Safety Advisory: Translucent Corrugated Roof Panels May Contribute to Increased Fall Risk during Roof Operations

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that all fire departments immediately take the following actions to reduce the risk of fire fighters being injured or killed while operating on roofs that contain translucent corrugated roof panels:

• Ensure that all fire fighters, company officers and chief officers are aware of and are trained to recognize translucent corrugated roof panels.
• Establish policies and procedures to ensure that fire fighters do not walk or stand on translucent corrugated roof panels.
• Ensure fire fighters immediately inform the incident commander and other fire fighters when translucent corrugated roof panels are identified.
• Ensure fire fighters follow safe roof operating practices including sounding the roof, having enough ladders for safe exit and always wearing the proper PPE, including self-contained breathing apparatus.

Safety Advisory: Translucent Corrugated Roof Panels May Contribute to Increased Fall Risk during Roof Operations [PDF - 2.57 MB]