Roof Cutters and Power Brooms

Like any piece of equipment or tool, operators of cutters and brooms need to be properly trained. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when operating the machines. Eye protection is required whether you are the operator or are working in the vicinity of the equipment to prevent flying debris from striking your eyes. A very dusty job may require goggles instead of safety glasses along with respiratory protection. Some equipment might require hearing protection due to the noise of the equipment. The greatest hazard when using this equipment is the roof edge. Fall protection should always be in place. The equipment operator should always know where he/she is in relation to the edge.

Power brooms and roof cutters have a tendency to kick up gravel and debris which can be thrown off the roof onto other workers or the general public. Coordinating the operations with building owners and/or securing the areas next to the building with fencing, etc. can help to prevent an accident.

Remember, when refueling be sure to shut off the engine and allow enough time for it to cool down. Never smoke when refueling any gasoline powered equipment. Be trained to operate the equipment and be familiar with the operation of the particular power broom or roof cutter. The equipment should have a dead man's switch that kills the engine if the operator lets go of the handles. Never override this switch or use equipment that has the switch modified or removed.

This equipment is designed to save time on larger roofs but never get in a hurry to get the job done. Haste not only makes waste but can cause an injury.