Roof Access Requirements

09 28 2006 1910 23 inspection guidance for inpatient healthcare settings osh act of 1970 section 5 a 1 06 25 2015.

Roof access requirements.

Where there is no permanent access to roof areas provide properly constructed. They are present on most nonresidential buildings. The building owner has provided no access to the roof none is required per building code and no fall protection on the roof. In this case the architect would not provide anything.

Method and suitable equipment to access roofs will reduce the risk of falls when working on a roof. Per osha 1910 23 d 4 the side rails of through or sidestep ladders must extend 42 inches above the top of the access level or landing platform served by the ladder. In buildings without an occupied roof access to the roof shall be permitted to be a roof hatch or trap door not less than 16 square feet 1 5 m 2 in area and having a minimum dimension of 2 feet 610 mm. If the parapet is continuous the access level is the top of the parapet.

Such clear path shall be accessible from each rooftop perimeter access landing required pursuant to fc504 4 3. Methods for providing roof access include. Roof hatches known sometimes as roof scuttles are designed to allow workers safe access to roof areas for hvac equipment maintenance roof renovations etc. Side rails of through or side step fixed ladders must extend 42 inches 1 1 m above the top level or landing platform served by the ladder.

Free egress from the roof to the stairwell is required for occupied roofs but is not mandated by the ibc or nfpa 101 for unoccupied roofs. Where a stairway is provided to a roof access to the roof shall be provided through a penthouse complying with section 1510 2 of the california building code. In summary free access to the roof from the stairwell is not required by the ibc or nfpa 101 but may be required or preferred by the local code official. Then the roofing contractor needs to provide safe working for the roofing workers.

24 inches this extension above the access level must be at least 24 inches wide to accommodate the width of climber s body and not more than 30 inches of clearance allowing the climber to easily reach both hand rails. Such access shall include to the maximum extent practicable 3 feet 914 mm clearance on three sides of the skylight or scuttle. Scaffold access towers stair towers industrial grade secured ladders and roof access hatches. Such clear path shall afford reasonable access to bulkhead doors fire escapes access ladders cockloft vents skylights scuttles and shafts.

While they provide great convenience to building personnel unattended roof hatches left in the open position can be dangerous. Here s an osha booklet on stairs and ladders.