Working Around Skylights

1. When working on a roof, skylights can either be obvious with the plastic bubble covering, or they can be difficult to see. Either way, skylights pose falling from height hazards that should be discussed prior to operations.

2. Skylights should be identified and discussed with the crew prior to entering the rooftop.

3. A competent person should assess the area prior to work to determine proper guarding or fall arrest systems that need to be in place or used.

4. Inspections should be conducted during the job so all fall exposures are controlled.

5. No one should ever sit, lean, or walk on skylights. They can have UV damage from sunlight and pose a great risk of falling through.

6. All holes or skylight coverings must be able to support twice the weight of an employee and their materials/tools.

7. Coverings should be properly secured during installation to prevent any possible displacement.

8. All skylights or holes should be covered and secured or have a guardrail system surrounding them. If working on or near any skylights or open holes, employees should be tied off with proper fall arrest systems and anchor points.

9. Skylights with a drop of 6 or more feet require proper guarding systems or screens/covers to prevent falls.

10. Any skylights, holes, or leading edges that are not properly guarded should be reported and corrected immediately.

11. General housekeeping should be maintained during the job to prevent slip, trip, or fall hazards. Tripping hazards can also lead to potential falls through skylights.

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