Providing fall protection on flat or low-sloped roofs (defined as roofs with a slope of 0 in 12 to 4 in 12) has always been a hot topic of discussion in our Fall Protection Competent Person classes. And the discussion starts by trying to figure out: How close can a worker get to the edge of a roof before they are exposed to a fall? And what about the use of warning line systems for workers other than roofers? Let's look at each of these issues in turn.

When this question is asked in class, responses vary widely. Many suggest that six feet is a reasonable distance while others have told me there is no safe distance, you are always exposed to a fall whenever you are on a roof. Who's right? Both and neither, I suppose.

Determining whether a worker is exposed to a fall is an essential aspect of a fall protection competent person's responsibilities. When we look at accessing and working on flat or low-sloped roofs, there are many factors to consider. When you're faced with answering this question, here's the process that we suggest.