Roof safety Questions - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Jim Marchioni · Freshmen Member

Roof safety Questions

Jim Marchioni · Freshmen Member

Just saw this ......,.OSHA takes this stuff seriously !! Ned Stevens is real big here in Jersey, they are basically a gutter cleaning company moving into roof cleaning

archive.northjersey.com/news/business/roof-cleaner-facing-fines-1.1465060

Chris Mozick · Junior Member

Every year you should get certified in roof and ladder safety it's an osha regulation if you wear a harness. I'm sure their is a safety company in your area that can sell you equipment and train you properly for these issues. Hope that helps

Tim Teed · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Why do you have to get on the roof? In 5 years maybe 2 or 3 times we needed to get on the roof.

There are some kits where there is a small line attached to a weighted bag or ball that is thrown over roof and pull the line which is attached to a rope and tie off to immovable object like a tree etc. People cutting trees use something similar. Then use your harness.

You can install a permanent anchor under ridge cap or a temporary one on the side of the roof you are working on. Attach roof anchor on top of shingle into rafter using duplex nails. When done remove and slide a "bibby" a small piece of flat aluminum under the shingle that is held in place with blackjack

Bob Riddick · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Hi Jim. I've been in residential roofing for over 40 years, and your questions are quite reasonable. There are no simple answers, but Chris and Tim make great points.

You are so much safer spraying from a ladder, which is what my guys do. And they came from one of my roofing crews.

Feel free to call me and I'd be happy to spend more time on this subject. BTW, we are over 14 years without an accident.

Jim Marchioni · Freshmen Member

Thank you for all the advice...from what I'm gathering is that 99% of roof cleanings can be done from the ground or gutter line so there isn't a real need to climb a roof . That is good news !! I plan on going to the palooza, hopefully I will be able to meet you guys.

Chad Eneix · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

We also rarely get on roofs, however, I would suggest getting trained and getting some gear anyway. Also, talk to your insurance agent about it. Sometimes, you just have to get up there, or getting up there makes it easier or more efficient in the long run. I always get on the roof for initial training of a new guy, as it's easier to see what is going on and explain the process. Also, if you get a large roof with an easy pitch, say a clinic or something, most of the time you will be faster in the long run to just get up there. You will also use less chemical.

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Hi Jim - I taught a class at the UAMCC National Convention on Roof Safety. Here's a link to my class presentation - https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BybRaRFBSC4fQzh2NXJmdWJEQlU

At SoftWashapalooza, I'm hoping we can get the Roof Safety trailer again to use at our event. You can watch a temporary anchor installation around the 25 minute mark.