What are the hazards associated with operating mechanical equipment while doing roofing work?
The preamble also explains (Vol. 45, No. 222, page 75,622) that when operating mechanical equipment near the edge of structure: “…the greatest hazards with mechanical equipment operation are at the points of turn-around (perpendicular to the direction of equipment movement) where an employee’s attention is no longer on the edge [fall] hazard, but rather is on the effort required to turn the equipment around (cf. Ex. 2:82, 120, 191). At these points, employees are in danger of losing their balance because of the sometimes awkward motions necessary to turn the mechanical equipment, and because of the need to step backward toward the edge, as they try to line the machine up for the next run.” Question 4: What OSHA regulations address the use of mechanical equipment during roofing work in construction? Answer: Roofers are allowed to use mechanical equipment without fall protection only under specified conditions, which are addressed in ยง1926.502. Mechanical equipment is mentioned in resp
