First, describe the work and worksite
A roofing crew will install asphalt shingles on a released pitched wood roof at a new low-rise building. The deck and underlayment are already prepared, and conventional fall protection and safe access are installed. This fictional learning example describes planned controls; it records no actual inspection or work authorization.
- The actual slope, surface, anchors and work-position arrangement are evaluated before roof access.
- Roof-load limits, shingle product instructions and fastening details govern staging and installation.
- Tear-off, deck repair, roof-truss work, safety-monitor-only methods and improvised toe boards are excluded.
Questions before work
- Which fall system protects every access and installation position?
- How are shingle bundles loaded and restrained within roof limits?
- What surface or weather conditions require the crew to leave the roof?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Release the pitched roof work area
Hazard: A weak deck or incomplete fall system can cause a fall or collapse.
Control: Roofing lead confirms deck/underlayment handover and the selected fall-protection, access and rescue arrangements. Walk only the released protected route; correct exposed holes or unsuitable anchors before work.
Verification: Lead checks the complete access-to-installation route.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Roof preparation and safe work access require separate evidence.
2. Load and stage bundles
Hazard: Heavy bundles can overload the roof or slide onto workers below.
Control: Use the planned hoisting/delivery method and permitted stack locations. Restrain stock for the slope and conditions, keep eaves clear and separate the ground drop zone.
Verification: Material lead verifies load distribution and bundle stability.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Roof slope changes the material’s storage behavior.
3. Arrange work positions and tools
Hazard: Poor footing or hose routing can pull a worker off balance.
Control: Use the selected protected work-position arrangement and tool instructions. Route hoses/cords away from travel and fall-system interference; never use an unapproved makeshift platform to compensate for the slope.
Verification: Foreperson checks footing and tool/fall-system interfaces before fastening.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The work position must accommodate the actual slope.
4. Lay and fasten shingles
Hazard: Fastening, sharp edges and awkward reaching can injure workers.
Control: Follow product layout and fastening details from protected positions. Keep hands outside the nail path, use the actual nailer’s safe mode and controls, and advance material without reaching beyond stable footing.
Verification: Installer checks tool operation and product fastening as work advances.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A fastening pattern does not replace nailer or fall controls.
5. Complete transitions and ridge work
Hazard: Changing slope or reaching the ridge can defeat the earlier protection arrangement.
Control: Reassess the protected position before ridge, hip or transition work. Use the system’s details and permitted access; hold any task that requires an unplanned anchor transfer or unprotected edge approach.
Verification: Lead verifies protection for each changed work position.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The final roof courses may create a different fall route.
6. Clear and hand over the roof
Hazard: Loose fasteners, offcuts or unsealed work can expose later crews.
Control: Collect debris without sweeping it over the edge, secure remaining materials and communicate incomplete flashing or product sealing work. Leave required access/protection in place for the next task.
Verification: Lead checks the roof and ground zone before release.
Why this belongs in the analysis: Cleanup must maintain the same roof and falling-object protection.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Work carefully and wear PPE. | Use the selected protected work-position arrangement and tool instructions. Route hoses/cords away from travel and fall-system interference; never use an unapproved makeshift platform to compensate for the slope. |
| Check that everything is ready. | Roofing lead confirms deck/underlayment handover and the selected fall-protection, access and rescue arrangements. Walk only the released protected route; correct exposed holes or unsuitable anchors before work. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Does roof slope make a warning line sufficient for this job?
Do not apply low-slope roofing options to pitched/steep-slope work by assumption. Select the protection required for the actual slope and operation. This example uses conventional protection planned for every position.
What must the crew record for actual use?
Identify the actual equipment and work boundaries, responsible people, applicable criteria, inspection findings and open actions. Resolve changes with affected crews and obtain required project authorization before work.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Wet, icy, dusty or wind-affected surfaces impair control.
- Deck, loading or anchor/protection conditions differ from the release.
- Tool, material or ridge transition cannot be managed from protected positions.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Applicable roof fall-protection training, anchor use and task-specific rescue planning.
- Shingle product, load staging and actual roofing nailer instruction.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this example be used as a JSA?
Adapt its Task | Hazard | Control analysis to the employer’s format and actual conditions. The example is a teaching aid, not evidence that controls were checked.
What changes if the project requires an AHA?
Use the governing AHA format, risk method, supporting records and acceptance process. The published formwork AHA demonstrates that additional structure; changing a JHA title does not supply it.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.501 Duty to have fall protection
- OSHA 1926.503 Fall protection training
- GAF Roof system installation resources
Original instructional scenario with planned controls. Primary references support hazard planning. Use actual equipment and product instructions, project design and employer requirements to establish field criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.