Safe Handling of Metal Flashing
A safety talk focused on metal flashing hazards, including sharp edges, cuts, wind, awkward handling, eye injuries, storage, and safe cutting or installation.
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Key Hazards
- Cuts from sharp metal edges and corners
- Punctures from burrs, fasteners, or trimmed pieces
- Wind catching large or light sheets of flashing
- Eye injuries from metal fragments or fasteners
- Strains from awkward carrying, bending, or installation positions
- Trips or cuts from scrap pieces left in work areas
2–3 Minute Talk Script
Metal flashing is thin and often lightweight, but its edges can be extremely sharp. Workers should treat flashing as a cut hazard from the time it is handled until scrap is cleaned up.
Workers should inspect flashing before handling it. Bent corners, burrs, jagged cuts, exposed fasteners, and curled edges can cut hands, arms, legs, or clothing.
Gloves are usually important when handling flashing, but workers should still avoid sliding hands along edges or gripping corners carelessly.
Large or long pieces can be awkward to control, especially outdoors. Wind can catch flashing and cause it to whip, twist, or pull a worker off balance.
Cutting or trimming flashing can create sharp scrap and flying fragments. Eye protection should be used when cutting, drilling, fastening, or trimming.
Body position matters during installation. Overreaching from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, or platforms can create fall hazards while trying to position flashing.
Scrap flashing should be collected and disposed of promptly. Small offcuts, strips, and sharp pieces can injure workers or puncture tires and footwear.
Safe flashing work depends on hand protection, edge awareness, controlled carrying, stable access, and cleaning up sharp scrap as the job progresses.
Safety Reminders
- Wear gloves when handling flashing.
- Avoid sliding hands along metal edges.
- Use eye protection when cutting or fastening.
- Control long pieces in windy conditions.
- Use safe access and avoid overreaching.
- Collect sharp scraps and offcuts promptly.
- Store flashing so edges do not protrude into walkways.
Ask the Crew
- Where are the sharp edges, burrs, or corners?
- Is wind affecting control of the flashing?
- What PPE is needed for cutting or installation?
- Is safe access available for the work location?
- How will sharp scrap be collected and disposed of?