface or pop out fasteners.

*Push brooms and roof rakes should be used for snow removal instead of snow blowers or shovels.

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