Skylight, Hatch, and Vent Fall Hazards: How to Improve Commercial Roof Safety

The Dangers of Commercial Roofs

A facility’s roof is a dangerous place to be. The most common cause of injuries and deaths are fall-related incidents, which are also the most cited violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While there are countless ways to prevent falls, one area to focus on is skylights and other openings in the roof.

Often ‘hidden’ on the roof’s surface, it’s easy to step on an unmarked skylight and fall right through. If the person is not wearing fall protection equipment, this fall could be deadly. In fact, falls from skylights account for 10% of roofing fatalities.

Skylights and Other Common Roof Openings

Commercial roofs across the country have skylights, hatches, ventilation stacks, and more. These are all important to the building’s performance but can pose a serious threat to anyone accessing the roof. This includes roofing, HVAC, satellite and other contractors, as well as employees.

While skylights are well-known, other roof openings may not be so let’s review each one.

1. Roof Hatch. A commercial roof hatch is a designated access point on the roof’s surface. There is generally a ladder below it within the building for someone to climb, open the hatch, and be on the roof quickly and safely.
2. Smoke Hatch. Another type of roof hatch is a smoke hatch. This is designed to vent smoke out of the building in the event of a fire.
3. Vent Stack. Commercial roofs often have vent stacks, which is a pipe that allows ventilation from within the building for gases and air pressure to escape.

These are all danger areas for falls when they are not properly identified on the roof’s surface. If a person on the roof does not know a roof opening is below them, one wrong step could be extremely dangerous.

Preventing Falls from Skylights, Hatches, and Stacks

Skylight Fall Protection

OSHA dictates that anyone working around rooftop skylights should be protected from falls through personal fall arrest systems, covers or guardrail systems.

1. A personal fall arrest system should include a full body harness, connectors such as a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), shock-absorbing lanyard, or vertical lifeline assembly and an appropriate anchor point on the roof.
2. Covers need to be able to support DOUBLE the weight of workers including equipment/tools. Covers need to be clearly marked either by color coding or with words such as “HOLE” or “COVER.” A cover must be secured so that nothing can accidentally cause it to move, such as wind, equipment or employees.
3. Guardrails will act as a barrier between the skylight and anyone on the roof. These are ideal for rooftops where snow cover may inhibit the view

Hatch Equipment

• Consider using a sliding hatch door instead of a traditional tip-up to reduce risk of panel door slamming open or closed. This also prevents wind damage.
• Perimeter railing systems, grab bars, and ladder extension grips can extend beyond a roof hatch to ensure proper grip and climb completion to the rooftop.

Roof Opening Covers and Other Identification

1. Clearly identifiable screens and covers can be placed over skylights and other roof openings to deter fall risk. An extra bonus, it can also help keep other unwanted guests like racoons and other pests out.
2. Attach large, noticeable signage to each skylight to warn against stepping, standing, or sitting on those surfaces. These signs should also be posted at the roof entry point.
3. Always review where skylights are from within the building if the viewable from the ceiling.
4. Create a rooftop map to highlight all roof penetrations.
5. Never allow skylights to be coated with the same color as the roof.

If you have questions or safety concerns about your roof’s skylights or other openings, the Simon safety team is here to help. We’ll be happy to talk through your facility’s specific needs.