Roof safety - roofers harness use tips 

I know a few roofers and arborists that might not agree with your hooking technique on the front but with the little bit of rock climbing and repelling experience I like the front technique for the same reasons as you. I actually tie off my line to my truck or a tree, or both instead of anchoring directly to the roof.

I am new to this, and agree the front or side is more convenient. However… I watched something from OSHA that pointed out the reason for attachment in the back. In a fall with back attachment your joints will be jerked forward, which is what they’re evolved to do (except for knees). In a fall with front attachment, your torso with be bent backwards, as will your neck, legs (except knees), and arms - and leave you suspended that way. After being bent backwards I don’t think I’d have much chance of self recovery as I’m not all that flexible even forwards. They didn’t discuss single side attachment, but I would expect that to torque your body halfway around, twisting your torso in alignment with the safety rope, followed eventually by your limbs and head at some point. This would leave you hanging sideways, limbs and head partially downward and not in great shape for self-recovery. With upper back attachment your arms move naturally forward, as do your legs (except knees), your back bends forward easily, and your head bends forward naturally. You end up reasonably upright and likely to be able to use a descender for self-rescue before getting suspension trauma from circulation loss hanging in a harness. The shock absorber stops your fall slower than a restraint strap will - just like seat belts and air bags stop your body more slowly than hitting the windshield of your car. The shock absorber is DESIGNED to fail, dissipating energy by snapping stitches instead of your body doing the same by snapping tendons, muscle, and cartilage. You do you, but it might be worth your while to give it some thought. I’ve collected enough minor injuries over the years that I don’t need any more.

Great demo. I'm a wimp so I bought a harness for working on my shed roof. I think I can do it now.

What about the holes in the roof from the anchoring point? What do you do with those?

Hi, thanks for the tip. Just a question, where do you tight up the rope/ string? is there any special part that you can put on steel roof and tight the rope?

Hi mate, thanks for the videos, could you please show us where or how to hang the harness on roof? In tiles and metal. Thank you

Thank you very much, Sir.

The shock absorbing lanyard is a CRITICAL part of the safety equipment.

Thanks, but only a few seconds showing the harness 'anchor' pomit. What to anchor to with a cement tile roof? Thanks.

I wish you would show more of how to attach anchor to the roof and tie to anchor. Most of these videos show how to use the harness but don't ever go into detail on what to attach the harness to.

Thank you so much, this is exactly what I was looking for. I need to paint the pop up (lack of a better term) sections of the house above the steep tin roof and this looks to be the best way to do it

What's the name of the device you slide on the rope?

Well done man. Excellent common sense approach to “fall protection” which is actually fall prevention. Lots of OSHA crap doesn’t make sense because once you’ve slipped off the edge and it arrests your fall, you’re still stuck hanging off the building waiting to die once the harness cuts the blood flow off in your legs. Keeping the line taught like in rock climbing or an Arborist application is how to stay ON THE ROOF! Thanks for sharing.

What is the name of the adjustable metal clip that attaches the harness to the rope and slides up and down the rope? Did you say carbiner? We just call it a rope grab.

probably use both those loops with your carabiner on the front of the harness

I noticed where a foam pad can be used on a metal roof to help with sliding, or is it fore something else?

Are you able to post a video showing how you set up the rope?

Thank you for the tutorial nice work 🤝

THANKS

So far, nobody has clearly stated how this set up is secured to the roof. I agree with the one person who said that metal roof can't just be drilled into. Is there some sort of hooking that widely distributes weight? This way, when sharply tugged on, it wouldn't be against a single point; thus, not ripping off the cap?

good tips

Sorry mate, to where is the harness connected on the roof?

I agree with this 100%. the fall arrest is absolutely useless and impractical in this scenario. The rope is mobile and easy to adjust.

👍

Agree with Zack. In a fall scenario you would be in all sorts of trouble. Always, always think worse case. Thats what keeps you safe longterm.

These advices comes from wisdom.

That buckle mechanism seems odd I wouldn't trust it as much as a buckle that clicks to close.

I agree with using the front clip... CONTROL and ease of use and seeing what 9shappening is everything, and you don't get the lanyard snaked around your leg (NZ lig)