Skylights
Date Posted: 08/22/2016
Skylights are openings in the roof that allow daylight to enter a given space. The biggest concern with skylights are trip and fall hazards before during and after installation, always keep openings covered.
Access - How will workers get to the skylight installation? Is there stair access? Will scaffolding or a ladder be required? Will it be accessed from below?
Fall Protection - All employees working on the skylight install should be tied off unless additional safety features such as catch platforms have been installed.
Overhead Protection - Will work be taking place beneath the skylight installation? If so, what steps have we taken to prevent materials or equipment from falling through the roof openings and striking workers below? Do workers beneath the installation know that there is overhead work taking place? Do workers involved with the skylight installation know there is work below?
Scheduling – If possible, the skylight installation should be scheduled in a way that minimizes risks associated with additional trades work.
Material Delivery
Rigging – It is important to ensure glazing and framing is properly secured during rigging so nothing drops when it is being hoisted to the roof.
Point Loading - Roof structures can only withstand a specific weight load. If we are hoisting all of our material onto one location, has that location been designed to bear all of that extra weight?
Pinch points / Caught between – When rigging materials to be hoisted to the roof it is important to be aware of the pinch points (i.e. between glass panels, at anchors, etc.). When dropping materials it is important to ensure there is a safe and designated area that will be clearly marked to prevent employees from being struck by or caught between the materials.
Rescue & Retrieval – Have safety protocols been put into place for rescue and retrieval in case someone falls through the system? Fall protection is one thing, but even if someone is tied off and they fall through the skylight there will need to be a plan for safely rescuing them from the situation.
Environmental Factors - Are we doing the installation during the winter? If so how are we dealing with rain/slip hazards? Is there a chance there may be ice on the roof? Additional environmental concerns include strong winds, lighting, and excessively hot days where heat exhaustion can impact workers on the roof.
Presenter tips
Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic.
Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site.
Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.
Questions for Discussion
Where is it located?
Which trades may be in a new situation? How is it sequenced?
What equipment & materials are involved?
How is it installed?
How is it operated & maintained?
