Safety Precautions - FLIR i5 User Manual

Although a basic understanding of the construction of low-slope commercial roofs is
desirable when carrying out a roof thermography inspection, expert knowledge is not
necessary. There is a large number of different design principles for low-slope com-
mercial roofs—both when it comes to material and design—and it would be impossible
for the infrared inspection person to know them all. If additional information about a
certain roof is needed, the architect or contractor of the building can usually supply
the relevant information.
Common causes of roof failure are outlined in the table below (from SPIE Thermosense
Proceedings Vol. 371 (1982), p. 177).
Cause
Poor workmanship
Roof traffic
Poor design
Trapped moisture
Materials
Age & weathering
Potential leak locations include the following:
Flashing
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Drains
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Penetrations
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Seams
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Blisters
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16.2.3.2

Safety precautions

Recommend a minimum of two people on a roof, preferably three or more.
■
Inspect the underside of the roof for structural integrity prior to walking on it.
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Avoid stepping on blisters that are common on built up bitumen and gravel roofs.
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Have a cell phone or radio available in case of emergency.
■
Inform local police and plant security prior to doing nighttime roof survey.
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Publ. No. T559382 Rev. a358 – ENGLISH (EN) – June 23, 2009
16 – Introduction to building thermography
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47.6
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16.7
7.8
8.0
8.4
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