Roofing Safety Inspection Checklist

Complete this comprehensive roofing safety inspection before starting any roofing work per OSHA 29 CFR 1926.500-503, NRCA Safety Guidelines, and international standards. Special attention to fall protection is critical as roofing consistently ranks among the most hazardous construction activities.

Industry: Construction
Frequency: Daily / Before work / After weather changes
Estimated Time: 25-35 minutes
Role: Roofing Foreman / Competent Person
Total Items: 43
Compliance: OSHA 1926.500 (Fall Protection Scope), OSHA 1926.501 (Duty to Protect), OSHA 1926.502 (Fall Protection Systems), OSHA 1926.503 (Training), NRCA Safety Manual

Fall Protection Systems

Verify fall protection per OSHA 1926.501(b)(10-13). Low-slope roofs (≤4:12) may use warning lines, safety monitoring, or guardrails. Steep-slope (>4:12) requires PFAS, guardrails, or nets.

Fall Protection Method
Warning lines installed 6 feet from edge (low slope)?
Warning line height 34-39 inches?
Trained safety monitor on roof (if using monitoring system)?
Guardrails installed at unprotected edges?
Full body harnesses worn (steep slope/work near edge)?
Harnesses inspected for damage before use?
Lanyards and connectors in good condition?

Roof Anchors & Tie-Off Points

Inspect anchorage points per OSHA 1926.502(d)(15). Anchors must be capable of supporting 5,000 lbs per attached worker.

Roof anchors rated for 5,000 lbs per worker?
Anchors properly installed per manufacturer specs?
Anchors positioned for 100% tie-off?
Anchors inspected for corrosion, damage, loosening?
Self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) functioning properly?
Horizontal lifeline (if used) engineered and installed properly?

Roof Openings & Skylights

Protect roof holes, skylights, and openings per OSHA 1926.501(b)(4) and 502(i). All openings must be covered or guarded.

All skylights covered with rated covers or guarded?
Roof opening covers secured and labeled 'HOLE'?
Covers support 2x maximum expected load?
Vent openings and penetrations protected?
Roof hatch opening secured when not in use?

Weather & Roof Surface Conditions

Assess working conditions. Do not work on roofs during unsafe weather. NRCA recommends stopping work in high winds, lightning, or on wet/icy surfaces.

Roof surface dry with adequate traction?
Wind conditions safe for work (typically <25 mph)?
No lightning or thunderstorms within 10 miles?
Temperature within safe working range?
Visibility adequate for safe work?
Roof deck structurally sound (no rot, damage)?

Roof Access & Ladders

Verify safe access to roof per OSHA 1926.1053. Ladders must extend 3 feet above landing and be secured.

Access Method
Ladder extends 3 feet above roof edge?
Ladder secured at top and/or bottom?
Ladder inspected and in good condition?
Ladder at proper angle (4:1 ratio)?
Access point clear of obstructions?

Hot Work & Fire Safety

For torch-applied roofing, verify fire safety per NFPA 241 and OSHA 1926.352. Fire watch required during and after hot work.

Hot work permit obtained (if required)?
Combustibles cleared 35 feet from hot work?
Charged fire extinguisher within 25 feet?
Fire watch designated during and 60 minutes after?
Propane cylinders secured upright, away from heat?
Torches and regulators inspected?

Materials & Equipment Safety

Verify proper material handling and equipment condition for roofing operations.

Materials secured against wind displacement?
Materials staged to not overload roof structure?
Tools tethered or contained to prevent falling?
Debris chutes or controlled drop zone established?
Asphalt kettle positioned safely (if used)?
Power tools inspected and GFCI protected?