1. Purpose

This policy establishes the conditions under which East Coast Facilities (“ECF”) will perform roof snow removal services. Its purpose is to ensure life safety, structural protection, and operational clarity while enabling timely action by the client. This policy aligns with site-specific structural guidance, including roof deflection studies and engineer-of-record recommendations, without transferring structural decision-making responsibility to ECF.

2. Guiding Principles

Roof snow removal is a life-safety–sensitive activity governed by structural conditions. The building owner or operator retains responsibility for monitoring roof performance and determining when structural risk exists. ECF performs roof snow removal as an executing contractor, not as a structural assessor or engineer. Early coordination enables safe, effective outcomes; delayed action limits available options and increases risk.

3. Client Responsibilities (Prerequisites to Dispatch)

3.1 Structural Monitoring & Deflection Awareness

The client is responsible for monitoring roof conditions in accordance with guidance from the engineer-of-record, structural consultant, or applicable deflection study. At the time roof access is requested, the client must confirm whether deflection measurements are being monitored and whether the roof remains safe for personnel access based on that monitoring. ECF does not require raw engineering calculations to be provided but does require confirmation that structural conditions have been reviewed and that roof access is appropriate at the time of request.

3.2 Timely Notification

Roof snow removal requests must be initiated before structural conditions become critical. Requests made after structural thresholds are believed to be near or exceeded may be declined or delayed in the interest of personnel safety. ECF will not deploy crews onto a roof where delayed notification has resulted in a reasonable belief of imminent structural risk.

3.3 Engineer-of-Record Coordination (When Applicable)

Where an engineer-of-record or structural consultant is engaged, the client should advise whether roof snow removal has been recommended, continued monitoring is appropriate, or evacuation is required. ECF relies on the client’s representation of that guidance and does not independently interpret structural data.

3.4 Access, Safety, and Disclosure

The client must provide safe roof access, including ingress and egress points and coordination with onsite safety personnel. Known hazards such as skylights, drains, solar arrays, fragile membranes, or load-sensitive areas must be disclosed in advance.

4. ECF Authority & Limitations

ECF does not monitor roof deflection, structural load, or building integrity. ECF does not determine when a roof is structurally safe to access. ECF reserves the right to decline, pause, or suspend roof operations if conditions observed or information provided indicate elevated risk to personnel. Nothing in this policy obligates ECF to perform roof snow removal where doing so would place personnel in unsafe conditions.

5. Roof Snow Removal Execution (Once Dispatched)

5.1 Arrival & Condition Verification

Upon arrival, crews confirm access points, fall protection requirements, and disclosed hazards. If site conditions materially differ from what was communicated prior to dispatch, work may be paused pending clarification.

5.2 Load-Reduction Methodology

Snow removal is performed to reduce roof load, not to achieve bare-roof conditions unless explicitly requested and approved. Snow is removed in controlled sequences designed to avoid sudden or uneven load redistribution. Drain paths, scuppers, and low points are typically prioritized to restore drainage and reduce ponding risk.

5.3 Material Handling

Snow will not be stockpiled on the roof unless specifically approved. Snow removed from the roof will be relocated or removed in accordance with site constraints and safety considerations.

5.4 Communication & Escalation

ECF will coordinate with site leadership regarding progress and observed conditions. If conditions change in a manner that raises safety or structural concerns, work will be paused and escalated immediately.

6. Operational Constraints

Roof snow removal is condition-dependent; active precipitation, high winds, or deteriorating indicators may require suspension of work. Completion timelines vary based on roof size, snow depth, access limitations, and safety requirements. ECF will not continue operations where conditions suggest that structural thresholds may be approaching without client confirmation to proceed.

7. Completion & Demobilization

Once agreed load-reduction objectives are met, crews will demobilize in coordination with site leadership. Any notable observations made during operations will be communicated to the client.

8. Practical Summary

The client monitors the roof and determines when snow removal is needed. ECF performs the work once it is safe to do so. Early notification allows safe, effective removal. Delayed action limits options and may prevent roof access. ECF will not place personnel at risk due to late or incomplete information.

9. Policy Intent

This policy is intended to enable timely roof snow removal while clearly defining roles and responsibilities so work can proceed safely, efficiently, and without ambiguity regarding liability or authority.

How to Order the Service

Clients with an active Master Services Agreement (MSA) are eligible to request services. To initiate a request, clients may contact their primary ECF point of contact via phone or email.

National customers should contact Tim Antoniewicz, Director of Business Development and National Accounts Leader, at tim.anton@eastcoastfacilities.com. You may also copy clientservices@eastcoastfacilities.com on all communications.