Critical Safety Protocols for Commercial Buildings During Roof Emergencies

Roof emergencies can arise suddenly and jeopardize both occupant safety and the structural integrity of a building. Having a well-defined Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is not just a precaution but a necessity to mitigate risks, prevent additional damage, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

 If you haven’t put together a plan yet and you don’t know how to mitigate some of the biggest risks stemming from commercial roof damage, the following guide will acquaint you with effective steps that will help you put together an easy-to-implement safety protocol that works well for all types of commercial buildings.

Why an Emergency Response Plan Is Essential

A strong emergency protocol provides numerous benefits, such as:

  • Reducing risk to occupants by minimising potential injuries during emergencies.
  • Preventing further damage to the roof and building infrastructure.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and codes.
  • Minimising disruptions to business operations.
  • Safeguarding assets within the building.

Without a plan, emergencies can escalate quickly, leading to costly repairs, prolonged downtime, and, most importantly, risks to life.

Common Types of Roof Emergencies

Roof emergencies can be classified in several categories.

Minor emergencies like leaks don’t pose serious danger and if addressed in due time, they will not cause further damage or compromise the structural integrity of the building.

Moderate emergencies come in the form of sagging, pooling water or visible warping. Usually, such emergencies will necessitate costlier repairs and they could potentially jeopardise the integrity of the roof.

Finally, we have to talk about critical situations. A few examples of critical emergencies include roof collapses or serious structural instability. Those emergencies call for an immediate evacuation because they expose the inhabitants of the building to significant risk. 

Creating an Emergency Response Plan

Handling an emergency adequately and effectively depends on envisioning possible scenarios and having an action plan to address each situation. Below we have listed out all items which should be considered when planning an emergency response plan:

Preparation Before Emergencies

  • Scenario planning: Outline specific protocols for minor, moderate, and critical roof emergencies.
  • Training and drills: Regularly train staff on evacuation procedures and response roles. Conduct emergency drills to ensure readiness and calm decision-making during actual events.
  • Safety training for maintenance teams: Equip maintenance staff with the knowledge and tools to manage hazards safely.

 

During Emergencies

  • Evacuation procedures:
    • Secure hazardous zones with clear signage.
    • Facilitate safe evacuation, including accommodating those with mobility challenges.
    • Assign trained personnel to guide occupants and ensure safety compliance.
  • Communication: Notify emergency services and contractors promptly to address the situation.

 

After Emergencies

  • Damage assessment: Only qualified professionals with proper safety gear should assess the damage. Use photo and video documentation for repair planning and insurance claims.
  • Coordination with contractors: Engage experienced roofing professionals to carry out repairs and reinforce structural integrity.

 

Having all these in place early enough means you’ll be capable of handling an emergency in a way that doesn’t result in further complications.

Partner with Professionals

Good established commercial building roof emergency safety protocols should next prioritise the adequate assessment of the roof damage to reduce the risk of additional issues occurring or the severity of the situation increasing.

Such assessment procedures should begin with a preliminary inspection that sticks to well-established safety practices. Keep in mind that only properly equipped professionals should be dealing with roof damage assessment.

An effective inspection has to follow these steps:

  • Schedule a professional inspection
  • Have them do an assessment to identify leaks, sagging, warping, or missing roof elements
  • Next, the level of damage will have to be determined, as it will have an impact on the scope of renovations
  • The professionals will next suggest the next steps and the amount of time needed to complete roof repairs

  

This step is best performed by experienced commercial roofing professionals who understand the hidden structural risks stemming from various types of roof damage, like electrical and structural risks. 

Roof repair companies, like RCR,  will also recommend the repairs that are bound to give you the best result in terms of protecting the building and the valuable business assets it houses.

Learning from the past

It’s also important to understand that an evacuation due to a roofing emergency isn’t an impossible occurrence. In fact, such safeguarding steps have been taken throughout Australia in the past few years.

In 2021, a severe hailstorm caused the Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre roof to collapse. To address the situation, the centre’s staff had to carry out a complete evacuation of approximately 400 individuals. 

Additionally, in 2015, part of the Westfield Bondi Junction roof collapsed due to heavy rainfall. The event once again prompted an evacuation.

What matters the most in these instances is assessing the severity of the situation and enforcing the measures that increase safety without causing unnecessary disturbances.  Proactive measures for smaller issues like restricting access to the affected part of the building will often be sufficient.

Preparedness Saves Lives and Minimises Damage, Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike

Everybody hopes that massive emergencies never occur. Unfortunately, they are a part of everyday life. Being prepared while hoping for the best allows for swift and adequate responses in challenging situations.

You need to do a few important things in the event of a commercial roof emergency.

The number one priority is making sure everyone’s safe and evacuated quickly upon necessity. Next, you need to understand the scope of the damage. Having this information will make it easier for you to file an insurance claim, introduce measures to prevent further damage, and identify a professional team that can address the situation quickly.

It’s also a good idea to identify a reputable roof emergency repair contractor in advance. At Roof & Concrete Remedial, we specialise in both commercial roof repairs and roof replacements. Our emergency team can respond immediately, inspecting the damaged roof and recommending a course of action that’s aligned with standard safety protocols. Contact us now to learn more about our services and know-how.