I’ve always wondered about how it feels to be a tightrope walker. It must be nerve-wracking to perform in front of a packed arena. That is, while using maybe a 3- to 4-inch rope as a bridge between two 15-ft platforms. I wonder how fast their heart beats during the whole experience.

Tightrope Walkers in Constructions

Wonder and amazement. These are two things that capture me whenever I watch tightrope walkers doing their acts. Construction workers are a different story, though. Whenever I see them performing their tasks on high roofs, I feel only fear. It doesn’t matter whether they’re replacing nails, mixing cement or painting wooden boards. They seem to be as comfortable as any office worker planted on a computer chair. But still, comfortable or not comfortable, construction workers on roofs face serious danger.

The hazards are even tenfold when they have to manually carry loads while squatting on high roofs. Not only are they in danger of falling through holes and roof edges, they also have to avoid back injuries. As if that’s not enough, loads hauled from the ground to the roof also put other workers in danger. This includes personnel working on the ground and those who work near the construction zone.

Manual Materials Handling Safety

Here are some safety guidelines to follow when manually carrying loads from ground to roof:

• Follow all rules in the safe use of ladders.

• Never carry loads on a ladder.

• When a forklift is not available, always use a rope or pulley system to get loads from the ground to the roof.

• Use a supply bucket that is made of metal and has tight seams. Its handle must be made of at least ¼ inch steel and hooked to hook ears that are riveted to the bucket.

• Never allow anyone to stand or pass under suspended loads.

• Never fill the bucket closer than 2 inches from the top.

• Use a cast or forged steel hook with a safety latch to prevent the bucket from becoming unhooked when hoisting it.

• When using ropes for hoisting loads, make sure they are equipped with manila rope measuring ¾ inches or more.

• Before use, inspect ropes for broken fibers, mildew, burns and cuts. Replace them immediately if they’re positive for these signs.

• Ensure that the pulley grooves have the same size as the rope.

• Secure the rope pulley to the hoisting jack or thrustout well so that it can support loads that are more than 3 times the lifted weight.

• Pulley grooves must be the same size as the rope.

• Use a counterweight in a contained or secure place to eliminate hazards.

• When working on roofs or roof decks, workers must wear a closed shirt that covers their upper body, arms, and other wrists. Their pants must extend over the tops of their shoes.

• Never don loose clothing and jewelry.

• Follow safety guidelines in erecting toeboards, guardrails and other tools for fall protection.

• Never store equipment and materials within 6 feet of a roof edge unless there are guardrails installed.

• Never group, pile or stack materials near a roof edge unless they are stable and self-supporting.