Roofing: A dirty job but somebody has to do it
When it comes to dirty jobs, there aren't many as challenging and dangerous as roofing. There are a lot of hazards when it comes to repairing and installing roofs. Despite the dangers however, many roofers continue to do the work day in and day out because it's what they love. Here's a look at some of the hazards roofers face every day.
Heights
The obvious first danger any roofer faces is the risk of falling. When your primary work environment is one to two stories off the ground, that's always a concern. If you have a fear of heights, roofing is not the job for you. And if it isn't already bad enough, most residential roofs have at least some slope to it. The combination of sloped roofs, and working two stories in the air can be a deadly combination. Every year hundreds of roofers end up falling. Roofers learn pretty quick to be constantly aware of their surroundings and to know where they are in relation to the edge of the roof at all times.
Weather
Another hazard roofers face every day is the weather. It isn't always 70 degrees with a calm breeze. In summer months temperatures can easily reach triple digits. With the hot sun beating down on them and reflecting off the asphalt shingles, roofers may feel as though they are working in an oven. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration is a major concern for roofers in the summer. To deal with extreme heat roofers will work early in the morning and later in the evening when the temperatures are lowest.
Summer isn't the only season when roofers have to worry. Cold winter weather can lead to slippery conditions while working on a roof. Combine that with strong winds and you have a recipe for disaster.
Burns
What many not familiar with the roofing industry don't know is that roofers are frequently working with hot materials such as tar. Contact with hot sticky tar can lead to very serious burns for roofers who must be constantly vigilant especially when working with these materials.
Insects
Finally there's the insects like wasps and bees. Roofers who've been in the industry long enough will eventually encounter a beehive or wasp's nest. Up on a roof with no where to hide, roofers sometimes have to make a split second decision to endure the stings and bites or take the plunge to the ground below.
Call the professionals
While a do-it-yourself attitude is admirable, roofing work is very technical and involves many hazards. It's always best to leave roofing work to the professionals who have the proper training and equipment needed to do the job safely and effectively.
Home improvement news brought to you by bartonroof.com
Source: nanaimodailynews.com/opinion/dirty-jobs-roofing-can-be-dangerous-and-uncomfortable-1.866281
B)
0 Comments
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.