Roofers

Description

Cover roofs of structures with shingles, slate, asphalt, aluminum, wood, and related materials. May spray roofs, sidings, and walls with material to bind, seal, insulate, or soundproof sections of structures. [SOC] Roofers may develop allergic contact dermatitis caused by rubber gloves, wood dusts, and resins and hardeners used in glues and single ply roofs. "Tar smarts" is a form of photoirritant dermatitis caused by coal tar pitch derived from coal, not by asphalt derived from petroleum. Workers complain of burning of the skin starting about one hour after exposure to pitch and sunlight. Erythema and blistering may ensue. Preventive measures include wearing long-sleeve shirts, gloves, and sunscreens. [Kanerva, p. 1089-93] See the agent "Coal tar pitch volatiles."

Category

Construction

SOC Code

47-2181

Job Tasks

High risk job tasks associated with this job:

• Apply coal tar pitch to cables, pipes, roofs, or while paving
• Handle agents that cause allergic contact dermatitis or contact urticaria
• Heat, machine, or spray lead products
• Installed insulation before 1975
• Machine wood and inhale dust
• Raise dust from bird roosts, chicken coops, or bat-inhabited caves endemic area
• Remove insulation installed before 1975
• Roofing or paving with exposure to coal tar pitch volatiles
• Spray polyurethane foam insulation
• Use epoxy, isocyanate, or formaldehyde-resin adhesives, finishes, or sealants
• Use n-hexane as a solvent in glues, inks, coatings, or degreasers
• Work in grease, oil, or tar soaked clothing
• Work with glue solvents