I think it kinda depends, I’m just over 60, still go on the roof fairly often. I do the gutters, clean the chimney, & a few other things.

Think of using a chainsaw, could be dangerous. I do that a fair bit too.

He’s some of my thinking & evaluation. I started cleaning chimneys as a kid, climbed for a handful of reasons. Before I even get the ladder out, I realize what I’m about to do. The roof is dry, I go slow. I only go near the edge when required, sitting usually.

If desired, you could add safety features, something for traction, or a harness of sorts.

I drive a motorcycle, reload ammo, & fly light aircraft. I’m not even saying to go up there, just that I feel it can be done with higher safety protocols. Much depends on previous experience.

https://youtu.be/MOhGgRgRsmo?si=B69e3Q2qCJX8kpvD

Ordering safety gear off of Amazon is a absolute NO GO for safety reasons...... Safety harness if not properly worn might cause bodily injuries and could cause the person to be caught in a upside position and un able to get turned around to a up right position.......... Years ago I purchased my own personal climbing belt for use when climbing radio towers while stacking or unstacking tower sections and installing antennas.... Trusted my own harness because I knew its history.................. pay a licenced and insured person if taller than 8ft off the ground................................ drill sgt.

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So the question is about a harness that will arrest a fall. Do I need experience to use one? If they are tricky and there is learning curve, then I abdandon the idea.

I think many here are missing the intention of harness while on a roof. Arresting a fall is what it should do only as an absolute last resort. If you are paying attention you will always keep your line set up so that you never have enough slack to go over the edge.

The harness and line on a roof should prevent you from sliding off of the roof in the event of a fall. That's its purpose.

quote:

Originally posted by a1abdj:

I think many here are missing the intention of harness while on a roof. Arresting a fall is what it should do only as an absolute last resort. If you are paying attention you will always keep your line set up so that you never have enough slack to go over the edge.

The harness and line on a roof should prevent you from sliding off of the roof in the event of a fall. That's its purpose.

I don't dismiss that theory. But the user must securely anchor his rope first. After that, he must have a workable method to change the length of the rope while moving around on the pitched roof.

One does not become a safe climber by simply buying climbing gear at REI. Proper use requires training and some experience.

Thread on Prager fall - wonder if this was decorations too?

I work for radiologists. It's not fiction that you see more fall injuries this time of year.

Even if not, another reminder that we are more susceptible to fall injuries that turn into something serious as we get older.