CSLB C-39 Roofing ContractorSafety and RepairMedium
A roofing contractor is performing a tear-off on a steep-slope residential roof (pitch 8:12) in California. The crew is using a slide-guard system for fall protection. According to Cal/OSHA, what is the minimum height that the top edge of a slide guard must extend above the roof surface?
- A6 inches
- B8 inches
- C2 inches
- D4 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 4 inches
Cal/OSHA specifies that the top edge of a slide guard (also known as a toe board or roof jack) must extend at least 4 inches above the roof surface to effectively prevent workers from sliding off the roof. This ensures adequate physical barrier.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 6 inches exceeds the minimum requirement, but 4 inches is the correct minimum.
- B. 8 inches is unnecessarily high for a slide guard's minimum height.
- C. 2 inches is too low to provide effective fall protection for a slide guard.
Cal/OSHA Slide Guard Height
Cal/OSHA requires the top edge of a slide guard used for fall protection on steep-slope roofs to extend at least 4 inches above the roof surface.
- Prevents workers from sliding off.
- Used on steep-slope roofs.
- Part of fall protection systems.
Memory trick: Four inches high, a barrier for the eye, keeps roofers safe from a dangerous slide.