Free job hazard analysis · 29 CFR 1926.501
Roofing JHA Template: Plan Each Stage of the Job
A roofing job hazard analysis breaks roof work into steps and pairs each hazard with a control. This template follows ladder access, perimeter protection, material delivery, tear-off, installation, and cleanup. Roofing supervisors and crew leads can use it to discuss the job before anyone climbs, then replace generic controls with arrangements that fit the roof.
The full roofing JHA template
Roof Work & Repair. Blanks in [brackets] are for your own details.
The printable copy downloads as a web page file: open it in your browser, then print it or save it as a PDF.
Job hazard analysis for roofing, repair, and inspection activities including fall protection and material handling.
- Step 1
Access roof via ladder
High riskHazards
Fall from ladder, ladder instability
Controls
Secure ladder at top and bottom. Extend 3 feet above roof edge. Maintain 3-point contact. Use ladder at 4:1 ratio.
- Step 2
Set up perimeter fall protection
High riskHazards
Falls from roof edge, unprotected sides
Controls
Install guardrail system, warning line at 6 feet from edge, or use personal fall arrest system. 100% tie-off.
- Step 3
Transport materials to roof
Medium riskHazards
Falling objects, overexertion, struck-by
Controls
Use material hoist or crane. Establish controlled access zone below. Hard hats required in drop zone.
- Step 4
Remove existing roofing material
High riskHazards
Cuts, punctures, exposure to dust/asbestos, falling through roof holes
Controls
Wear cut-resistant gloves. Test for asbestos pre-1980 buildings. Cover or guard roof openings immediately.
- Step 5
Install new roofing material
Medium riskHazards
Burns from hot tar/adhesive, repetitive motion, heat illness
Controls
PPE for hot work. Rotate crews. Hydration schedule every 15 min. Rest breaks in shade.
- Step 6
Clean up and descend
Medium riskHazards
Trip hazards from debris, fall from ladder on descent
Controls
Maintain clean work area throughout. Face ladder when descending. Remove tools before climbing down.
The printable copy lays the steps out as a table with Prepared by, Reviewed by and Date lines.
A starting point, not legal advice. Have a qualified person check it against your site, your state's rules and the standard before you rely on it.
Roofing JHA: when it’s needed
Prepare the analysis before roof repairs, replacement, or inspection when access, edges, openings, or material handling create exposure. A written JHA is generally recommended rather than federally required; a project owner may still require one. Construction fall protection rules apply independently. Under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(1), unprotected sides and edges generally require protection at six feet. Roofing has specific provisions for low-slope roofs in 1926.501(b)(10) and steep roofs in 1926.501(b)(11). Have a competent person review the chosen system before work begins.
How to use this roofing JHA template
- Walk the roof access route and mark edges, skylights, soft decking, and openings before assigning the work sequence.
- Replace the perimeter protection row with the permitted system for the actual roof slope, task, and crew location.
- Assign a material lifting method and isolate the area below it from workers, visitors, and other trades.
- Review tear-off materials, dust controls, heat exposure, and cleanup arrangements with the crew before signing the analysis.
Before you use this roofing JHA template: what to fill in and check
- Roof height, slope, structural condition, skylight locations, and all access points.
- Anchor locations, fall clearance, rescue arrangements, and fall protection equipment instructions.
- Building material survey findings rather than an age-only assumption about asbestos.
- Weather limits, shaded break locations, drinking water, and supervisor contact details.
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Roofing JHA questions
Can a warning line alone protect roofers from falls?
Do not treat the template’s warning-line option as permission to use a line by itself everywhere. Low-slope roofing arrangements under 29 CFR 1926.501(b)(10) depend on specified combinations and conditions. Steep roofs use different protections. Select the method for the roof and operation, and address skylights and other holes separately under 1926.501(b)(4).
How far must an access ladder extend above a roof?
Under 29 CFR 1926.1053(b)(1), ladder side rails used to reach an upper landing must extend at least three feet above it. Where that extension is not possible, the rule provides for securing the ladder and a grasping device. Record how the ladder is secured and how workers will step onto the roof without losing balance.
What should a roofing JHA say about removing old materials?
Describe the actual tear-off method, debris route, sharp fasteners, unstable surfaces, and openings exposed as layers come off. Determine whether hazardous materials are present before disturbing them. The template includes an asbestos prompt, but a building’s age alone does not establish whether asbestos is present or what assessment and controls the work requires.