Job Hazard Analysis: Roof tear-off

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Set up the site: place the dumpster, tarp the ground, and protect windows and landscaping.

   • Struck by the roll-off truck or a backing vehicle while placing the dumpster.Medium
     • Keep workers out of the truck's path until the dumpster is set and the truck has left.
     • Use one spotter in view of the driver for all backing.
     • Wear a high-visibility vest near moving vehicles.
   • Overhead power lines near the roof edge, dumpster, or ladder location.High
     • Locate all overhead lines before setup and keep ladders, tools, and debris at least 10 ft away.
     • If work must be closer, call the utility to de-energize or cover the lines before starting.
     • Use fiberglass ladders only; no aluminum ladders on this job.

2. 2. Set up roof access and install fall protection: extension ladder, roof anchors, lifelines, and roof brackets.

   • Fall from the extension ladder while climbing or getting on and off the roof.High
     • Set the ladder at a 4-to-1 angle on firm, level ground and extend it 3 ft above the roof edge.
     • Tie off the top of the ladder and inspect rungs, feet, and locks before use.
     • Keep 3 points of contact; haul tools and bundles up with a rope or ladder hoist, not in your hands.
   • Fall from the roof edge while installing anchors before anyone is tied off.High
     • Install the first anchor at the ridge from the ladder or from a secured position, working away from the edge.
     • Nail anchors into rafters or trusses with the nails the manufacturer specifies, not just into the deck.
     • Competent person checks every anchor, rope grab, and lanyard before the crew goes up.

3. 3. Tear off shingles and underlayment with roofing shovels, working from the ridge down.

   • Slipping on loose shingles, granules, or wet felt and falling off the roof.High
     • Stay tied off to the lifeline with a full-body harness at all times on the roof.
     • Keep lifelines short enough that you cannot reach the edge or hit the ground in a fall.
     • Install roof brackets with 2x planks as toe boards on steep pitches and below the work.
     • Stop tear-off when the roof is wet, icy, or in high wind.
   • Falling through skylights, chimney openings, or rotten decking.High
     • Cover skylights and openings with secured plywood marked HOLE or COVER before tear-off.
     • Walk on rafter lines and test soft spots before putting full weight on them.
   • Back and shoulder strain from prying and carrying heavy debris.Medium
     • Rotate shovel and carrying jobs among the crew every hour.
     • Keep loads small; do not stack debris piles on the roof.
   • Cuts and punctures from exposed nails and sharp flashing.Medium
     • Pull or hammer down nails as you go so the deck stays clear.
     • Wear cut-resistant gloves and boots with puncture-resistant soles.

4. 4. Drop debris into the dumpster or trailer.

   • Workers on the ground struck by falling shingles, nails, or tools.High
     • Park the dumpster right under the drop point or use an enclosed chute.
     • Barricade and sign the drop zone; no one enters while debris is coming down.
     • Call out before every drop and get an answer from the ground.
     • Wear a hard hat on the ground at all times.
   • Leaning over the edge to throw debris and losing balance.High
     • Stay tied off and do not lean past the edge; slide debris off from behind a toe board.

5. 5. Inspect the deck, replace damaged plywood, and dry in with underlayment.

   • Kickback and cuts from the circular saw when cutting out bad decking.Medium
     • Check the blade guard and cord before use; set blade depth to the plywood thickness.
     • Plug into a GFCI-protected cord and keep cords away from your feet and the edge.
     • Wear safety glasses while cutting and nailing.
   • Nail gun injuries from contact-trip firing or double fires.Medium
     • Use sequential-trigger nail guns and keep your free hand at least 12 in from the nose.
     • Disconnect the air hose before clearing jams or moving the gun.
   • Wind catching underlayment rolls or plywood sheets and pulling you off balance.Medium
     • Carry full sheets with two people and stop handling sheets in gusty wind.
     • Tear off only as much as you can dry in the same day.

6. 6. Work in heat: plan water, rest, and shade for the whole shift.

   • Heat exhaustion or heat stroke from sun and hot roof surfaces.High
     • Start early and schedule the hardest tear-off before the hottest part of the day.
     • Provide cool water and shaded breaks; drink a cup every 15–20 minutes.
     • Let new or returning workers build up to full workloads over the first days.
     • Watch each other for dizziness, confusion, or stopped sweating and report it right away.

7. 7. Clean up: remove fall protection last, sweep for nails, and close the dumpster area.

   • Falling while removing anchors and lifelines at the end of the day.High
     • Take down anchors last, working from the ladder or while tied off to another anchor.
   • Puncture wounds from loose nails in the yard and driveway.Low
     • Run a magnetic sweeper over the yard, driveway, and drop zone twice.
     • Keep walkways clear of debris and cords during the shift.