Roof trusses are the most effective way of supporting a roof, but installing them is a difficult job that must be done carefully. In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved, there are some important considerations to take into account.

Use trained personnel

The first thing to ensure is that everyone involved is trained, qualified and experienced in installing roof trusses. This is not a simple building job and should certainly never be done as a DIY task by the public. Installing the truss incorrectly can lead to the roof being unstable It can also cause problems with the rest of the building as the weight of the roof will not be distributed correctly. Make sure that no one is involved in the installation who is not capable of the task.

Set up a platform

By its very nature, installing a roof truss involves working at height. A safe platform should be set up all the way around the building, wide enough for operatives and their equipment to work comfortably. This should be supported on scaffolding with safe access and guard rails to prevent falls. A platform should also be installed inside the building, directly underneath the trusses, so that anyone who slips when installing them will not have far to fall.

Use mechanical handling

The trusses will probably be assembled on the ground and then lifted into place. As far as possible, this should be done mechanically, with the use of cranes or other lifting equipment. Roof trusses can be large and very heavy, and your workers should not take any of the weight when moving them into place. This will not only prevent accidents but will also help to make sure that the trusses are set down in the correct place, as it can be difficult to correct mistakes afterwards.

Check the weather

You should also ensure that you are not installing the trusses in poor weather, even if it means abandoning the project for some time. Winds are the worst enemy here. The wind does not need to be very strong to blow the trusses around while you are lifting them. This is not only a safety hazard, but it makes it much harder to fit them into place accurately.

Installing roof trusses is a complicated job that should never be attempted by anyone who does not know what they are doing. By following the correct procedures, you can ensure that the roof will be properly supported without any accidents.

For more information on roof trusses, contact a professional near you.