A working reference for roof hatch, roof edge, and skylight requirements — not a substitute for a site-specific assessment.
Any opening in a roof or floor — including a hatch — must be protected by a guardrail system, a cover, or a personal fall protection system whenever the opening is uncovered or the hatch is in the open position. A guardrail is the passive option: install once, and it protects every worker who uses that hatch without training or PPE.
A curb-bolt system penetrates the hatch curb — reliable, but it can void a membrane warranty if not detailed correctly. A non-penetrating system clamps or compresses against the curb instead, leaving the roof membrane untouched. Most property managers and roofing warranties now prefer non-penetrating where the curb allows for it.
A ladder-up bar alone does not meet the standard — it doesn't stop a worker from walking into the opening from the side. A self-closing gate closes automatically behind the worker on entry, and doubles as a grab bar for safer transitions on and off the ladder.
Unprotected roof edges require guardrails, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest at any point workers can approach the edge. Skylights are treated the same as floor holes — a load-rated screen or a surrounding guardrail is required, not a warning line alone.
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