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Banned roof work for youths includes carpentry and metal work; alterations; additions; maintenance and repair, including painting and coating existing roofs; the construction of the sheathing or the base of roofs, including roof trusses or joists; gutter and downspout work; the installation and servicing of television and communication equipment; the installation and servicing of heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment or similar appliances attached to roofs; and any similar work that is required to be performed on or about roofs.
Banned roofing operations are defined as “all work performed in connection with the installation of roofs, including related metal work such as flashing, and applying weatherproofing materials and substances such as waterproof membranes, tar, slag or pitch, asphalt prepared paper, tile, composite roofing materials, slate, metal, translucent materials, and shingles of asbestos, asphalt, wood or other materials to roofs of buildings or other structures.”
The proscription against under-18 roofing work also extends to “all jobs on the ground related to roofing operations such as roofing laborer, roofing helper, materials handler and tending a tar heater.”
At the age of 14, the rules specify that youths cannot work on construction or repair jobs.
At age 16, youths are precluded from working in any job or occupation that has been declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. In general, this means that 16-year-olds cannot drive a motor vehicle, work on a power-driven hoisting apparatus, use a power-driven circular saw or engage in roofing or excavation operations.
Federal child labor rules no longer apply once a worker reaches the age of 18.
For a press release from the Department of Labor, including information on how to link to the complete text of the final rules, click here.
For further information, email Rob Matuga at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8507.
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In final regulations on employment rules for youth that were published by the 
