What is the minimum pitch where a roof is considered too steep to walk on?

A roof's pitch is defined by the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run, typically expressed as a ratio. A pitch of 8/12 indicates that for every 12 horizontal inches, the roof rises 8 inches vertically. As roofs become steeper, the risk of slipping increases, making them harder and more dangerous for workers to walk on without appropriate safety measures.

The general consensus in the roofing industry is that a roof with a pitch of 8/12 or steeper is considered too steep to walk on without fall protection or safety harnesses. This is primarily due to the increased likelihood of losing balance and slipping on such slopes. In fact, many safety regulations and guidelines recommend using fall protection on roofs with a pitch of 8/12 or greater to ensure the safety of workers.

Values like 6/12 or 7/12 are typically still considered manageable for most experienced roofers without fall protection, as they allow for more stability while walking. However, once the pitch reaches 8/12, safety becomes a larger concern, justifying the need for additional precautions.