If you’re a building manager or building owner in Ontario, it’s likely that you’ll be one of thousands of professionals preparing for a winter rooftop inspection. While these inspections are essential in maintaining compliance with Ontario’s provincial regulations and protecting the wellbeing of maintenance personnel, they can also come with their own challenges that you should be fully prepared for. In the latest learning resource from Skyline Group, we explore the necessary considerations and steps you should take to ensure your rooftop is ready to pass at inspection.
Before we get into the details, let’s explore some of the key regulatory frameworks you should be aware of prior to your winter rooftop inspection. While regulations can be complex in nature, differing from province to province, two frameworks should largely form your approach: the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Ontario Building Code (OBC).
An Overview of Ontario’s Key Regulatory Framework
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) serves as the primary legislation governing workplace health and safety. The OHSA mandates that employers take every reasonable precaution to protect workers, which includes ensuring safe access to and from rooftops, especially during hazardous winter conditions. For an extensive guide to maintaining rooftops in hazardous winter conditions, we recommend consulting our expert learning resource on the topic.
Beyond the OHSA, the Ontario Building Code (OBC) sets out technical and administrative requirements for building construction and maintenance, including aspects related to rooftop safety. Building owners and managers in Ontario should always have this information readily available.
Key Steps to Prepare for a Winter Inspection: A Checklist
The steps below represent a checklist, and do not guarantee compliance on your rooftop. However, following this advice will ensure that you are broadly in-line with the requirements set out in the regulations mentioned above:
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Risk Assessment
Before winter sets in, perform a thorough risk assessment of your rooftop. Identify potential hazards such as:
- Structural weaknesses: Inspect for signs of wear and tear that could be exacerbated by snow and ice accumulation.
- Slip and fall hazards: Look for areas prone to ice formation or water pooling.
- Access points: Ensure ladders, hatches, and other access points are secure and in good condition.
Engaging a professional in this area can provide an objective evaluation and help in identifying less obvious risks. To find out how Skyline Group can help, book an Onsite Consultation at the earliest opportunity.
2. Ensure Proper Snow and Ice Management
The dangers of snow and ice are well understood, heightening the risks of slips, trips and falls. However, it’s also important to note that excessive snow and ice can compromise the integrity of the rooftop itself, presenting its own set of unique safety risks. With these challenges in-mind, you should implement a snow and ice removal plan that includes:
- Regular monitoring: Schedule frequent inspections to assess snow and ice buildup.
- Safe removal practices: Use appropriate tools and techniques to avoid damaging the roof surface. Avoid sharp tools that could harm the roofing material; instead, use plastic shovels or snow rakes designed for rooftop use.
It is also important to consider the impact of snow and ice on drainage systems, including guttering and downspouts. When preparing for a winter rooftop inspection in Ontario, you should ensure that gutters and downspits are clear of debris and correctly functioning. Meanwhile, drains should be inspected and maintained to prevent blockages via ice dams, as well as water infiltration.
3. Implement Fall Protection Measures
Fall protection is critical when personnel access the rooftop. Ensure compliance with Ontario regulations by:
- Installing guardrails: Permanent or temporary guardrails can provide effective fall protection.
- Providing PPE and training: Ensure workers have and use appropriate PPE, such as harnesses and lanyards. Meanwhile, it is crucial to remember that training workers on the proper use of fall protection equipment is also a legal requirement under the OHSA.
This list is, of course, not exhaustive, and there are a range of other fall protection measures available. Depending on the nature of your rooftop and the level of access required by your facilities and maintenance teams, you can enhance your fall protection strategy by considering other solutions such as walkways, crossover bridges and safe access ladders.
Safety Through Knowledge
As we conclude this learning resource, we’d like to highlight that your rooftop safety inspector will not be approaching your inspection as a mere box-ticking exercise. Simply installing rooftop safety solutions and fall protection systems won’t guarantee that your rooftop will pass. This is why it is absolutely critical to familiarize yourself with safety regulations that are specifically relevant to Ontario. Before you take action, you can read about some of those regulations here.
Finally, and most importantly, remember this: there’s more to protecting lives than merely passing a rooftop safety inspection. As a building owner or manager, the responsibility lies with you to ensure that all people who rely on the safety of your rooftop get home safely at the end of the day. That means taking every reasonable precaution to do that, going beyond compliance to achieve true levels of safety. That’s where working with Skyline Group can help. See below for contact information, and reach out to us for more.
Prepare for Your Rooftop Inspection with Skyline Group
Are you a building manager or owner currently preparing for a rooftop safety inspection in Ontario? If so, we can help. Our expert safety consultants provide onsite sales consultations, helping you identify any issues that may present a risk of inspection failure. To get started, book your consultation now or reach out to us to discuss the unique requirements of your rooftop.
