Equipment Review February 2009:
Retractable or Not?

Whether safety is going to be done correctly, or not, is no longer a question, it's a requirement. Roofers know what's required by OSHA standards now. Thinking you can get by with substandard protection, or no  protection, is a huge gamble these days; both for you and your crews. Job injuries and death are just consequences no one wants to be faced with these days. The financial penalties are substantial and the moral ones are the most difficult to overcome.

You can do it right, wrong, or in between. There's little argument a personal fall arrest kit provides the safest individual protection for a roofer. Guardrails, perimeter warning or spotter systems work well, but harnessing someone by a rope or cable, certainly is about a 99% guarantee they're going to be protected against falling. There is, of course, a cost of doing it right; money; both in cost of equipment and production.

Most roofers hate to wear fall arrest kits because they're constantly maneuvering the rope (lifeline) or cable to get out of their way while trying to work. It slows them down and generally interferes with their day-to-day production. If you are working with "Hot" this is especially cumbersome because you have to be constantly aware of trying to keep the line out of the "hot". If you are on a tile job, the stacks of tile are always in the way and you have to jump the lifeline over the stacks and abrasion from sliding the lifeline across the roof deck shortens its life. Average kit price runs from $150 -$200.

A retractable makes the roofer's like a little easier. Available in lengths as short as 11" up to 65" the retractable allows the lifeline (web or steel cable) to move in and out with the movement of the roofer like an auto seatbelt. The advantage is it's always in tension and the housing may be mounted high so the lifeline is off the deck and above piles of tile. The roofer doesn't have to hassle moving the lifeline all the time out of his way. Any sudden movement by the roofer and it stops him immediately.

The retractables are more expensive than a rope-type lifeline. They can run from as little as $140 (11") up to $500 (65"). However, the additional production realized by a roofer can certainly outweigh the cost difference on one job! As with anything, the right tool for the right job is easily justified. Remember, any fall arrest equipment is certified usable for only five years. It must be inspected and certified safe and usable every twelve months. After five-years, it must be discarded and a new one purchased.

This article was submitted by John MacLaughlin, National Marketing Manager with Roofmaster Product Company. Roof Master offer over 8000 roofing tools & equipment and