Working at height demands careful measures to safeguard both construction workers and the public from serious hazards that could result in injury or loss of life.
Fragile roofs pose an even higher risk of falling, requiring extra precautions. In this blog we’ll outline essential procedures to ensure maximum safety when working on fragile roofs.
What is a Fragile Roof
A fragile roof is a surface that cannot safely support the weight of a person and any materials they may be carrying. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 define a fragile surface as “a surface, which would be liable to fail if any reasonably foreseeable loading were to be applied to it”.
Some common examples of fragile roofs may include:
Fibre-cement sheets – non-reinforced sheets irrespective of profile type
Rooflights – particularly those in the roof plane that can be difficult to see in certain light conditions or when hidden by paint
Liner panels – on built-up sheeted roofs
Metal sheets – where corroded
Glass – including wired glass
Chipboard – or similar material where rotted
Others – including wood wool slabs, slates and tiles
The Importance of Fragile Roofs Safe Working Practices
HSE states that falls through fragile surfaces, particularly fibre-cement roofs and rooflights, account for 22% of all fatal fall-from-height injuries in the construction industry.
Workers performing roof work or building maintenance face the risk of fatal injuries or permanent disabilities if they fall through fragile surfaces.
Working Safely on Fragile Roofs
When working on a fragile roof, following essential steps can minimise risks and prevent serious injuries. Let’s delve into what you should be doing to promote safe working.
Identify Risks and Create a Plan
First and foremost, before any planning or work begins, you must be conducting a thorough risk assessment that highlights every potential hazard such as weak or deteriorated materials, fragile rooflights, and areas with a high fall risk as shown in the list above. In doing so, you can make sure you are prepared for any issues and have a clear procedure should problems arise.
If there are fragile roof sheets, roof lights or deteriorated materials then you must develop a safe system of work that means you can avoid applying direct pressure to these weak areas.
Safe systems of work are a structured approach to work activities that implement control measures to minimise risks, ensuring tasks are carried out safely and efficiently. They are crucial because they provide a clear and documented framework for employees to follow, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries by outlining safe procedures and precautions.
A well-defined safe system of work for fragile roof tasks might include secured scaffolding, mandatory use of harnesses and lifelines, and clearly marked exclusion zones beneath the work area.
By addressing risks and promoting a culture of safety through such defined procedures, safe systems of work not only protect employees but also contribute to increased productivity and a stronger overall safety performance.
Make sure that you have clear emergency procedures in place, such as rescue plans and communication protocols, should you require them – as unforeseen circumstances can still arise, despite having a risk assessment and safe system of work.
Use Appropriate Equipment and Techniques
While carrying out construction work on a fragile roof you need to be using the correct equipment and techniques that reduce the risk of accidents and injuries and promote safe working practices.
- Crawling Boards and Roof Ladders: Distribute weight appropriately. This will prevent any damage to the fragile roof and reduce the risk of falling through the surface. Ladders must be of a suitable width and length, and must never be supported on the ridge of the roof.
- Staging and Platforms: Create a safe and secure working area utilising staging or platforms with edge protection.
- Edge Protection: Install guardrails or barriers around the perimeter of the roof to prevent falls. You can read more about edge protection here.
- Safety Nets and Soft Landing Systems: Where falls are a major concern, install safety nets and soft landing systems below, close to the underside of the roof, so that workers will be caught safely should they fall.
- Fall Arrest Systems: Use fall arrest systems such as safety harnesses and lanyard if necessary to mitigate the consequences of a fall.
- Fragile Rooflight Protection: Use covers and barriers for any fragile rooflights or skylights to prevent any access onto these surfaces.
Ensure Proper Training
All personnel should be fully trained and competent to carry out any work. This includes making sure that they are not under the influence of drink or drugs, as this could skew their judgement.
All workers should be informed of potential risks and be given clear instruction on how to handle hazardous scenarios. Supervision must also be enforced by an experienced superior who is knowledgeable about working on fragile roofs and aware of the risks.
When is it Safe to Cross a Fragile Roof?
It is only safe to cross a fragile roof once all of the above practices have been safely implemented, and the worker is properly trained to do so. You should never cross a fragile roof without supervision.
In conclusion, working at height, particularly on fragile roofs, requires careful planning, the correct equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols. By identifying risks, implementing safe systems of work, and providing comprehensive training, the risk of accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced.
Prioritising safety not only safeguards lives but also fosters a responsible and proactive working environment. Let’s ensure every roof work project is carried out as safely as possible!
