Rooftop Snow Removal

To request this document in an alternative format contact [email protected]

Revision Date: 12/12/2023 Page 1 of 2

During severe winter weather many Harvard rooftops require snow removal to access rooftop assets such as

emergency generators, drains, or faulty rooftop equipment. In most severe conditions, snow load conditions

may also prove to be a safety concern.

This guidance document lists safety parameters that should be followed.

Snow Clearance for Equipment Access

All Harvard and contractor personnel removing snow from doorways, shoveling paths to equipment and drains

or accessing any equipment for maintenance or repairs must follow a Walking and Working (Fall Protection)

program.

In other words, when there are no railings or correct height parapets, no one should be on a roof during

winter weather without some means of fall protection.

Each roof should have a rooftop fall protection survey to ensure that passive (railings or correct height

parapets) or active (harness, lanyard, guidelines, and certified anchor points) have been installed. EH&S is

available to conduct surveys and suggest certified vendors.

Some rooftop egress doors have been “snowed in” last winter. Doors that swing in and out can solve this

problem. Changing the door to just open inward may pose a regulatory issue if the door is considered

emergency egress. Please contact the EH&S office for guidance.

The Harvard Service Contract Safety Guide details fall protection requirements:

“The contractor is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining a Walking and Working (Fall

Protection) Program in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations as it

Revision Date: 12/12/2023 Page 2 of 2

To request this document in an alternative format contact [email protected]

applies to the work contract. The contractor must have a copy of the program at the request of the contract

coordinator or EH&S. Each contactor shall provide fall protection equipment for all necessary personnel…”

Snow Load Guidance

Federal Emergency Management Agency Snow Safety Load Guidance details warning signs of overstressed

conditions during a snow event; key safety issues and risks; safety measures for snow removal; and methods

of snow removal.

If any of the warning signs are observed, the building should be promptly evacuated, EH&S should be notified,

and a local building authority and/or a qualified design professional should be contacted to perform a detailed

structural inspection.

Any concerns about snow loading for specific buildings or problem areas should be addressed before the next

winter season.