Schools are meant to be safe places for learning, but like any public space, they're vulnerable to occupational hazards and security issues. And while attention is often focused on the safety of common areas, the school roof is also a risk. 

Many schools have rooftop hatches so operations staff can climb onto the roof for maintenance and inspections. However, this access point poses serious threats, from fall-related injuries to unauthorized entry by intruders. Learn to assess the risks of roof hatches, find solutions that comply with OSHA and FEMA recommendations, and keep your school community safe.

The Hidden Risks of Rooftop Access in Schools

Rooftop hatches are openings that provide access to a roof from inside a building. They're used when staff or contractors must get on the roof to install and maintain equipment or repair exterior building damage. 

Workers usually climb a ladder and push the hatch open to get outside. Often, the hatch is open as they work. Unless there are barriers around the opening, someone can fall through to the level below. In 2020, for example, a worker installing an HVAC system on the roof of a commercial building walked backward and fell into an open roof hatch, suffering head injuries. The OSHA report notes there were no guardrails around the opening. 

While hatches are meant to provide outside access, they're also a way into the building if left unsecured. To ensure the well-being of students, staff and property, schools should take proper precautions to safeguard rooftop hatches.

Fall Hazards From Roof Openings

Falls are a significant cause of injury and death in the workplace. In 2022, there were 700 fatalities due to falls from elevated heights such as ladders and roofs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

OSHA requires employers to protect workers from falling through any hole that's 4 feet or more above a lower level. Open hatches are exposed on three sides, leaving workers vulnerable if they lose their footing or are distracted. 

Workers can also be injured before they get to the roof if they have to balance on a ladder while opening the hatch. In another accident report, a worker pushed on a hatch to access the roof. The hatch bounced back and hit the worker on the head, causing him to fall and fracture his elbow and knee. Safety features that enable hatches to be automatically opened and closed from the ground can reduce this risk.

Unauthorized Entry Through Roof Hatches

When it comes to security, safety teams tend to concentrate on ground-level access to schools. However, unsecured roof hatches are another potential entry point. Intruders can sneak in, vandalizing or stealing school property. In worst-case scenarios, they can cause harm to students and staff.

Recognizing these risks, Texas has tightened its school safety regulations to require roof access doors to be closed, latched and locked when not in use. Similarly, FEMA recommends all school roof hatches be secured from the inside to prevent terrorist attacks. 

Compliance and Best Practices For Roof Hatch Security

Schools must comply with government regulations for workplace safety. OSHA's roof hatch safety requirements include installing fixed guardrail systems around exposed sides of a hatch and self-closing gates that swing away from the hole.

States such as Texas require schools to lock roof hatches from the inside. Even if your state doesn't have this regulation, it's a security best practice recommended by FEMA. 

However, keeping your school's roof hatch safe requires more than a lock. Follow these best practices:

•         Ensure the roof hatch is latched and locked from the inside when not in use.

•         Limit access to essential personnel and log all uses of the roof hatch.

•         Use signage to remind workers to lock the hatch after use.

•         Add guardrails and self-closing gates to protect the roof opening.

•         Inspect the hatch and its safety features regularly for damage. 

•         Install alarms to monitor for unauthorized entry.

•         Check that the roof hatch is locked daily before closing the school.

Technological Solutions and Innovations

OSHA-compliant safety products make it easier for workers to follow protocols, reducing the risk of human error. Safety Rail Source^® has a complete line of rooftop safety products, including solutions designed specifically for roof hatches.

•             Workers are at greater risk of falling when opening and closing a hatch from a ladder. The NextGen Lift & Lock Roof Hatch Opener has a lifting arm attached to the hatch lid so workers can open and close hatches from the ground. Workers can also lock the hatch from the ladder base, providing more security than a latch.

•             Barriers are needed on three sides of an open hatch lid to prevent falls. Kee Hatch Railing systems feature guardrails on two sides of the opening and a self-closing gate on the third. The gate automatically swings shut, ensuring it's not left open accidentally as workers enter and exit the hatch.

Supporting Measures: Alarms, Locks, and Inspections

Combine your roof hatch safety products with additional measures for a multi-layered risk prevention strategy.

•         Limit roof access and log when the roof hatch is used.

•         Check the roof hatch is secure after work is completed.

•         Train staff and review protocols regularly.

•         Provide signage reminding workers to lock the roof hatch.

•         Conduct regular safety audits.

•         Install alarms in case the hatch is opened without authorization.

•         Trim tree branches and safeguard items that can be used for climbing to the roof, such as ladders and dumpsters.

•         Use unauthorized entry signage as visual deterrents.

Creating a Culture of Safety Around Rooftop Access

From protecting workers from falls to securing the school from intrusions, rooftop safety shouldn't be an afterthought. Develop comprehensive safety protocols and integrate them in writing into the school's documented security policies. Designate individuals to manage rooftop access and oversee hatch inspections and audits. These roles could be filled by the school's safety officer or a security, operations or facility manager. 

Protecting What's Overhead

Safety Rail Source can help your institution comply with OSHA and state requirements for rooftop safety and ensure the well-being of your school community. Explore our innovative roof hatch security systems and contact us to customize your institution's fall protection and safety plan.