How to walk on a roof safely guide
Roof safety is an important concern in the UK, as falls from height are a leading cause of accidents in the construction industry. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height accounted for 29% of all work-related fatalities in 2020/2021. Roofs can be hazardous environments due to the potential for unstable or fragile surfaces, electrical hazards, and the apparent risk of falling. Employers need to implement appropriate measures to ensure the safety of workers when working on roofs.
Employers and workers must take proper precautions when working on roofs to prevent accidents and ensure their safety. This guide will discuss the importance of roof safety and provide tips and best practices for working on roofs safely. Following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this guide can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries while working on roofs and ensure a safe and productive work environment.
Before accessing the roof
Risk assessment
A risk assessment is a method of recognising, evaluating, and prioritising potential hazards and risks that may be presented in the workplace. This includes any risks that may be present when working on a roof.
In the UK, employers have a legal obligation to assess their workers’ health and safety risks and take appropriate measures to control them. This includes conducting a risk assessment when working on a roof. Failure to properly assess and manage risks can result in accidents, injuries, and legal liability for the employer.
Some common hazards that may be present when working on a roof include the following:
- Slippery or unstable surfaces
- Height-related risks, such as falls from height
- Electrical hazards, such as overhead power lines or electrical equipment on the roof
- Weather-related risks, such as strong winds or lightning
- Structural hazards, such as weak or unstable roofs or walls
Clothing
employers must provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) when they go up to roofs. This includes hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and Hi-Vis clothing. The appropriate clothing can help to protect workers from the hazards that may be present on a roof. This includes risks such as falls from heights, electrical hazards, and weather-related risks such as strong winds or extreme temperatures. In addition to protecting workers from hazards, choosing suitable clothing can help maintain comfort and productivity.
Weather
Inclement weather can present a range of hazards, including strong winds, lightning, extreme temperatures, and slippery surfaces. Before beginning work on a roof, check the weather forecast, and take steps to minimise the risks associated with adverse weather conditions. As noted in The Work at Height Regulations 2005, the weather and wind must be considered when planning to access a roof. A sudden blast of wind can cause a loss of balance. Do not access a roof in windy weather. Workers can effortlessly be thrown off while carrying out a task on a top, particularly when handling large equipment on the roofs of industrial buildings.
Follow the advice of the UK Met Office, which provides regular updates on the weather forecast and any severe weather warnings that may be in effect.
Accessing the roof
Point of access
Accessing a roof requires the right point of access. The correct access point allows for safe and efficient movement on the roof, which can keep your team safe. Using the right access point can also help to protect the roof itself. Climbing on the roof or using the wrong access point can damage the roofing material or structure, leading to costly repairs and potentially compromising the safety of the building.
Hatches and doors should be inspected to ensure that they are safe for workers. This includes checking for any damage or wear that could compromise the stability or integrity of the access point, as well as ensuring that it is properly secured and in good working condition. It is crucial to notify site managers and management if any issues are recognised during the inspection process. They may need to repair or replace the access point and install additional safety measures. By regularly inspecting and maintaining the point of access to the roof, employers can help assure their workers’ safety and prevent accidents or injuries.
Equipment for accessing a rooftop
When working on a roof, use proper equipment to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you. This includes wearing a harness and using fall protection systems to prevent falls from heights. Use ladders or scaffolding to access the roof and motorised lifts such as MWEPS.
Permanent roof access equipment, such as ladders or fixed access points, is typically used for buildings requiring frequent or ongoing roof access. These types of equipment generally are more expensive to install but can provide a safe and convenient way for workers to access the roof. Portable roof access equipment, such as ladders or scaffolding, is often used for temporary or infrequent access to the roof. They are generally easier to set up and remove and more cost-effective than permanent equipment. However, they may be sturdier and more reliable than permanent access points.
Supervision
We recommend having supervision. Although it is not a legal requirement, having supervision while working on roofs can prevent fatal accidents for several reasons, such as:
Traversing the roof
Walking path
A walking path is a designated route that workers should follow when moving around on a roof. This can help to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents by directing workers away from fragile or unstable surfaces, electrical hazards, and other potential dangers.
For example, on a flat roof, a walking path should be established to avoid areas where the roof is in poor condition or where there are openings, such as skylights or vents. On a pitched roof, a walking path should be used to avoid the slope of the roof and any other hazards, such as tree branches or overhead power lines.
Roof type and edge
How to walk on a metal roof
How to walk on a non-metal roof
non-metal membrane-type roofs require a lot of caution as they are usually slippery due to their smooth finish. Be aware that sharp objects can affect the roof’s membrane and cause tears. This can be minimised by only accessing the top when it is dry and wearing adequate foot protection.
Common environmental hazard
There are multiple objects and hazards that can be found on roofs that can cause considerable harm to workers. It is vital to be aware of these risks and avoid them. Some everyday objects and hazards that may be present on a roof include:
Object-based hazard
Safety systems such as platforms and stepovers are all vital safety measures that can help improve workers’ safety when working on roofs.
Tasks that require the workers to move to a higher or lower point on the roof can be a cause of incidents. Inform management or the site manager if the rooftop does not have a specified system for accessing the higher or lower points.
