Roof Tarping (Blue Roof) Safety

Reinforced plastic tarps, commonly called “Blue Roofs,” provide temporary 

protection for the roofs of homes and other buildings damaged during severe 

weather such as a hurricane or tornado. When employees access roofs to install 

these tarps, they are at risk of falls, electrocutions and other hazards. OSHA 

recommends the following steps to help keep workers safe.

Identify the Hazards

ALWAYS avoid electrical hazards! 

• Look for downed overhead power lines; treat 

all power lines as “live.” 

{ WARNING: Generator use can cause 

“backfeed” — energizing lines that are no 

longer receiving power from the electrical grid.

• Contact the utility company to ensure lines are 

de-energized.

• Do not use a metal ladder near power 

lines or in close proximity to energized 

electrical equipment. 

ASSESS the roof condition/stability prior to 

allowing employees to start work.

• Do not allow employees to work on top 

of a damaged roof until after the strength 

and structural integrity of the roof has 

been determined.

SELECT the fall protection system(s) employees 

will use while installing the tarp.

• For low-slope roofs, (a roof with a slope 

of less than or equal to 4 inches of vertical 

rise for every 12 inches horizontal length) 

use conventional fall protection (fall arrest, 

guardrails, or safety nets) with or without a 

warning line system; a warning line system 

with a monitor; or a monitor alone on small 

roofs (50 ft. or less in width).

• Do not stand on steep roofs (greater than 

4 in 12 vertical to horizontal) without using 

conventional fall protection systems.

Note: Using a rope grab as part of a fall protection system is one 

example, among others, of equipment that can be used to reduce the 

risk of falling. All components of the system, including the harness, 

rope and rope grab, any connectors and the anchor point must meet 

applicable OSHA requirements. 

Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Installing the Tarp

• Never install a tarp during a storm while it is 

windy or raining.

• Use proper protective equipment, such 

as hard hats and eye protection and/or 

other control measures such as chutes and 

barricaded areas when removing roof debris. 

This ensures employees on the ground are not 

exposed to hazards from falling objects.

• Use a roof rake or brush from ground level 

for debris. If using a ladder, ensure the use of 

proper safety techniques to prevent falls.

• Whenever possible, avoid getting on the roof 

when tasks can be done from ladders or other 

stable platforms.

• When accessing the roof, lean the ladder at a 

safe angle that is at a 4:1 ratio (one foot away 

from the building at the bottom for each four 

feet of ladder length to the roof eave), and 

make sure the ladder extends three feet above 

the roof edge.

• Watch for tripping hazards including vent 

stacks, satellite dishes, lightning arresting 

components and cables and cleats holding 

down the tarp.

FactSheet
• Do not walk on a tarp. A tarped roof will be 

very slippery, especially when wet.

• Watch your step — skylights and other 

openings that have been tarped over will not 

be obvious to someone walking on the roof. 

Workers’ Rights 

Workers have the right to: 

• Working conditions that do not pose a risk of 

serious harm. 

• Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace. 

• Review records of work-related injuries and 

illnesses. 

• File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their 

workplace if they believe there is a serious 

hazard or that their employer is not following 

OSHA’s rules. OSHA will keep all identities 

confidential. 

• Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury or 

raising health and safety concerns with their 

employer or OSHA. If a worker has been 

retaliated against for using their rights, they 

must file a complaint with OSHA as soon as 

possible, but no later than 30 days. 

For additional information, see OSHA’s Workers 

page. 

How to Contact OSHA 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 

of 1970, employers are responsible for providing 

safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. 

OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for 

America’s working men and women by setting 

and enforcing standards, and providing training, 

education and assistance. For more information, 

visit www.osha.gov or call OSHA at 1-800-321-

OSHA (6742), TTY 1-877-889-5627. 

DOC FS-3926 12/2017

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or 

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of 

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. 

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.