roof safety
G'day Derek
Roof cleaning isn't easy but it can be made safe and it can be done on your own. Check your local WH&S regs on working at heights/on rooves.
The regs I work by say I must use a "fall arrest" system (ie harness tied off securely - not to your vehicle) or barrier if over 2.4 metres (about 8 foot above ground) or roof is steeper than 25 degrees. Allow an extra hour or more for setting up and then moving the rope to several different places. If the roof is very steep you may need to absail down the roof, cleaning as you go. If you need to do this make sure the harness has absailing connection points (diiferent to regular fall safety connection points).
Footware is critical, get shoes with plenty of grip - typically a "court" shoe eg tennis, squash, b'ball; check with local roofers for styles and suppliers.
A couple of useful techniques:
-only walk on areas you have cleaned - wet mould is very slippery,
-put weights on the end of you lance - it reduces the kick up from the pressure, so you can control it easier,
-the most dangerous part is actually climbing on/off the roof/ladder - extend the ladder 3 or 4 feet above the roof line to make it easier/safer to hold so you are stepping off the ladder onto the roof in one easy movement and not climbing from the ladder to the roof; also secure the ladder to the gutter if possible - I have a gutter protector that protects the paint on the gutter and is rubber on both sides, with brackets sticking out on ends to prevent scratching and slipping.
-don't worry about having to climb down to refuel pump, move harness etc - you need to break regulary to refuel yourself and give your back a rest. My pump meeds refuelling after 2 1/4 hours and thats about my limit as well.
-enjoy the view.
John
