Roof Hatch Safety: Understanding and Meeting OSHA Regulations
OSHA has set forth regulations codifying the steps building owners must take to protect roof openings, including roof hatches. These standards are flexible, providing multiple options for maintaining compliance. This article will explain these options and discuss the penalties for nonconformity.
Another option is to install a hatch railing system around the roof hatch to protect the opening when the cover is in the open position. Because railing systems are permanently affixed to the hatch, it is not necessary for workers to close the hatch cover when they are on the roof. Instead, they are only required to protect the entrance of the railing system while they are on the roof. Railing systems are typically supplied with one of the following devices that meet OSHA regulations for protecting the entrance: