Roof Access Chart

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Roof Access Codes - Sept. 24, 2020

*Unrestricted - provided that wind direction is monitored to ensure exhausts from nearby roof sections remain down wind. If wind direction/conditions change, requirements for "restricted" roof access apply.

**Certain sections of Litton-Reaves roof have unrestricted access due to hood-stack design strategy. Where any parapet work or work on the building facade is to be performed, work may be performed in "unrestricted" mode. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for clarification before beginning work on this roof.

***Unrestricted access to WSW section elevator and beyond for Randolph Hall.

Roof access codes

Chemical: Differing restrictions for the buildings' roof levels were assigned by hood exhaust design and hazard investigation. These access codes may change over time as hazards or exhaust designs change.

• Unrestricted: The design of hood exhausts on these roofs make it possible for personnel to access the roof for as long as necessary. If work is to be performed on the exhaust system, the maintenance personnel will need to perform lockout/tagout of the system and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Restricted Access: This roof is restricted and appropriate respiratory protection will be required before accessing the space, or the fume hoods will need to be shut down. To access the roof, all fumes hoods must be tagged out-of-service per the Roof Access Policy, proper respiratory protection must be worn, or short-term access must be approved on a case-by-case basis.

Biological: Approval from the department is required prior to accessing this roof. Biological hazards may be present.

Radio Frequency: Radio towers may need to be powered down. Contact the appropriate station owner for coordination of access.

Noise: Excessive noise potential if in close proximity during activation.

• Sirens (approximately 140 dB) - Severe noise hazard if the siren/emergency notification system is activated during roof access. Relay clicks may be heard prior to activation. Leave the roof immediately.
• Bells* (approximately 120 dB, Burruss Tower only) - Severe noise hazard if in close proximity to speakers at the following times: Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m., 8 a.m., noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.; weekends: noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m. (schedule subject to change).

Fall Hazards: Fall hazard situations may exist in certain areas of this roof. Follow information provided for the access code below. If no code is available, contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2341 for review.

• 1 - No Access: Access is not permitted on this roof until a fall protection system has been implemented and/or corrected.
  • 1A: No access permitted on this roof at this time. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for review and recommendations, if necessary.
  • 1B: Access from aerial lift or scaffolding only.
• 2 - Guardrails/Parapet Wall (of sufficient height) Provided: Appropriate parapet walls and/or guardrail system is in place. Stay within the confined area.
• 3 - Warning System Required:
  • 3A: Construction Work, a warning line system that meets OSHA requirements for construction must be implemented. See 29 CFR 1926.502(f) for more information.
  • 3B: General Industry Application (e.g. maintenance), a designated area must be established.
• 4 - Personal Fall Arrest System Required: Only trained personnel, wearing appropriate an appropriate PFAS, attached to an approved anchor point may access this roof, or be within 6 feet of the edge of the roof. Note: Designated anchor points on campus are for personnel attachment only. Equipment must be attached to some other structure.
  • 4A: Permanent anchor points have been installed for use.
  • 4B: Mobile anchor points are available for use. Only trained personnel may use this system. Mobile anchor points must be used in accorance with manufacturer instructions at all times.
  • 4C: Temporary anchor points must be installed. Contact Environmental Health & Safety for review and recommendations.
  • 4D: Horizontal Life Line provided.
  • 4E: Travel Restraint System provided.
  • 4F: Ladder Safety System provided.
• 5 - Safety Monitor System Option: If no other means of protection are feasible and certain conditions are met, a safety monitor system may be used.

Contact Information

• Chemical: Autumn Timpano, 540-231-3427, or Bernadette Mondy, 540-231-8758
• Biological: Charlotte Waggoner, 540-231-5864
• Physical: Robin McCall-Miller, 540-231-2341, or Zack Adams, 540-231-5985