When storing materials and equipment during roofing work, how far must they be from a roof edge without guardrails?

Storing materials and equipment at least 6 feet away from a roof edge without guardrails is essential for ensuring worker safety. This distance is significant because it minimizes the risk of equipment or materials inadvertently falling off the edge, which could result in serious injuries to workers below or cause damage to property.

The 6-foot requirement is grounded in safety regulations aimed at preventing accidents related to falls, which are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the construction industry. By maintaining this distance, contractors can create a safer working environment and comply with safety protocols to protect their workers. A larger buffer zone also helps ensure that when workers are moving about the edge of the roof, they are less likely to be distracted or hindered by potential trip hazards associated with stored materials and equipment.

Other distances such as 3, 4, or 5 feet may not provide adequate protection and could lead to increased risks, making the 6-foot standard the best practice for safe construction operations on roofs without guardrails.