safety in roof work

CODE OF PRACTICEFOR

SAFETY IN ROOFWORK€12

CODE OF PRACTICE

FOR

SAFETY IN ROOFWORK

First Edition

August 2005

1CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SAFETY IN ROOFWORK

Published in August 2005 by the Health and Safety Authority, 10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2.© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmittedin any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission ofthe Health and Safety Authority.

Foreword

The National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (by virtue of section 30 of the Safety, Healthand Welfare at Work Act 1989), following consultation with the statutory Advisory Committee onConstruction Safety and with the consent of Mr Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of

Enterprise, Trade and Employment, has issued a Code of Practice entitled “Code of Practice for Safety inRoofwork”.

The aim of the Code of Practice is to improve the level of safety with which roof work is carried out. Inparticular, it aims to reduce the incidence of falls from or through roofs during their construction and after theyhave been constructed.

This Code of Practice comes into effect on 25 August 2005. Notice of the issue of this Code of Practice waspublished in the Iris Oifigiúil of Friday, 29 July 2005.

As regards the use of Codes of Practice in criminal proceedings, section 31 of the Safety, Health and Welfare atWork Act, 1989, provides as follows:

“31. - (1) A failure on the part of any person to observe any provision of a Code of Practice shallnot of itself render him liable to any civil or criminal proceedings; but where in any criminalproceedings a party is alleged to have committed an offence by reason of a contravention of anyrequirement or prohibition imposed by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions being aprovision for which there was a Code of Practice at the time of the alleged contravention,subsection (2) shall have effect with respect to that code in relation to those proceedings.

(2) Any provision of the Code of Practice which appears to the court to give practical guidance asto the observance of the requirement or prohibition alleged to have been contravened shall beadmissible in evidence; and if it is proved that any act or omission of the defendant alleged toconstitute the contravention is a failure to observe such provision of the code, or if it is proved thatany act or omission of the defendant is a compliance with such provision of the code, then suchfailure or compliance shall be admissible in evidence.”

Martin O’HalloranAssistant Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board


AcknowledgementsThis draft Code of Practice for Safety in Roofwork was drawn up by an ad-hoc group reporting to the HSAAdvisory Committee on Construction Safety. The Code was officially adopted by the Board of the Health andSafety Authority.

MEMBERS OF THE AD-HOC GROUPPadraig Delaney Health and Safety Authority Paraig Earley Health and Safety AuthorityTim Dowling Health and Safety AuthorityBarry Sharkey Roofing and Cladding Contractors AssociationBarry Lenihan Department of the Environment, Heritage and

Local GovernmentKevin Sheridan FÁSFrank Laffey TeagascAlan Isdell Society of Chartered SurveyorsShane O’Toole Roofing Manufacturers and Suppliers AssociationJohn Walsh, IBECDessie Robinson ICTU

MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETYSylvester Cronin (Chairman) Health and Safety Authority Board MemberPadraig Delaney Health and Safety AuthorityJim Heffernan Health and Safety AuthorityTim Dowling Health and Safety Authority Eddie Lewis Department of the Environment, Heritage and

Local Government Robert Byrne FÁSJohn Graby Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland Jack Kavanagh Kavanagh Mansfield and Partners; Institution of Engineers

of Ireland; Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland(IEI) & (ACEI)

Tom Gorman Wicklow County Council; Institution of Engineers of Ireland (IEI)

Dermot Carey Construction Industry FederationJohn Ryan PJ Walls Ltd; (CIF)Kevin Enright ESB; IBEC Nevan Mulrooney McBains Cooper International – Society of Chartered

Surveyors (SCS) Nicholas O’Loughlin Department of FinancePhil Murray Dublin Institute of TechnologyPaddy Coughlan SIPTUDenis Farrell BATU

The Code is also partially based on certain elements of the Health & Safety Executive document, “Health &Safety in Roof Work” (HSG 33).


0 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5

2.0 Role of the Client/Occupier .................................................................................... 7

3.0 Role of the Project Supervisor Design Stage (PSDS) ......................................... 9

4.0 Role of the Designer ............................................................................................... 11

5.0 Role of the Project Supervisor Construction Stage (PSCS) ............................... 18

6.0 Role of Contractors/Employers and Employees ................................................... 20

7.0 Role of the Supplier ................................................................................................ 22

8.0 Working Safely: General Issues ............................................................................ 24

9.0 Types of Roof .......................................................................................................... 30

10.0 Protecting the Public .............................................................................................. 46

11.0 Controlling Health Risks ....................................................................................... 47

12.0 Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 51

13.0 Types of Work ......................................................................................................... 54

14.0 Training .................................................................................................................... 57

APPENDICESAppendix 1 Issues to be considered for method statements in

industrial roof work ............................................................................. 60

Appendix 2 Use of Safety Nets ............................................................................... 62

Appendix 3 Use of Safety Harnesses and Running Line Systems ....................... 64

Appendix 4 Fragility: Tests and Specifications ....................................................... 66

Appendix 5 Removal of Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets ........................................ 69

Appendix 6 Safe Operation of Bitumen Boilers ..................................................... 70

Appendix 7 Inspection of Energy-absorbing Lanyards made from Webbing or Rope ................................................................................... 72

References and Further Reading ......................................................................................... 75


1.0 Introduction1 . 1 BACKGROUNDThis Code of Practice is as a result of a joint initiative between the Health and Safety Authority, theConstruction Industry Federation, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to improve the safety standardpertaining to roofing. This code was drafted in consultation with the organisations that were represented on theAdvisory Committee on Construction Safety.

1 . 2 STATUS OF CODE OF PRACTICEThis Code of Practice is issued by the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (HSA) undersection 30 of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and with the consent of the Minister for Labour,Trade and Consumer Affairs.

The Code of Practice gives practical guidance to roofing companies, clients, designers and specifiers, projectsupervisors (design and construction stages), safety representatives, anyone carrying out roof-work, safetyconsultants, and advisors on the requirements and prohibitions set out in section 10 of the Safety, Health andWelfare at Work Act 1989 (No. 7 of 1989), regulations 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 14, Part 13 and regulation 129 of theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 481 of 2001).

A failure to observe any part of this code will not itself render a person liable to civil or criminal proceedings.Where the Code of Practice gives practical guidance on the observance of any of the relevant statutoryprovisions, then compliance or non-compliance with this guidance may be admissible in evidence in anycriminal proceedings.

1 . 3 SCOPE OF CODE OF PRACTICEThis Code of Practice gives recommendations and practical guidance on how to work safely on roofs, includingthe maintenance of roof-mounted plant and services and how to design and plan for safe working. It covers newbuildings, repair, maintenance, cleaning work, and demolition. It also gives guidance for those not directlyinvolved in roof-work, e.g. clients, designers, and specifiers. Clients should provide adequate resources in termsof time and money so that the work can be carried out safely. They can benefit from reduced running costs ifmaintenance and repair are considered early in the design process.

When designing structures, designers need to take account of the health and safety implications of theirdecisions. They can often remove risks by designing them out at source. Designers need to have a reasonableunderstanding of the problems faced by contractors and others, to allow them apply the principles of preventionin their design.

The principal problems when working on roofs are falls through fragile roof coverings and falls from unprotectedroof edges. In many cases, straightforward physical protection measures can prevent accidents occurring.Accidents can, in many cases, be prevented, but too often a lack of foresight and management control can resultin the necessary protection being neglected during high-risk work.

Not all the safeguards in this Code of Practice will be relevant in all circumstances. What is needed depends onthe extent and nature of the risks. The guidance is structured to identify precautions that are applicable to allroof work. It also includes those which are particularly relevant to different types of roof and different types ofwork. However, risks are significant in all roof work, and high standards are necessary to provide adequateprotection.


Further detailed guidance in relation to all types of construction work is available in “HSA Guidelines to theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work Construction Regulations –Regulations 1-13 Interpretation Design andManagement”.

1 .4 WHO SHOULD READ THIS CODE OF PRACTICE?Roof work is not just an issue for construction companies. Non-construction workers such as factorymaintenance staff may be at risk from falls from or through roofs. This guidance will be useful to:

s anyone carrying out roof work, including employees and the self-employed;

s directors and partners of companies who carry out roof work;

s clients of projects;

s owners/occupiers of buildings;

s designers, quantity surveyors, and specifiers of buildings and components;

s designers of proprietary products used in roofing;

s designers of temporary works for contractors (including scaffolding, crane bases, etc.);

s project supervisors for the design stage;

s project supervisors for the construction stage;

s employees’ safety representatives and safety officers;

s safety consultants and advisers;

s suppliers of materials and systems for roof assemblies;

s glazing companies, companies fitting rainwater goods, and mechanical/electrical companies engagedin work where access to a roof is required.


2.0 Role of the Client/OccupierThose who own, occupy or have responsibility for a building have an important role to play when arranging forroof work to be done. This includes considering the design brief of a new building, appointing a contractor forrefurbishment or instructing an employee to carry out an emergency roof repair.

The client/occupier should have a system in place to control access to existing roofs. Depending on the riskassessment, this could be in the form of a permit-to-work system, or that access should be tightly controlled bydirect supervision.

The client should allow reasonable timescales to carry out projects and should not place undue time pressure onthose responsible for designing and carrying out the work. Unrealistic building or refurbishment programmescan lead to undue pressure on those actually doing the work. This can make it harder for contractors to plan forsafe working, to prepare quality safety method statements, and to review and amend systems of work. Clientshave an important role here. They should not place unreasonable programming or other demands on the projectteam.

For projects to which the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 apply, clientsmust appoint a competent project supervisor for the design stage, and a competent project supervisor for theconstruction stage. Clients must satisfy themselves, as far as they reasonably can, that those they appoint arecompetent, i.e. that they have received sufficient training (including health and safety training), are sufficientlyexperienced, and have the necessary resources.

It is important that they appoint competent contractors and designers, and they should take reasonable steps tosatisfy themselves in this regard.

When appointing project supervisors for the design stage and the construction stage (PSDS and PSCS), a clientcould make enquiries on:

s membership of relevant trade bodies or professional organisations;

s formal health and safety training for the designers and the contractors;

s previous experience of similar work;

s arrangements for managing health and safety standards;

s references from previous clients.

The client should provide any relevant information in his or her possession which may be needed to allow thework to be done safely, and must make a copy of the safety file relating to previous work on the same buildingfrom previous projects, if one exists, available to the PSDS, the PSCS or others that require it to carry out theconstruction work safely.

The client should also provide information regarding the following, if it is known to him or her, or provide asmay be requested all reasonable assistance to others seeking to ascertain:

s what an existing roof is made of, especially if it contains fragile areas;

s the age of an existing roof;

s previous modifications made to an existing roof;

s existing arrangements for access to the roof;


s restrictions on availability of space for cranage;

s any relevant permit-to-work arrangements operated by the client;

s fire precautions on an occupied site;

s areas where contractor access will be prohibited;

s any restrictions on hours of work.

If clients dictate timescales or design details, e.g. that specific materials will be used, then they are considereddesigners under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001, and must complywith the duties placed on designers by the Regulations. (See Chapter 3: Role of the Project Supervisor DesignStage and Chapter 4: Role of the Designer).


3.0 Role of the ProjectSupervisor Design Stage (PSDS)3 . 1 INTRODUCTIONThe role of the PSDS is to co-ordinate designers in their duty to eliminate or minimise risks which are apparentat the design stage of a project to the extent that it is reasonably practicable for them to do so. The PSDS,through the PSCS, also acts as the link between the designers and site, in the context of health and safety. Inrelation to design matters, the PSDS may also offer an opinion to assist clients on judging competence ofdesigners and contractors in respect of safety, health and welfare.

3 . 2 PROJECT SUPERVISORS DESIGN STAGEThe PSDS has an important role to play where Regulations 1–14 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(Construction) Regulations 2001 apply. For example the PSDS:

s must prepare a preliminary Safety and Health Plan for the project as required by the Regulations;

s should provide as early as possible in the tender negotiations (and if practicable during tendering) tothe prospective PSCS* (or prospective main contractors if it is envisaged that the main contractor willnot act as the PSCS) a copy of the preliminary safety and health plan.

The PSDS should co-ordinate designers to address the following basic questions:

s What are the major safety and health risks on this project?

s Can the risks be designed out, minimised, or reduced?

s What, if any, are the particular risks as defined by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(Construction) Regulations 2001 that affect the project?

The preliminary safety and health plan should then:

s contain a general description of the project, and information on particular risks as defined in theSafety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001;

s identify any aspects of the client’s activities having health and safety implications, e.g. times whensignificant vehicle movements can be expected;

s contain information in relation to any existing roof, if applicable, particularly in relation to existinghazards and the presence of safeguards such as rails or anchorages. It should also identify fragile rooflights or roof assemblies and the adequacy or otherwise of access to the roof;

s contain a time scale for the project and, where appropriate, phases of the project;clarify any specific requirements by the client having health and safety implications, e.g. for repairs toa school roof, the client might specify that work is done during school holidays

The following are examples of information, which could be provided in the preliminary safety and health planif relevant to safety and health during the carrying out of roofwork;

s The load-bearing capacity of the roof/roof elements;

s Details of structural members;


* In this context a prospective PSCS/Main Contractor is anyone tendering for these roles

s Presence of asbestos, including sprayed asbestos;

s Position and type of overhead power lines and underground services, including, where relevant, thoseassociated with adjoining properties;

s Existing fragile materials (see paragraph 9.2.4 and Appendix 4).

If this information is second hand (e.g. from utility suppliers) and/or unproven this should be made clear so thatcontractors and/or the PSCS can co-ordinate confirmatory investigations.

3 .3 CO-OPERATION WITH OTHERS Good co-ordination between designers can often facilitate better safety standards at all stages of the work. Apractical example is the effect of gutter design on systems of work when the roof is laid.

Roof workers and others commonly use gutters for access along the roof. The structural strength of the gutter,its width and depth, and the quality of the fixings greatly affect its safety as a means of access. Where guttersare not strong enough, means of access will be needed which take this into account.

There are a number of instances where the design of the frame of the structure has a direct effect on the systemsof work of the roof workers. For example:

s If running lines are proposed to be used during erection, the PSDS and the building designer shouldhave an input with regard to the proposed anchorage points.

s Similarly, the PSDS and designers should have an input regarding the design, sizing and spacingpurlins and the alignment of the joints between the purlins if it is intended to use a trolley system toprovide edge protection.

s In regard to facilitating the use ofnets or other collective fallprotection systems for the protectionof workers during erection, the PSDSand designers should consider howthis can be accommodated in thecontext of applying the principles ofprevention in their design.

s Resolving these issues requires co-ordination between the designers asappropriate. It is the role of theProject Supervisor to facilitate theappropriate co-ordination (see Fig.1).

Fig. 1: shows a generic risk assessment carried out by a designer for oneparticular design of an industrial building. It illustrates the types of issues thatdesigners need to address.


Diagram

Profiled Metal’sheet Diaphram

Single ply membrane

Rigid insulation

Profiled metal sheet

Typical Construction

Structural frame

Typical Use

Note • Penetration of fixing not visible above4-5 metres in height

• Sheets offset usually as good as linersheet

Disadvantages

• Temporary bracing needed during frame erection

• Thicker sheet required

• More fixings needed

Advantages

• No Diagonal Bracing Required.Saves fabrication time and cost.

• No liner sheet required

• Webs can be perforated for soundattenuation

• Sheet provides a working platform

• Less work at height overall

• Watertight earlier

• Rationalisation of bay size promoted Promotes standard sized edge protectionfacilities

• Single ply membrane more reliable. Less timeSpent maintaining the roof

4.0 Role of the Designer 4 . 1 INTRODUCTION Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001, designers have a duty toensure that their designs have adequate regard to health and safety. Foreseeable risks should be avoided as far aspossible. Priority should be given to design solutions providing general rather than individual protection.

In addition, before specifying a product which may be hazardous to health, designers should consider whethera less harmful product could be used instead. Relevant information should be included in the preliminary safetyand health plan.

Under the Regulations, the definition of design (and, correspondingly, of designer) is very wide and includesnot only the preparation of drawings or specifications but of any other “expressions of purpose, according towhich a project is to be executed”. Thus, apart from those who normally think of themselves as the designers ofa building, responsibility for design under the Regulations may in certain cases extend to those who design, forexample, temporary works for contractors, proprietary products, etc.

Using their professional skills and judgement, designers can often eliminate hazards or, failing that, mitigatehazards and simplify the control of risks on site. The designer has a responsibility to design the roof assembly tosuit its expected life and the ongoing need for maintenance and roof access.

Where buildings are unlikely to have regular ongoing maintenance needs and access to the roof can be strictlycontrolled, then the roof assembly should be designed to a minimum non-fragile standard – Class C to “Test forFragility of Roofing Assemblies” ACR[M]001:2000 (see Appendix 4).

Where roof maintenance is likely but not frequent (e.g. to clean out a valley gutter), designers should provideadditional protection in the areas where maintenance will be necessary. Where roof access is regular or cannotbe controlled, the relevant roof assembly must be designed to a higher classification of non-fragility, e.g. ClassB to ACR[M]001:2000, and this level of non-fragility must be expected to last for the envisaged design life ofthe building when the assembly is fitted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, rooflights (either in-plane or out of plane) should not be located in such an area. The non-fragility classification ofin-plane roof light assemblies should be at least consistent with that of the roofing system on every roof atinstallation.

In all cases, the safety and health file for the building must give clear guidelines on the roofing system used andan indication of the individual roofing materials’ durability and maintenance requirements. Reference may bemade in this regard to BS 5427: Part 1: 1996 Code of Practice for the “Use of Profiled Sheet for Roof and WallCladding on Buildings Part 1. Design”.

The principles of prevention require each designer to eliminate risk, or to minimise it where it cannot beeliminated. A designer must apply those principles to the extent that it is reasonable to expect the designer todo so at the time the design is prepared, and to the extent that it is otherwise reasonably practical to do so. Theapplication of the principles of prevention by each designer must be an integral part of the design process ateach design stage by each designer, and by the design team co-ordinated by the PSDS. Designers need toconsider not only the immediate proposed construction work but also safety during future maintenance andcleaning operations, or necessitated demolition works.


Designers should be aware of technical advances within the industry to allow them take these advances intoaccount in the roofs they design, which in turn may help them in their compliance with safety-, health- andwelfare-related legislation. Examples of what building designers might take into account include:

s how sections of the roof may, in certain cases, be prefabricated at ground level to reduce the need forworking at heights;

s elimination as far as possible of unprotected fragile areas (see Appendix 4);

s inspection and maintenance requirements for the completed roof structure (see paragraph 12.3);

s inspection and maintenance requirements of any roof-mounted services which may be accessedthrough the roof such as air handling units, lift plant rooms etc.;

s identification and design-in of safe access and safe place of work for maintenance and cleaning (seeFig. 2).

s consider carefully siting of plant which will require maintenance. Are there alternatives to placing iton the roof? If not, is it in the optimum position on the roof where safe access can most easily beprovided (see Chapter 12)?

s consider carefully the siting of roof lights (see Fig. 3).

s provide information relevant to construction for inclusion in tender documentation and formaintenance in the safety and health file.

Fig. 2: Permanent walkway giving safe access on a fragile roof.(This walkway was included in the initial designs.)


Fig.3: Lighting panels installed in the walls rather than the roof.

4 . 2 EXAMPLES OF POSITIVE DESIGN INTERVENTIONS There is a hierarchy of safeguards. The most effective precaution is to avoid or minimise working at a height.The next step to be considered is whether the risk can be designed out or minimised at source. Priority shouldbe given to design solutions providing general rather than individual protection.

Risk reduction can be achieved by designers including specifications for non-fragile roofing and roof lightassemblies. Every effort should be made to include only non-fragile roof light assembly specifications for all typesof roofing systems (commercial, industrial, and agricultural). The minimum appropriate standard for in-planeroof light assemblies is Class C as outlined in the “Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies” ACR[M]001:2000(see Appendix 4), when fitted and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. A higherstandard may be appropriate depending on envisaged access and other factors, which might become apparentduring a risk assessment. The roof light assembly should have a minimum likely period of non-fragility, basedon industry guidance, of at least 10 years, taking into account the likely deterioration due to the degradingeffects of UV exposure, environmental pollution, and the internal or external building environment. All suchfactors add to a roof covering or roof light assembly becoming fragile and this should be taken into accountduring the design of the building. Guidance should always be obtained from the current relevant roofingindustry or roof light industry publications. It is always prudent to regard a roof covering as if it were fragile untilits true condition can be ascertained.

Perimeter edge protection should, where practicable, be incorporated at the design stage, for example byincorporating a parapet around the building. However, due to the ever increasing number of designersemploying new styles of roofing (e.g. curved and highly visible roofs), parapets may in certain cases be viewedas restrictive to the desired shape of the building.

Perimeter edge protection is desirable for roof construction and maintenance. This edge protection should bebetween 950 and 1200mm high. If permanent edge protection is not included in a roof undergoing design, the buildingdesigner should consider how the installation of temporary edge protection could be facilitated at design stage. With regardto industrial roofs, this might include the design of anchorages of suitable strength to allow the erection of secure temporaryedge protection.

4 .3 ELECTRICITY/OVERHEAD POWER LINESIf there are overhead electric lines crossing the site, or near the site, there may be danger to workers during theconstruction of the roof or to maintenance personnel accessing the roof in future.

The building designers need to consider at an early stage changing the footprint of the building or relocatinglines to eliminate or mitigate the risk of contact during construction and maintenance. Designers should alsoadvise the client of the necessity of contacting the owner of the overhead lines (generally the ESB) with a viewto arranging diversion, if possible, of the lines before commencement of construction, or as early as possible inthe construction phase of the project.

4 . 4 FLAT AND LOW PITCH ROOFS Access to these roofs is often simple and because they are flat, it is easy to walk around on them. Accidents canoccur, not just to roof workers, but also to engineers, surveyors, children, caretakers, etc. As stated above, thefirst priority is to design out the risk at source, for example by specifying adequate inbuilt edge protection.Designers should consider the alternatives available in terms of their effectiveness in preventing falls, as well ashaving due regard for cost, aesthetics, and buildability.

Walkways should, where appropriate, be clearly marked on flat and low pitch roofs.


4 . 4 . 1 Edge Protect ion Edge protection options in order of effectiveness are:

s designed parapet (see Fig. 4);

s preformed sockets to support temporary edge protection guardrails;

s permanent protected walkway for access to plant and maintenance on the roof;

s tightly controlled access if edge protection is not reasonably practicable;

s anchorage points for harnesses;

s running line systems designed, installed and tested to the relevant standards (see Appendix 3)

Fig. 4: Parapet edge protection included as an integral design feature.

Fig. 5: Permanent guard rail retrofitted during refurbishment work. Similar protection can be included during initial designs.


Only if these first levels of protection cannot be achieved in practice are lower levels, such as fall arrest systems,acceptable.

4 . 4 . 2 Nets and other Col lective Fal l Arrest SystemsConsideration should be given as described at paragraph 3.3 above to the provision of fixing points to theunderside of structural members to facilitate the fixing of safety nets. Depending on the type of construction,other collective fall arrest systems may be more appropriate and the design should facilitate their use.

4 . 4 . 3 Access Routes . Routes for maintenance purposes across roofs should be designated at design stage. This should ensure that thereis:

s continuity of edge protection;

s unobstructed access, including the provision of bridge-ways for crossing ducts, pipes and otherobstructions;

s non-slip surfaces.

4 . 5 INDUSTRIAL ROOFS The most important issue for designers is how to eliminate unprotected fragile roof covering at height (seeparagraph 9.2.8 and Appendix 4). They should consider carefully the potential for eliminating or reducing thishazard.

Whatever rooflight and roofing sheet systems are used, the assembly should be non-fragile Class C (minimum)to ACR[M]001:2000 (see Appendix 4).

The safety and health file should include relevant information from the supplier, such as:

s tests results on the initial material strength;

s the effects of ultraviolet radiation on material properties;

s fixing specifications, including type, number and position of the required fixings;

s maintenance and cleaning.

Precautions should be taken to prevent unauthorised access to fragile roofs. This will normally involve peopleat work, but the likelihood of unauthorised public access may need to be considered as well, particularly bychildren. A risk assessment is likely to require signs warning of the hazard and prohibiting access except undercontrolled conditions, e.g. governed by a permit-to-work regime. Permanently fixed ladders can be blocked offby boards whenever access is not required.

Agricultural buildings are a specific subsection of industrial roofs (see paragraph 9.2.10).

4 . 5 . 1 Roof L ights Designers should consider carefully the potential for eliminating or reducing hazards with regard to roof lights.The decision on whether to include roof lights should take account of the risks during construction and the riskswhen access to the roof is needed later, e.g. during maintenance or cleaning.

Where in plane roof lights are required, every effort should be made to include only non-fragile roof lightassembly specifications to Class A, B or Class C (minimum) as outlined in the “Test for Fragility of RoofingAssemblies” ACR[M]001: 2000 (see Appendix 4), when fitted and maintained in accordance withmanufacturers’ instructions.


The roof light assembly should have a minimum likely period of non-fragility, based on industry guidance, of atleast 10 years, taking into account the likely deterioration due to ultraviolet exposure, environmental pollution,and internal and external building environments. It should be noted that certain types of roof light assemblieswould have expected periods of non-fragility considerably longer than ten years, and this should be consideredwhen roof light assemblies are being specified.

Other methods for designers to design in accordance with the principles of prevention with regard to roof lightsare, where practicable, to:

s specify translucent sheets in the vertical wall of abuilding rather than in the roof;

s specify the fitting of roof lights designed to projectabove the plane of the roof and which do not lendthemselves to being walked upon. These reduce therisk, but they should still be capable of withstanding aperson falling onto them (see Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Typical out of plane roof light

s protecting roof lights, e.g. by means of mesh or gridsfitted below the roof light or between the layers of abuilt-up roof light (see Fig. 7). The mesh or gridinstallation should itself meet the minimum specifiednon-fragility (to ACR[M]0001:2000) classificationwhen tested.

Fig. 7: Galvanised mesh reinforcement between sheets of twin skinned roof light.

In-plane roof lights should not, where practicable, extend within two metres of valley gutters or within twometres of frequently used roof access routes or roof ridges (particularly in the case of hipped roofs). Where thisis not practical, the designer must carry out a risk assessment when considering the location of roof lights,specifying appropriate measures to be put in place to control the risk presented by these roof lights.

4 . 6 ROOFING ASSEMBLIESThe safest option for roofing is to specify a non-fragile roof assembly. The criteria for non-fragility should beClass A, B or Class C (minimum) as per the “Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies” ACR[M]001:2000 (seeAppendix 4), when fitted and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions, taking account of thelikely deterioration due to ultraviolet exposure, environmental pollution, and internal and external buildingenvironment. This should be the case unless there are very particular reasons that dictate the use of other roofassemblies. These reasons should be clearly documented.

There are usually times during the laying of a built-up roof (and other roof types) when coverings are fragile, forexample when not fully fixed. Designers of roofing systems need to consider this carefully and should aim toeliminate or minimise this condition. The specification of individual components (e.g. the thickness and profileof liner sheets), and, equally importantly, the fixing method should be assessed with this in mind.


30˚

Falls through fragile roof covering, including liner sheets can be prevented by design in addition to carefullydeveloped systems of work. In all roofs, the point at which all roof elements become non-fragile at that span(the number and quality of fixings, use of reinforcing materials, etc.) needs to be absolutely clear for thecombination of components used. The implications of any changes in specification should be clearly identified.

4 .7 ROOF MAINTENANCE Designers can help reduce the amount of work done at height throughout the life of the structure (see Chapter12). For example, they could:

s increase the maintenance-free life of roof elements;

s locate plant and equipment at low level wherever possible; and

s design gutter detailing with a view to reducing blockages and facilitating reduced maintenance

4 . 8 DESIGNING TRUSSED ROOFS With regard to trussed roofs, designers can contribute to safe working by:

s designing the permanent bracing so that it can be fixed from as safe a place as reasonably practicable;

s designing the temporary bracing in the same fashion;

s designing temporary slinging points and, as appropriate, lifting attachments which allow truss bundlesto be unslung from a safe place, e.g. the eaves scaffold;

s considering the possibility of trusses being assembled into complete roof structures or modules on theground and lifted into position;

s specifying slinging points for such temporary assemblies.

As with other types of roofs, this approach requires co-ordination by the Project Supervisor for the Design andConstruction Stages between all designers involved, and also where appropriate between designers andinstallers.


5.0 Role of the Project SupervisorConstruction Stage (PSCS)5 . 1 PROJECT SUPERVISORS CONSTRUCTION STAGE Project Supervisors for the Construction Stage are the key players in setting practical on-site safety standardsand co-ordinating the implementation of these standards. They should:

s co-ordinate the provision of adequate fall protection for personnel involved in roofwork or workingon the roof. This will involve in most cases collective fall protection and secure edge protection beinginstalled before installation of the roof and, as necessary, before and while other works on the roof areundertaken;

s ensure that the overall work programme gives adequate time for work to be done safely by thosecarrying out the roofwork, taking account of anticipated weather conditions;

s allow time to consider method statements and deal with the implications of design changes;

s co-ordinate the preparation of a work programme which reflects the need to control access to areasbelow roof work where there is danger of falling materials;

s specify clearly in the safety and health plan the resources allocated to control and manage risks suchas falls from height;

s co-ordinate the forwarding of relevant information to the roofing contractor;

s handover the (updated) safety file on completion;

s co-ordinate measures to ensure that ground conditions are sufficiently stable and level for the safe useof Mobile Elevating Work Platforms or other type platforms as appropriate.

s have a system in place to check that contractors and their employees are fully trained to handle theproducts being fitted;

5 .2 SAFETY AND HEALTH PLANThe PSCS. must co-ordinate all activities from a health and safety perspective. To facilitate this he or sheshould ensure that an adequate construction phase safety and health plan, prepared in accordance with currentHealth and Safety Authority guidelines, is in place before construction starts. The plan needs to set out howthe work is to be done in practice and the precautionary measures that are to be taken.

Site-specific safety-method statements can usefully form the basis of the construction phase safety and healthplan. They are drawn up by individual contractors rather than the PSCS. The PSCS should examinecontractors’ method statements. They should satisfy themselves that these are relevant for the work in hand. Itis not acceptable for the PSCS to merely specify that method statements be drawn up. They need to establishan effective system for reviewing them (see Appendix 1).

The PSCS is required to co-ordinate the implementation of the requirements set out in the construction phasesafety and health plan, and to take the necessary action to remedy matters if risks are not being effectivelycontrolled.


The safety and health plan should also address precautions and procedures to be implemented with regard tofire in roof-work. See paragraph 8.5 and “Fire Safety in Construction Work” HSG168.2

Where it is not possible to avoid working at a height or to design out the risk at source, the most effectiveprecaution is to provide a safe place of work. This can be in the form of a safe working platform with physicalsafeguards such as guardrails, toe boards, and barriers. This protects everyone on the platform and does not relyon people following a system of work or using special equipment which needs training to be effective. Use ofharnesses for fall protection is low on the list as specified by the principles of prevention. Collective fallprotection is a superior solution. If the PSCS has reason to believe that a decision taken by a designer duringthe design process will necessitate the use of harnesses by workers during construction, he or she should referthat decision back to the designers through the PSDS with a view to facilitating collective protection by thedesigner.


2 Fire Safety in Construction Work HSG 168 HSE books 1997 ISBN 0 7176 1332 1

6.0 Role of Contractors/Employers and Employees6 . 1 CONTRACTORS/EMPLOYERS Contractors/employers are required to:

s prepare site-specific safety-method statements that are relevant to the work being done;

s ensure that they and their employees are competent to carry out the work safely;

s co-operate with the PSCS in implementing the construction stage safety and health plan;

s ensure that all employees have received appropriate necessary training;

s provide adequate supervision on site to ensure that the control measures outlined in the site specificmethod statement are implemented and to take appropriate action to ensure compliance;

s consult with all employees and be satisfied that all persons carrying out roofwork are made fully awareof the safety- and health-related measures involved in the work, and make arrangements for thesupervision of all the elements of the site-specific method statement;

s have a system or a nominated person in place for reporting defects or problems on site which mayendanger the health and safety of their employees

The roof itself should be erected in accordance with the relevant building regulations. At the time of writingthe relevant regulations are the Consolidated Building Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 497 of 1997); Building ControlRegulations 1997 (S.I. No. 496 of 1997) and set of 12 Technical Guidance Documents A to M.

The relevant Technical Guidance Documents are as follows:

A. StructureB. Fire safetyC. Site preparation and resistance to moistureD. Materials and workmanshipE. SoundF. VentilationG. HygieneH. Drainage and waste water disposalJ. Heat-producing appliancesK. Stairways, ladders, ramps, and guardsL. Conservation of fuel and energyM. Access for disabled persons.

Additional information on the building regulations can be obtained from the Department of the Environmentand Local Government’s internet site at www.environ.ie

Generally materials should be fixed in accordance with the appropriate guidelines, i.e. BS 5427:Part 1:1996 andICP2:2002 Irish Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling.


6 .2 EMPLOYEESEmployees, including roofing and cladding workers, have responsibilities and duties under relevant statutoryprovisions, particularly the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the Safety, Health and Welfareat Work (Construction) Regulations 2001. These include:

s taking reasonable care of their own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person that mightbe affected by their acts or omissions;

s co-operating with their employer and taking account of any training and instruction given by theiremployer;

s making full use of harnesses, helmets, or other personal protective equipment provided;

s reporting to their employer or immediate supervisor without unreasonable delay any defects/problemson site of which they become aware which may endanger their health and safety or that of fellowworkers on site;

s not interfering with or misusing safety nets or any safety equipment.


7.0 Role of the Supplier7 . 1 INTRODUCTION Under section 10 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 suppliers have a duty to ensure, so far asis reasonably practicable, that items which they supply are designed, constructed, tested, and examined so as tobe safe and without risk to health when used by a person at a place of work. All material should be manufacturedto meet the relevant EN/IS standards.

7 .2 TECHNICAL ADVANCESSuppliers should monitor closely technical advances within the industry to allow them take these advances intoaccount in the roofs they design and supply, which in turn may help them in their compliance with safety-,health-, and welfare- related legislation.

7 .3 SUPPLYING INDUSTRIAL ROOFS AND COMPONENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL ROOFSThe most important issue for suppliers is how to eliminate unprotected fragile areas in the roof systems theysupply. Whatever roof light and roofing sheet systems are used, the assembly should be non-fragile Class A, Bor C (minimum) as appropriate to ACR[M]001:2000 (see Appendix 4).

The supplier if requested, should supply for use in the design and construction process and for inclusion in thesafety file:

s tests results on the initial material strength;

s the effects of ultraviolet radiation on material properties;

s fixing specifications, including type, number, and position;

s maintenance and cleaning schedule for the roof;

s purlin spacing.

7 . 4 ROOFING SYSTEMSRoofing systems should perform their function for the design life of the roof. Reference in this regard should bemade to BS 5427:Part 1:1996 (see Chapter 4.0). The norm should be to specify non-fragile roof assemblies. Thecriteria for non-fragility should be Class A, B or C (minimum) as appropriate as per the “Test for Fragility ofRoofing Assemblies” ACR[M]001:2000 when fitted and maintained in accordance with manufacturers’instructions. This should be the case unless there are very particular reasons which dictate other materials.These reasons should be clearly documented.

Any in-plane roof light assembly supplied should be at least consistent with (from a non-fragility classificationperspective) the properties of the general roofing system on every roof at the time of supply. The roof lightassembly supplied should normally have a minimum likely period of non-fragility (based on industry guidance)of at least 10 years, taking into account the likely deterioration due to ultraviolet exposure, environmentalpollution, and internal and external building environments, though other roof lights with longer expectedperiods of non fragility should also be considered if appropriate.


7 .5 BUILT-UP ROOFSThere are usually times during the installation of a built-up roof assembly when it must be treated as fragile, forexample when not fully fixed. Suppliers of these systems should provide information on the specification ofindividual components of the system and the required method of fixing to achieve non-fragility classification toACR[M]001:2000 so that contractors can develop a safe system of work (see Chapter 8).

7 .6 MATERIALS HANDLINGSo far as is reasonably practicable, suppliers should indicate weights of items which it is envisaged will bemanually lifted, to allow employers perform an accurate risk assessment regarding the manual handling of loads.This assessment is required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations1993 (S.I. No. 44 of 1993).


8.0 Working Safely:General Issues 8 . 1 SAFE PLACE OF WORK ON THE ROOF For all roof work, whatever its nature or extent, a safe place of work should be provided. Safety methodstatements should identify working positions, access routes to the roof and on the roof and show:

s how falls are to be prevented;

s how danger from falling materials to those at work below and to the public is to be controlled;

s how risks to health will be controlled;

s how other risks, identified at planning and survey stages, are to be controlled, for example handlinghot bitumen;

s what equipment will be needed;

s what skill, knowledge, relevant experience, and training is needed;

s who will supervise the job “on site”;

s how changes in the work will be dealt with without prejudicing safe working;

s who will check that the system is effectively controlling risk.(See Appendix 1 for further information.)

8 . 2 FALL ARREST SYSTEMSFall arrest systems do not prevent falls, but they can reduce injury once a fall has happened. There are two basictypes:

s those that give general protection, e.g. safety nets;

s those giving individual protection, e.g. safety harness attached to a suitable anchorage point. (Thisshould only be considered as a last resort, when all other fall protection or fall arrest systems have beenconsidered).

All fall arrest systems must be properly installed and maintained by a competent person (see Appendices 2 and3 for further information).

Safety nets, once properly rigged, are considered one of the best forms of fall arrest available, and can protecteveryone within the area of the net. They also allow maximum freedom of movement on the roof. They shouldbe installed as close as possible beneath the working position to reduce the potential fall distance. They areparticularly suited to open span structures such as portal frame buildings with minimum obstructions.

Harnesses should only be used when all other forms of fall protection have been deemed to be impracticable.Harnesses need to be suitable for the individual, who should be trained to fit and use them. They only protectan individual when they are used and when properly fitted and only while they are attached to a suitableanchorage point. There must be enough clear space below the work position to allow the fall to be arrested safely(see Appendix 3).


There must also be an effective system in place to rescue anyone whose fall has been arrested by a harness. Thiswill include a safe system of work to retrieve the casualty as soon as possible to prevent injury from suspensionin the harness.

8 . 3 OPENINGS IN THE ROOFOpenings are often left in the roofing system for vents, roof lights, glazing etc. These may be left out in somecases for follow-on trades to work on at a later stage. In this situation temporary covering for these openings isan item which should be addressed in the safety and health plan.

8 . 4 SAFE ACCESS TO THE ROOF Safe access to the roof requires careful planning, particularly where work progresses along the roof. Typical safemeans of access are:

s independent scaffolds;

s fixed or mobile scaffold towers;

s mobile access equipment;

s ladders.

8 . 4 . 1 Mobile Access Equipment A wide range of this type of equipment is available. For work of short duration, such as inspection and minormaintenance, it can provide excellent safe access to the roof. Risks associated with scaffold erection can oftenbe avoided if mobile access equipment is used rather than scaffolding. However, the equipment chosen shouldbe appropriate for the ground conditions on the site and suitable ground conditions should be in place beforethis type of equipment is used. The manufacturer’s advice on the maximum wind speed at which it can be safelyoperated should be followed. Equipment should be maintained in a safe condition and be operated only bycompetent trained personnel.

8 . 4 . 2 L a d d e r s Ladders may provide safe access, but their use is not always appropriate. Factors to be considered include:

s the length of the ladder required. Very long ladders are heavy to handle and may need staying toreduce flexing in use;

s the need to carry materials, small components, tools, etc. Both hands should be free when climbing aladder.

When ladders are used, they need to be of the right type, i.e. a suitable grade of industrial ladder. They shouldbe in good condition and effectively secured to prevent movement. Permanent means of securing ladders atidentified access points can improve ladder safety. Those who use, inspect and secure ladders should becompetent to do so.

8 . 4 . 3 Roof Ladders On most sloping roofs, suitable roof ladders or crawling boards will be essential, in addition to edge protection.Where a high standard of edge protection is provided, it may be safe to work without a roof ladder. This mayapply if the pitch is shallow and the surface provides a particularly good foothold. The decision in each caseshould be based on a risk assessment.


Roof ladders or crawling boards should be:

s designed and fabricated to be fit for purpose;

s strong enough to support workers when spanning the roof covering;

s long enough to span the supports as appropriate;

s secured or placed to prevent accidental movement.

The anchorage at the top of the roof ladder should be by some method which does not depend on the ridgecapping, as this is liable to break away from the ridge. The anchorage should bear on the opposite slope by aproperly designed and manufactured ridge iron or be secured by other means (see Fig. 8).

Fig. 8: Roof ladder. The ridge iron should be large enough to clear the ridge tile.

Eaves gutters should not be used as a footing or to support a roof ladder.

As an alternative to roof ladders, timber battens used for slated and tiled roofs can provide a reasonably securefoothold provided that: s they are of good quality;

s they are sufficiently sized and spaced to allow a secure foothold.

The age and condition of exposed battens should be examined before they are used for footholds.

A roof ladder will always be required at some stage, e.g. towards the end of the job when the battens are coveredby slates or tiles.

8 . 5 ESCAPE IN CASE OF FIRE The PSCS should also consider how to co-ordinate escape from the roof in case of fire. This must be adequatelyaddressed in the safety and health plan.

A fire could result from:

s construction work on a roof, e.g. welding or hot work using bitumen; or

s activities inside a building including those under refurbishment.


In either case the means of escape must be adequate. How complex this needs to be depends on the risk of beingtrapped if there is a fire. It could mean, for example, ensuring that mobile access equipment is always availablein case of an emergency, or the provision of additional (tied) ladders. Further guidance is given In HSE booklet,Fire Safety in Construction Work HSG 168.2

8 . 6 MATERIALS HANDLING Well planned materials handling has a significant impact on roof work safety. For example, it can:

s minimise the amount of time spent working at height;

s reduce the amount of travelling around the roof to collect materials;

s reduce injuries caused by handling heavy and unwieldy components, e.g. roof trusses.

It can also increase productivity and reduce waste.

8 . 7 MECHANICAL HANDLING Sufficient resources should be allowed to ensure that cranes or other mechanical handling devices are availablewhen needed.

Where small lifting appliances suchas a gin wheel, gantry hoist, orscaffold hoist are mounted near theedge of a roof, suitable guardrailsand toe boards should be installed.This safeguards those using theappliance from falling.

Lifting appliances of this type needa secure anchorage. Whencounterweights are used they mustbe adequate to allow a safety factorof not less than three. If the liftingappliance is a gin wheel, anallowance for the force exerted bythe person who is raising the loadshould be made (see Figs 9(a) and9(b)).

Fig. 9(b) Properly erected gin wheel


2 {HSE Books 1997 ISBN 0 7176 1332 1}

Two supportsfor pole

Check couplers

Safetyhook

T - Tail length (m)O - Overhang (m)

C - Counterweight (kg)

Fulcrum W - Greatest liftedload (kg)

Figure 9 (a) Counterweight enchorage for a gin wheel

(a) Total anticipated load, allowing for the pull on the opposite side at the wheel from the load to be lifted is 2.5 x W

(b) Allowing a safety of 3, C x T must not be less than 3 x (2.5 x W x O)

Counterweights should be secured to the tail of the appliance so as to prevent removal or interference. Rolls offelt, blocks of bitumen, etc., which are liable to be removed and used in the roofing operation, should beavoided.

Where practicable, guardrails and toe boards should be maintained in position when material is being raised orlowered. If, in exceptional circumstances, they must be removed, any person who needs to be near the edge, e.g.signalling or assisting in moving the load, should wear a safety harness attached to a suitable anchorage point(see Appendix 3).

All hooks used in lifting operations should be fitted with safety catches.

Every lifting appliance should be properly installed, maintained and inspected and operated at all times withinits safe working load. Access to the area below a lifting point should be controlled, e.g. by temporary fencing.

8 . 8 FALLING MATERIALS Other workers and the public can be at risk when materials, e.g. roof sheets, fixings, tools, roof tiles, roofing felt,and hot bitumen fall from roofs.

Access by other trades needs to be controlled when roof workers are working overhead and there is risk of fallingmaterials. This should be considered in the programming of overlapping work packages. Where work is carriedout below roof workers, effective measures will be required to prevent injury, such as the provision of a birdcagescaffold or suitable debris netting (see Fig. 10).

Fig. 10: Debris netting in addition to safety netting may enable work to be carried out safely below roof workers

8 . 9 WEATHER CONDITIONS Adverse weather conditions need to be anticipated and suitable precautions taken. Rain, ice, or snow can turna secure footing into a skating rink. A roof should always be inspected before work starts to see if conditionshave changed and to check whether it is safe to work. A sudden gust of wind can lead to loss of balance. Roofsheets and, in some circumstances, roofing felt should not be fixed in windy weather, as people can easily bethrown off balance while carrying a sheet up to, or on the roof. Also, material should be secured to prevent thehazard of wind-borne flying debris causing injury to workers or members of the general public.


When deciding whether to continue or suspend work consider:

s wind speed;

s the measures which have already been taken to prevent falls from the roof;

s the position and height of the roof and the size of the material being handled.

An anemometer should be available to measure wind speed on the roof if large sheets are being handled (seeFig. 11).

Fig. 11: Using an anemometer to check wind speed at roof level

Guidance on work in windy conditions has been published by the UK National Federation of RoofingContractors, 24 Weymouth Street, London, W1N 4LX, Tel: 0044 20 7436 0387, Fax: 0044 20 7637 5215. Thisguidance includes recommended maximum wind speeds for particular operations.

Sites should be inspected at the end of the working day to ensure that loose materials, especially sheets, offcuts,and fixings are not left on the roof.

8 .10 ELECTRICITY AND ROOFWORK If there are overhead electric lines crossing the site, or near the site, there may be a danger of contact or nearcontact with, for example, scaffold tubes, metal roof sheets, or ladders, causing flashover.

Designers need to consider changing the footprint of the building or advising the client regarding organising therelocation of lines to eliminate the risk of contact during construction and maintenance. If, during theconstruction phase of a project, overhead lines which cause risk have not already been relocated, the PSCSshould co-ordinate the arrangements for an application to be made in writing for lines to be diverted. If the linescannot be diverted, then the lines must be de-energised for all work involving a risk of direct or indirect contact.

Use of portable electrical tools can create hazards. For example, metal roof sheet edges can damage cableinsulation. All electrical supplies to portable tools should be obtained from properly constructed and installedplugs and sockets of the industrial type. Where possible, battery-operated tools should be used. If this is notpracticable, a reduced low voltage system, (sometimes referred to as 110 volt centre tapped to earth (CTE)system) should be used for all portable equipment with a rating of 2 kV A or less. All electrical equipmentshould be properly installed and maintained. (See Regulations 33–53 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(General Application) Regulations 1993, the Health and Safety Authority Guide to those Regulations, and theRecommendations for Distribution of Electricity on Construction and Building Sites {BS 7375: 1996}).

8 .11 SAFE LOADINGExcessively heavy materials stored on roofs can give rise to dangers from overloading roof structures .Thecapacity of the roof to sustain such local loads should be confirmed with the designers and included in the safetyand health plan.


9.0 Types of Roof9 .1 INTRODUCTIONGenerally roofs can be split in to two broad categories, industrial roofs and traditional tiled or slated roofs. Roofscan be categorised also in accordance with their pitch, i.e. flat roofs (slope of 0 degrees to 10 degrees), andsloping roofs (slope of 10 degrees to 70 degrees).

Industrial roofs will generally be fitted to warehouses, factories, large retail units, etc. These are generally steelframed, with roof cladding which can be:

s built up on site from liner sheets, insulation, and top sheet;

s built up on site from structural decking, insulation, and a weatherproof membrane;

s factory-assembled insulated panels, which are laid as a single layer.

Roof pitches are usually low (10 degrees or less) although steeper pitches are used for some applications.

Traditional tiled and slated roofs usually consist of tiles or slates mounted on battens and felt which in turn arefixed to timber trusses. Generally this type of roof is prevalent in house-building but can also be found inschools, churches, hotels and some other commercial buildings.

This chapter explains the hazards characteristic of different roof types and the precautionary measures requiredto deal with them.

9 . 2 INDUSTRIAL ROOFS

9 . 2 . 1 Systems of Work The system of work needs to include all stages of the job, including delivery of materials (see Appendix 1).Simply loading out the frame with packs of sheets, as delivered, leads to workers travelling around the roof, pastopen edges, to get the correct length of sheet.

In drawing up the system of work, the following commonly occurring incidents should be considered, andappropriate control measures documented where applicable.

Falls during industrial roofing commonly occur:

s through fragile roof lights;

s through other fragile roof covering;

s through gaps in the partially completed roof;

s through liner sheets which are not fully fixed;

s from the leading (working) edge;

s from the edge of the roof or the gutter;

s from the frame, e.g. when loading out roof sheets.


9.2.2 Ways of Minimising Travel on the RoofWays of minimising travel on the roof include:

s use of lifting equipment to deliver materialsto the working position or to loading bays;

s providing access points convenient to theworking positions (see Fig. 12)

Fig. 12: Access point to roof convenient to working position.

s splitting packs of roof sheets to produce mixed packs in correct sequence for fixing;

s back loading sheets onto the completed (load-bearing) sections of roof (see Figs 13(a) and 13(b))

Fig. 13(a): Delivery of sheets to roof level onto the completed load bearing section and behind the leading edge. (Note the rooflights include mesh protection rendering the assembly non-fragile.)

Fig. 13(b): Scaffold loading bays can help to reduce materials movements on the roof.Suitable barriers should be provided to prevent falls at the open edge when loading is nottaking place.


Plan safe working positions and the means of access to and from those positions. Do not forget people whoaccept and unsling loads, and who deliver sheets to the working position. For example:

s provide working platforms on the roof, fitted with guard rails and toe boards;

s use mobile access equipment;

s use safety nets or other collective systems

It is not acceptable for the open steelwork or gutters to be used as the access to the place of work without takingfurther precautions against a fall.

9 . 2 . 3 Weight of MaterialThe weight of material on a roof should be limited to the amount that the structure can carry safely. Galvanisedpurlins can twist and collapse under heavy loading. Sheets should be lashed to prevent their being dislodged orblown away. If necessary, stops should be used to prevent them slipping.

9 . 2 . 4 Perimeter Edge ProtectionFalls from the edge of the frame can be prevented by edge protection. If permanent edge protection has not beenspecified and erected at an early stage then this is usually provided by an independent scaffold or barriersconnected to the frame. An independent scaffold gives a higher standard of protection and also a good standardof access along the structure. It also assists material loading and storage, for example when used with a forkliftor telehandler.

9 . 2 . 5 B u i l t - u p R o o f sLining out the roof as quickly as possible in order to “weather proof” the shell means the roof workers have toreturn in a second pass to lay the insulation and top sheets. The PSCS and roofing contractor should considerhow this approach affects safe systems of work. If it is used, the specification of metal, fibre cement and rooflight liners in terms of temporary fragility needs to be highlighted. Adequate resources need to be allocated toachieve a safe system of work, e.g. by the use of safety nets.

9 . 2 . 6 R o o f O p e n i n g sFalls through openings, e.g. for smoke vents, are a common cause of serious injuries and death. Designers canhelp by eliminating or reducing the number of openings. If there is a need for openings in the roof, the use ofsafety nets should be considered at the tender stage by the PSCS to protect both the gaps and the leading(working) edge.

9 . 2 . 7 Leading Edge Protection Controlling risk of falls at the leading (working) edge needs careful planning. The hierarchy of protectionmethods should be considered:

s safety nets or other collective fall arrest systems;

s temporary barriers at the leading edge, e.g. trolley systems;

s birdcage scaffolds.

Because openings are created during industrial roofing, fall arrest will almost always be required in addition toworking platforms. Safety nets are the preferred solution for fall arrest in this situation. They give the roofworkers maximum freedom of movement, provided that they do not work beyond the boundary of the nets.They can be installed in such a way as to minimise fall distances (see Appendix 2). They are effective wheredesign details such as hips make other safety systems complex and difficult to manage. In a fall, the chance ofinjury is reduced compared to a similar one in a harness or onto a birdcage scaffold. Nets protect not just theleading edge, but also openings, fragile areas, etc. (see Fig. 14).


Fig. 14: Industrial roof work: Use of safety nets.

Temporary barriers will be needed to control access to areas where harnesses have to be worn. Where runningline systems are relied upon, access to the roof, e.g. during work breaks and at the end of the working day, needsto be controlled.

Temporary leading edge devices, e.g. purlin trolleys, are available and have been widely used. If locked inposition, they can provide an effective guard rail at the leading edge when work is not in progress. Thedisadvantage is that installing and moving the systems can be high-risk operations. When being used as aworking platform, they often in practice provide little protection while laying and fixing sheets, as once thesheets are fixed, trolleys have to be moved, creating another gap in which to lay the next sheet.

In most situations, additional measures (usually in the form of fall arrest such as safety nets) are required toprotect those using trolley systems from falling through the gap created to lay a new sheet or through fragilematerial such as partially fixed liner sheets.

Trolley systems rely on the alignment of the supporting steelwork and the quality of the joints between purlinsfor the trolleys to run freely. Attempting to free trolleys that have jammed can be dangerous (see Fig. 15). Theyare not suitable where design details such as hips, dormers, etc., do not allow adequate support over the fulllength of the trolley.

Fig. 15: Trolleys can sometimes become difficult to move which can force operators into dangerous positions.


Where trolleys are used:

s there should be a safe system for installing and/or assembling them on the roof specified in the methodstatement;

s the trolley attachment/locking system should be appropriate to the purlin design;

s a safe system for moving trolleys should be established;

s the joints between the purlins must allow the trolley to slide freely. Even minor misalignment cancause the trolley to jam and lead to unsafe systems of work;

s there should be a safe means of access to the trolley;

s when used as edge protection, the trolley must always be locked in position so that it can resist theturning movement of a person falling onto the guard rail;

s if there is risk of falling from the end of the trolley, e.g. at an unprotected ridge, a suitable barriershould be provided.

9 . 2 . 8 F r a g i l e R o o f sFragile roof accidents are not inevitable. Careful planning, suitable equipment, competent workers, and a highlevel of supervision can prevent them. Assume roof to be fragile unless confirmed otherwise by a competentperson.

Falls through fragile roof covering give rise to many fatal accidents in the construction industry. These deathsoccur in both construction and maintenance, involving a whole range of fragile roof covering.

A person must not pass across, or work on or from roof covering which is liable to fracture if his or her weight(or the person’s weight plus the weight of anything he or she is supporting or carrying) were to be applied to itand if it is so situated that if it were to be fractured the person could fall a distance of more than two metres. Arisk assessment must be performed if work is to be done on or adjacent to fragile roofs, and the appropriatecontrol measures must be documented and implemented. Depending on the circumstances, such controlmechanisms may involve railing off the fragile area, the use of adequately supported crawling boards, ladders,duck-boards or doing the required work from a Mobile Elevating Work Platform or other secure platform. Thisis discussed more fully in Appendix 4.

Assessment of fragility by a competent person needs to take account of real-life as well as theoretical conditions.For example, the tolerance on minimum distance between fixings and the edge of the sheet should take intoaccount foreseeable errors in positioning, e.g. at any underlap. (Selecting roof coverings, which do not dependon the number or quality of fixings avoids these factors.) This is particularly relevant to liner sheets and rooflights in built-up roofs.

Some typical examples of roof covering which have failed fragility tests in the past are:

s roof lights;

s liner sheets on built-up roofs;

s unreinforced fibre cement sheets;

s glass (including wired glass);

s wood wool slabs.

Falls through fragile roof covering are a particular problem in building maintenance. Everyone withresponsibility for this type of work, at whatever level, should treat it as a priority. This is particularly importantfor small, short-term maintenance and cleaning jobs.


The long-term solution to this problem lies with designers and their clients, by specifying non-fragile roofassemblies in new and refurbished structures (see paragraph 2.1). However, the problem will remain in existingbuildings for many years. Workplaces will also have to deal with temporary “fragility” of partly fixed roofs, anddeteriorated and damaged structures. The practice of temporarily fixing fragile roof coverings and supportingstructures should be avoided. Clients or occupiers should consider a permit-to-work system to control access toroofs with fragile coverings.

If possible, work should be arranged soas to avoid working on or passing nearfragile roof areas. If this isunavoidable, it is essential to identifyall fragile areas and decide on andimplement stringent precautions. Thisapplies to all operations on the roof,whether construction, maintenance,repair, cleaning, or demolition (seeFig. 16).

Fig. 16: Cleaning a fibre cement roof using a selfcontained water fed brush unit. There is no needfor access onto the roof sheets and the guardrailsprevent workers falling onto them. (Note:waste\water is filtered before disposal.)

Some roof coverings can give a false sense of security to those who are working on or passing by them. Theymay be capable of carrying some distributed load, giving the impression that they can bear a person’s weight.But they might not carry a concentrated load, e.g. the heel of a person walking, or a person stumbling and falling.

For example, asbestos and other unreinforced fibre cement sheeting is liable to shatter without warning undera person’s weight, even when newly installed. Such sheeting will also become more brittle with age. A commonbut fatal belief persists that it is safe to walk along the line of the roof bolts above the purlins. This is walkinga tightrope: one false step or loss of balance can lead to disaster. It should not be assumed that double skin roofsare safe: each layer can fail independently.

Plastic roof lights discolour with age. They may, in the past, have been painted to reduce glare, making themvery difficult to identify. In some cases, insulation has been applied externally to a roof that is substantially loadbearing, but which contains fragile roof lights. This results in the roof lights being obscured. In roofing surveys,consideration should be given for signs of repair, etc. (see Fig. 17) which might disguise fragile parts of a roof.

Fig. 17: In some light conditions it is difficult todistinguish the roof lights from the metal sheets on thistype of roof. Also the valley gutter is very narrow androof lights extend down to gutter level. Both of thesefeatures increase the risk during cleaning,maintenance, and refurbishment.


The fragile parts should be clearly marked and the information recorded. Itshould be included in any safety and health file for the building or anypermit-to-work/access system for the roof. Warning notices should beerected at access points (see Fig. 18).

Wood wool slabs may be liable to fracture beneath a person’s weight. Thefollowing should be treated as fragile:

s wood wool slab less than 75 mm thick without nylon netreinforcement;

s wood wool slab with a nylon net reinforcement but less than 50mm thick;

s wood wool slabs which are wet or previously damaged;

s all straw board slabs, but especially those affected by water;

s all slabs where it is not possible to determine either theircondition or the specific type which has been used.

In some situations the structure supporting the roof covering may deteriorate so much that the roof can become“fragile” and could fail catastrophically. In such a situation, e.g. where timber deterioration is a possibility, athorough survey is essential.

9 . 2 . 9 Preventing Fal ls through Fragi le Roof AreasA safe working platform on the roof, and safe access to the working position must be provided.

To prevent falls through existing fragile roof covering:

s platforms or coverings must be provided and used to support the weight of any person on fragile roofcovering

s guard rails or coverings are required to prevent a person who is passing or working near roof coveringfrom falling through

Stagings (of a minimum 600 mm width) fitted with guard rails can be used where the roof pitch permits. Thereshould be a sufficient number available to allow the work to be carried out safely. Operators should not have tocontinually move stagings to progress over the roof.

Depending on the situation, a combination of ladders, crawling ladders, crawling boards and duck boards mayalso be used when work is to be carried on adjacent to fragile roof covering.

Where it is not practicable to maintain guardrails on both sides of the staging, other precautions will berequired, for example:

s safety nets and other collective fall arrest systems (see Fig. 19); These give maximum freedom toworkers on the roof and can protect people working below, e.g. in a refurbishment project (seeAppendix 2).

s birdcage scaffolds


Fig. 18: Typical Fragile Roof warningsign

Fig. 19: Safety nettingproviding protection forroof lights during minorroof work.

Harness and line systems can also form part of the system of work. They rely on operator training and a highlevel of supervision. The quality of the attachment system is critical. There are also minimum heights belowwhich the system will be ineffective. In this case, a person may hit the floor before the restraint is fullyoperational. See Appendix 3 for further guidance.

Precautions must also be taken to prevent falls from roof edges and working leading edges.

Where a valley or parapet gutter is used for access, precautions should be taken to prevent a person fallingthrough fragile roof covering in an adjacent roof. Where access along gutters is necessary on a regular (even ifinfrequent) basis, then permanent protection should be provided. Where practicable, this should providecollective rather than individual protection. Fixed covers, for example, are preferable to running line systems(see Fig. 20).

Fig. 20: Permanentprotection installed atvalley gutter. (Theprotection should besupported by at least threerafters beneath the roofsheets.)

Covers should extend far enough up the roof to provide protection to anyone falling against them. This isnormally up to two metres, depending on the roof pitch: shallower pitches will require more extensive coveragethan steeper ones. Remember that protection such as safety nets or a birdcage scaffold is needed when coversare being installed and removed. Valley gutters which are overhung by roof sheets so much that there is notenough space for a person’s feet should not be used for access along the roof. It should be possible to clean thegutters without removing walkways or covers.


Fragile Roof

Fragile Roof

Roof lights should not extend within two metres of valley gutters. Where fragile roof lights have already beenfitted in this position and access is needed, permanent protection of the roof lights should be considered.

Precautions should be taken to prevent unauthorised access to fragile roofs. This will normally involve peopleat work, but the likelihood of unauthorised public access may need to be considered as well, particularly bychildren. A risk assessment made under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application)Regulations 1993 is likely to require signs warning of the hazard and prohibiting access except under controlledconditions, e.g. governed by a permit-to-work/access regime. Permanently fixed ladders can be blocked off byboards whenever access is not required. Fig. 18 illustrates a suitable sign which should be fixed at the approachesto roofs with fragile roof coverings.

Such signs should be durable, securely fastened and properly maintained. Any signs used should meet therequirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Signs) Regulations 1995. Such signs are not analternative to a designer’s duty to remove hazards at source where possible, and to apply the general principlesof prevention in their design. Their function is to warn of dangers on existing buildings and where the load-bearing properties of the roof coverings are unclear because of ageing, etc.

9 . 2 . 1 0 Agricultural Bui lding RoofsThese roofs are a specific subsection of industrial roofs in general. The requirements as stipulated earlier forindustrial roofs and roofs in general (with the proviso noted in Section 9.2.11) apply to agricultural roofsalso.

These include collective fall protection as given by nets to the standard outlined in Appendix 4. However,statistics suggest a high level of fatal and non-fatal accidents occur due to falls from or through existing roofs onagricultural buildings and those under construction.

Contributory factors to these falls are a lack of awareness of the hazards involved in these type of roofs, and theinexperience of those accessing the roofs for construction, maintenance and repairs, and dismantling ofroofwork.

A key to the management of safety in agricultural roofwork is the preparation of an adequate risk assessmentoutlining the measures required to control the risks associated with the work.

These risk assessments, as in other industrial roof construction, should identify the methods of access and egressfrom the workplace minimising travel on the roof, the various materials used in the process whether they befragile or non-fragile, and the various methods of controlling the risk of falls at the leading (working) edge. Theyalso should take into account the lifespan of the structure, in that elements of the roof need to be maintainedand will possibly need to be dismantled to accommodate future changes/adaptations to the building as a whole.

The planning at pre-construction stage, whilst examining the various risks associated with the differentactivities, should also take into account the competence of the personnel linked to the project, i.e. the designer,the erector, and the end user.

The designer of agricultural buildings should only specify materials that are consistent with the non-fragileassembly criteria as set out in other parts of this document (except as noted for spaced roofs).

Useful guidance on certain materials suitable for agricultural buildings may be obtained from the Departmentof Agriculture and Food website, www.agriculture.gov.ie/areasofi/fds/s102.doc.

The construction of new agricultural roofs has similar characteristics to that of other industrial buildings andthose characteristics have been identified earlier in this chapter.


A key area associated with agricultural roofs is the level of natural lighting which enters the building and whichis regarded as beneficial for animal welfare and storage of foodstuffs. The practice within the majority ofagricultural buildings has been the provision of natural lighting by specifying fragile roof light assemblies. ThisCode of Practice and the principles of prevention as outlined in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(General Application) Regulations 1993 (and other initiatives within the industry) requires designers to onlyspecify (except as noted in at paragraph 9.2.11), assemblies that are non-fragile. These specifications are ClassA, B or C (minimum) as appropriate in accordance with the “Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies” asmentioned earlier in this Code and as discussed in Appendix 4.

9 . 2 . 1 1 S p a c e d R o o f i n gThe use of “spaced roofing” as a means of providing controlled ventilation is necessary in certain forms ofagricultural building. This system of roofing is specified as essential for certain building circumstances in theDepartment of Agriculture and Food’s “Minimum Specifications for the Structure of Agricultural BuildingsS102”. The nature of this roof system, which involves leaving continuous gaps beside individual roof sheets, hasthe effect that meeting the requirements of ACR[M]001:2000 for non-fragility may not be achieved, and thatin practice this roof assembly must be treated as fragile. Thus, the required warning notices and accessprecautions as outlined at paragraph 12.2.2 must apply for this form of roof assembly.

While not meeting the standard of Class A, B or C in ACR [M]001:2000, this Code of Practice recognises thatthe installation of spaced roofs in agricultural buildings will lead to greater longevity of the roofing materials.However, the materials used for this type of assembly should be of equivalent specification to material used togive a non-fragile assembly if the roof is not in the “spaced roof” configuration.

9 .3 TRADITIONAL TILED AND SLATED ROOFS

9 . 3 . 1 Roof Truss Erect ion A safe place of work should be provided when placing timber trusses (i.e. trussed rafters prefabricated by aspecialist supplier to I.S.193 1986 or similar) on the wall plate and when fitting temporary and permanentbracing. Safe access will also be needed for fitting water tanks and services.

Prefabrication on the ground allows completed sections or whole roofs to be craned into place. This greatlyreduces the need for work at height (see Fig. 21).

Fig. 21: Craning pre-assembled roof into position greatly reduces the need for work at height.


Where access is still needed, a safe working platform should be provided where practicable. Where this is notpracticable, collective fall protection such as nets or air cushions or other collective fall arrest systems to anappropriate standard should be used. Any equipment used to gain access to higher levels of the truss should beproperly designed and stable.

Working platforms or nets can be supported by the truss members if they are stable and capable of sustainingthe load. Guard-rails on platforms should be provided unless truss members provide a similar standard ofprotection. Work below should be prohibited unless effective measures are taken to protect against fallingmaterials (see Fig. 22).

Fig. 22: Roof trusses can be boarded out if access is needed during installation. (Hop-up platforms can improve access.)

Fall arrest equipment such as nets or harnesses should only be relied on where a working platform to thestandard described above is not feasible. Where fall arrest equipment is used:

s attachment points must be fit for purpose;

s the risk of injury during the fall, e.g. from striking parts of the rafters or blockwork, needs to becarefully assessed;

s working platforms should be provided as far as reasonably practicable in addition to the measurestaken to arrest a fall.

See Appendices 2 and 3 for further information.

Trussed rafters and trussed rafter bundles should be stored so that they will be stable under foreseeable conditions(see IS 193 of 1986). If they are to be stored on a scaffold, scaffold designers should be made aware of this. Theycan then consider additional loading in the design. The scaffold platform can be extended to allow for safestorage and buttressing can be included to ensure stability of the trusses.

A crane or other mechanical handling device should always be used for lifting trusses unless this is notreasonably practicable. Good planning and design will reduce the need for manual handling. For instance, sitelayout designs can consider the need for crane locations. Work plans can then allow for cranage areas to be clearof other activities when trusses are installed. If manual handling has to be used, then a safe system of workshould be devised. Manual handling should only be used where trusses are of a suitable size and weight, andwhere structures are no more than two storeys high.


Roof trusses can be boardedout if access is needed

during installation

Carpenters ‘Hop-up’ (same width asdistance between trusses and wide base dimension

for increased stability) improves access for foof workers

Platforms made of boardsor timber sheets

Fig. 23: Nets used to givecollective protection in theerection of housing roofs

Fig. 24(a) Fig. 24(b)

Fig. 24(c)


Figs 24(a) Air Bags, 24(b) Bean Bags, and 24 (c)Decking Platform used to give collective protection in

the erection of trussed roofs

Work programming should include adequate time for the supporting structure to attain sufficient strength beforeroof construction begins. For example, blockwork should be adequately cured. Gable walls are usually unstableuntil tied into the roof assembly and can collapse during truss erection. Unless steps are taken to ensure stability,gable walls should be completed after the trussed rafter roof construction. Party wall construction in terracedunits should follow the same principle unless temporary restraint is provided. Safe access for bricklayers willneed to be planned in for any work that cannot be done from the eaves scaffold.

9.3 .2 . Bracing of TrussesOperatives will be most at risk during the bracing of the trusses to ensure their stability. During this operationthere must be in place a platform or collective fall arrest system such as nets, airbags, etc. to prevent thosecarrying out this operation falling to serious injury on the floor below. Even after the trusses have been placed,they will generally be located at 400mm or 600mm centres. This still leaves the risk to roofers of falling throughthe trusses. Again, a net or platform must be provided to minimise this risk. Generally, roofs of this type willhave a slope. The scaffolding on the outside of these roofs must be to soffet level and the platforms must be fittedwith double handrails and toeboards.

9 . 3 . 3 Instal lation of Felt , Battens, T i les , or SlatesCare must be taken not to overload the scaffolding with material such as tiles, felt, and battens. They shouldonly be loaded on the scaffold in the quantities required and should be evenly spread on the scaffolding and onthe roofs. Care must be exercised to ensure that slates and tiles are not left loosely spread on roofs when thereis a risk of high winds. Generally, they should only be spread in manageable quantities and they should not beleft spread on the roof and unfixed overnight or for any period during windy weather.

9 . 4 FLAT ROOFS On flat roofs, falls most frequently occur:

s from the edge of a completed roof;

s from the edge where work is being carried out;

s through openings or gaps;

s through fragile material.

Where the design of the roof does not provide permanent edge protection, temporary edge protection willnormally be required, e.g. by means of guard rails and toe boards that should when erected:

s give protection during the full course of the work;

s be strong and rigid enough to prevent people from falling and be able to withstand other loads likelyto be placed on them;

s when fixed to a structure, this should be capable of supporting them;

s be designed in such a way that it is not necessary to remove them in order to work at the edge of theroof (see Fig. 25).

Fig. 25: Temporary flat roof edge protection. Adjustablesupports enable work to progress with protection in place.


Guard rails should preferably be supported at ground level if the height of the building allows, as they will thencreate no obstructions to work on the roof. For a higher structure, they can be supported by an upstand at theedge of the roof, if this has adequate strength (see Figs 26 and 27). Guard rails can also be supported by frames,counterweights, or scaffolding on the roof.

All guard rails should meet the minimumlegal standard, i.e. they should include:

s a main guard rail at least 950mm and not greater than 1200mm above any edge from whichpeople are liable to fall; (seeRegulation 69 of the Safety,Health and Welfare at Work(Construction) Regulations2001);

s a toe board at least 150 mmhigh;

s depending on the risk assess-ment, it may be necessary toinstall an intermediate guardrail, barrier or suitablealternative, positioned so thatthe unprotected gap is no greaterthan 470 mm.

s demarcation of access routes andwork areas on flat roofs.

Where limited work is being carried outon sections of a large roof, a simple form ofbarrier some distance from the roof edgecould identify the work area and anyaccess route to it. The distance should beadequate to ensure that people workingwithin the demarcated area cannot fallfrom the edge of the roof. For roofs with aslight slope where this method is used, itmay be necessary to prevent materialsrolling away, beyond the “safe” area.

In most circumstances, a distance of atleast two metres from the edge will besufficient. This will depend on thegeometry of the roof and may need to beincreased. This type of barrier is onlyacceptable where there is a high level ofsupervision and discipline to ensure thatpeople do not go beyond the demarcatedarea. There should be no unprotectedholes, breaks or fragile material within the


Fig. 26: Flat roof edge protection supported at ground level. Ground level supportsallow work at roof level without obstruction.

Fig. 27: Flat roof edge protection supported on the roof edge upstand. The roof upstandmust have adequate strength.

Not morethan 5.0 m

150 mmminimum

Toe boardToe board

clip

910 mmminimum

Guard rail

No gap more than 470 mm

Intermediate rail

About 3.0 m centres

X + 25 mm clear

910 mmminimum

A

B X

X + 25 mm clear

Guard rail

Intermediaterail

230 mm minimum

2.4 m maximum

NeitherA nor Bexceeds470 mm

1.2 mminimum

X + 25 mm clear

Guard railomitted

for clarityTimberfoldingwedge

230 mm minimum

25 mm

X

“safe area”. Barriers should be sufficiently durable and be immediately obvious to all. Markings at foot level arenot a suitable alternative to a barrier (see Fig. 28).

Fig. 28: Demarcation barriers on a large non fragile roof preventing access to the adjacent fragile roof lights. The roof lights are at least 2 metresfrom the barrier.

For short duration work on flat roofs, it may not be feasible to provide edge protection

9 .5 SLOPING ROOFS Sloping roofs for the purposes of this Code of Practice are defined as having a slope greater than 10 degrees andless than 70 degrees. On traditional pitched roofs, most falls occur:

s from the eaves;

s from the roof, typically slipping down the roof, then falling from the eaves;

s rom the roof, falling internally, for example during roof truss erection or demolition (stripping) ofroofs;

s from gable ends.

Falls from sloping roofs are more likely if the pitch is steep, if the surface is slippery and in windy conditions.Moisture, ice, snow, moss and lichens all increase the risk of slipping.

The potential loading on edge protection when a person slides down a pitched roof onto it is much greatercompared to falling against it on a flat roof. Make sure that the scaffold supplier knows the roof pitch whenspecifying edge protection.

If work on the roof requires access within two metres of gable ends, edge protection will be needed at thoseedges.

A scaffold platform at eaves level provides a good standard of edge protection, a working platform and storagespace for materials. Brick guards will be necessary if materials, e.g. roof slates, are stacked above toe boardheight. They also reduce gaps between guard rails but need to be designed for this purpose, taking account ofthe pitch of the roof, and need to be securely fixed (see Fig. 29).


Fig. 29: Typical sloping roof edge protection.Barriers shown in (a) can be useful wherespace is limited but they are not capable ofsustaining loads as large as (b) and (c) whichalso provide a working platform.

Where independent scaffold edge protection is not reasonably practicable, barriers can be attached to thestructure instead. Barriers must be high enough and strong enough to stop a person who is rolling or slidingdown a roof slope (see Fig. 29).

With some long, steeply sloping roofs, edge protection may prevent a fall from eaves level. But it may not preventserious injury if a roof worker falls from a position high on the roof slope. Additional precautions may be required,e.g. work platforms cantilevered out from an independent scaffold. If this is not practicable, then safety harnessesmay be appropriate (see Appendix 3). In all cases, the edge protection should be designed to minimise injury aswell as to prevent a further fall. Safety netting can be incorporated into edge protection to absorb some of theenergy of impact. However, netting on its own is no substitute for appropriate edge protection.

For work of short duration on a pitched roof (e.g. replacing a few tiles or slates), the decision on whether or notto erect edge protection will depend on a number of factors (see paragraph 13.6).

The minimum standard for such short duration work on a pitched roof is:

s safe means of access to roof level;

s a properly constructed and supported roof ladder or equivalent.

For work on chimneys, a properly designed chimney scaffold should be used (see Figs 30(a) and 30(b)).

Fig. 30(a): Chimney scaffold Fig. 30(b): Proprietary system for access to roof and chimney.


Guard rail

Guard railIntermediaterail

Intermediaterail

(v)

(ii)

(a) (b) (c)

(iii)

(iv)

(i)

Toe board

Scaffoldboard

Sloping roof edge protection; typical arrangement in conventional tube and fittings(a) Supported from window opening(b) Working platform below the eaves(c) Top lift of a scaffold. Dimensions should be as follows:

(i) Working platform minimum width 600 mm(ii) Minimum 910 mm(iii) Maximum gap 470 mm(iv) To rise to the line of the roof slope with a minimum height of 150 mm(v) Gap between rails no more than 470 mm

10.0 Protecting the public

The public may be at risk from falling materials during roof work. Precautions should always be taken toprevent materials falling where they may cause danger to anyone. This is particularly important wheremembers of the public pass close to or below roof work. Adequate control measures should also be in

place to prevent materials being blown by the wind which could put workers and the general public at risk.These include removing loose materials from the roof or tying down items that could become airborne.

Precautions are also needed to prevent people from being struck by any materials or tools, which do fall andcould cause injury. Birdcage scaffolds and debris netting can both be used to retain falling materials. Whateversystem is chosen, it should be capable of retaining whatever is likely to fall. If material is stacked on a scaffoldplatform above the height of the toe board, proprietary brick guards will be needed to prevent material fallingonto other workers or the public below. Where the public pass below or near to the scaffold then scaffold fans,tunnels or similar arrangements may be required.

Material may also fall through gaps in theworking platform or between the workingplatform and the building. Sheeting,combined with a second layer of scaffoldboards or plywood sheets, can be used toprevent this (see Fig. 31). Care should also betaken not to overload the scaffold. If there isany risk of drips of hot bitumen falling fromthe roof edge, physical protection or barriersat ground level may be necessary. (See alsoAppendix 6.)

Fig. 31 Suitable protections where the public could be at riskfrom falling objects or materials.

Special precautions will be necessary where children may be put at risk, e.g. at or near schools or play areas, tokeep them off scaffolding, etc. Where possible, planned roof-work in school buildings should be done duringnon-class times such as school holidays.

Waste materials such as old slates, tiles, etc, should never be thrown from the roof or scaffold. They should belowered in skips or baskets designed for the purpose which will not spill material if snagged. Alternatively,enclosed debris chutes can be used. Chutes should be closed off to prevent their use when the skip below hasbeen removed. Skips should be covered where necessary to protect the public from dust and flying materials.

Materials should not be hoisted over the public. To prevent this, either:

s an alternative place for hoisting should be found, e.g. at the rear of the premises;

s alternative means of raising materials may be used;

s a time may be chosen when the footpath, etc., can be closed (by agreement with the local authority).


Brick Guard

Ply to prevent materialfalling through

11.0 Controlling Health Risks 11 .1 INTRODUCTIONBefore specifying a product which may be hazardous to health, designers should consider whether a less harmfulproduct could reasonably be used as an alternative. If substitution is not reasonably practicable, relevantinformation should be included in the preliminary safety and health plan on chemical or biological substancescausing a particular danger to persons working with such products. Instruction and training of employees willalso be needed to ensure that risks and precautions are understood.

11.1 .1 Welfare faci l i t iesGood welfare facilities should always be provided on construction sites. They are the basis of controllingexposure to a number of common hazardous substances, including lead. Basic requirements are:

s a supply of hot and cold running water and soap for washing;

s bowls/sinks big enough to allow hands and forearms to be washed easily before eating or drinking;

s clean towels.

Instruction and training are required to ensure that employees understand the risks and the purpose of thecontrol measures.

1 1 . 1 . 2 Material Safety Data SheetsA Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with theproper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. MSDSs include information such asphysical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage,disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures. If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate orsubstitute harmful substances in use in roofwork, an MSDS should be available for the potentially harmfulsubstances. This will allow appropriate protective measures to be used while the material is in use and will helpto identify adequate procedures in the event of a spill or accident.

11 .2MANUAL HANDLING Lifting and moving loads by hand is one of the most common causes of injury at work. Handling heavy materialsin awkward positions, e.g. rolls of roofing felt and long roof sheets, is a particular problem for roof workers. Manymanual handling injuries result from repeated operations, but even one bad lift can cause serious injury. TheSafety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993 require employers to avoid, whenreasonably practicable, manual handling which creates a risk of injury, particularly back injury. Where it is notreasonably practicable to avoid manual handling, employers have to make an assessment, reduce the risk ofinjury as far as is reasonably practicable, and give information about the weight of loads. To aid this process,suppliers should mark on material the weights of items which it is envisaged will be manually lifted.

11 .3 HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Where designers have been unable to substitute less hazardous substances, contractors will need to carry out anassessment of the risks and necessary precautions. There is a need to identify hazardous substances that are goingto be used, or processes which may produce hazardous substances. The risks from work, which might affect siteworkers or members of the public, should then be assessed. Designers should try to avoid hazardous substancesin their designs. Where this is not possible, they should specify the least hazardous products that performsatisfactorily.


Not all hazardous substances are generated by work activities. There may be waste or litter encountered whenentering roof spaces. For example, substantial quantities of pigeon droppings in a confined space could give riseto a risk to health.

If workers use or are exposed to hazardous substances as a result of their work, the Safety, Health and Welfareat Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 and associated Code of Practice require an assessment of thehealth risks involved and the prevention or adequate control of exposure.

1 1 . 3 . 1 A s b e s t o sThe specific legislation dealing with work with asbestos in Ireland is the European Communities (Protection ofWorkers) (Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 1989 (S.I. No. 34 of 1989). This was amended by the EuropeanCommunities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No. 276of 1993) and the European Communities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment)Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 74 of 2000). The following legislation is also relevant to asbestos-related work:

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001.

Work with asbestos-containing materials can release small fibres into the air. Breathing in these fibres can causefatal diseases. Provided the asbestos material is intact and in good condition, and is not likely to be easilydamaged or disturbed, it should not pose a risk to health by releasing fibres into the air. For additionalinformation, see HSA publication “Safety with Asbestos”.

Roof workers may come into contact with a number of asbestos-containing materials, some of which are listedbelow.

s Asbestos cement products.

• corrugated cement sheets for roofing and cladding;

• roof tiles, slates and ridge capping;

• flat sheeting for partitioning, cladding, and linings to walls and ceilings;

• moulded products such as rainwater gutters, drain pipes, soffits and fascias.

s Other asbestos-containing products.

• asbestos insulation board used for ceiling tiles, partitioning board, cladding or insulation on walls,ceilings, joists and steelwork;

• sprayed asbestos on structural roof members and applied as a coating to asbestos cement sheets;

s asbestos pipe insulation in roof spaces.

Work with asbestos insulation board, sprayed asbestos, asbestos pipe lagging or other asbestos insulationmaterials must be carried out in a strictly controlled manner and should only be undertaken by a specialistcontractor. The presence of sprayed asbestos coating on the inner surface of an asbestos cement roofsignificantly alters the risk associated with work on asbestos cement sheets. More stringent precautions arerequired than for work on asbestos cement alone, and work should be undertaken by a specialist contractor.

Cleaning of asbestos cement roofs: Over a period of time, external surfaces of asbestos cement may becomecovered in lichens, algae, or moss. For aesthetic reasons, there may be a requirement to have these growthsremoved. Before the decision is taken to clean this kind of roof, a thorough risk assessment should be carried


out. Removal of these growths can result in exposure to asbestos fibres and should only be carried out ifabsolutely necessary. Work on the roof will inevitably involve substantial risk of falls. Any system of workadopted must control both these risks.

For additional information on asbestos cement, see HSA publication “Working with Asbestos Cement”.

Dry scraping or wire brushing results in high exposure to asbestos fibres and should be avoided. High pressurewater jetting has several problems associated with it, including the control of contaminated slurry, anddisintegration of the cement matrix, releasing unbound asbestos fibres. The use of surface biocides applied aslow pressure sprays followed by gentle brushing with water is preferable to the use of gentle brushing alone.Further information is given in HSE guidance HS(G) 189/2.

1 1 . 3 . 2 L e a dThe specific legislation dealing with work with lead in Ireland is the European Community (Protection ofWorkers) (Exposure to Lead) Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 219 of 1998). The following legislation is also relevantto lead-related work:

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001;

s Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001.

Roof work can involve working with:

s lead flashing;

s lead sheeting and rainwater goods;

s lead paint on structural steelwork.

Roof workers could be exposed to lead when:

s carrying out hot work/cutting/joining lead materials;

s removing or repairing old lead roofs.

The European Community (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Lead) Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 219 of 1998)require the assessment of any work which may expose people to lead. Guidance on control of exposure and goodworking practices is available. See Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001and associated Code of Practice. Additional Guidance is available from The Lead Sheet Industry publication“Working with Lead in Construction-A Guide to Health Care”. Further information can be obtained from theLead Sheet Association, Hawkwell Business Centre, Maidstone Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN24AH, United Kingdom.

1 1 . 3 . 3 Bitumen and AsphaltBitumen is produced by the refining of crude oil (petroleum oil). It is widely used in the construction andmaintenance of roads, and also in roofing in construction. Coal tar was earlier used for these purposes, butbitumen has replaced tar since the middle of the last century. Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, stone dust, sandand crushed rock and gravel, while Macadam (coated macadam) consists of gravel or crushed rock boundtogether with bitumen.

Bitumen, asphalt, or macadam must be used hot. Bitumen itself is transported as a hot liquid (up to 230oC) andis mixed with aggregate (the other components of the asphalt or macadam) and applied as a hot mix. The chief


risk associated with its use is burns as a result of accidental contact with the products. This can be avoided bythe use of appropriate protective equipment (coveralls, protective gauntlets, footwear and eye protection).

Fumes are however released during the working of hot bitumen, asphalt, and macadam, and concern has beenexpressed about the possible effects on health of breathing these fumes. Bitumen, like some other oil-derivedproducts, contains low levels of chemicals known as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), some of whichare known to cause cancer. PAHs are present in coal tar at much higher levels than those found in bitumen,and are known to be produced during any burning process. The bitumen industry is required to reduce thecontent of PAHs in the product to levels considered to be safe for normal handling and use. Nevertheless, caremust be taken to avoid breathing in of bitumen fumes during hot work, as prolonged exposure may present arisk to health.

The Safety, Health and Welfare (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 require employers to assess the risk ofexposure to any chemical agent at work, including bitumen fumes during hot work, and to put in placeappropriate control measures to reduce exposure as low as is reasonably practicable. The Code of Practice forthe Regulations establishes an occupational exposure standard of 5 mg/m3 for asphalt, petroleum fumes.Bitumen products are normally used in open air situations where there is good ventilation and the risk ofbreathing in fumes is minimised. However, particular attention must be paid to:

s situations where natural ventilation is limited, i.e. in enclosed spaces, or where ventilation is restrictedby adjacent structures;

s workers who may be required to work in close proximity to bitumen boilers.

In these circumstances, respiratory protective equipment may be needed to reduce exposure to fumes. Suppliersof bitumen products will be able to provide detailed advice on appropriate personal protective equipment tocontrol inhalation of fumes, and also to prevent contact with the skin.

1 1 . 3 . 4 Glues and Solvents If hazardous glues and solvents are used, an assessment of the risks and associated control measures must beidentified.

Possible exposure routes include:

s breathing in the dust or fumes;

s through the skin;

s by mouth, e.g. eating or smoking with contaminated hands.

Possible control measures include:

s brush application rather than spraying;

s ventilation to dilute or extract fumes;

s a suitable mask that will absorb vapour before it is breathed in.

s gloves to prevent skin contact;

s adequate and accessible welfare facilities.

1 1 . 3 . 5 Ultraviolet Radiation Roof workers are exposed to sunlight. They are, therefore, at particular risk from the effects of ultravioletradiation on the skin. Simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer, for example suitableclothing, and use of sun screens.


12.0 Maintenance12 .1 INTRODUCTIONMany accidents occur during maintenance and cleaning of roofs. Often, little attention is paid to these short-term activities which may be regarded as low value work. It is often done by those with no experience in, oraptitude for, work at height. This work should only be carried out by experienced operatives with an aptitudefor working at heights.

A high proportion of deaths are caused by falls through fragile roof covering. Any work on fragile roofs, howevertrivial it may seem, should be carefully assessed, planned, and supervised. Factors to be taken into account whenassessing the risk include:

s rooflights which may have been obscured by paint;

s any repairs carried out in the past, especially if fragile roof sheets have been used for “patching” anotherwise non-fragile roof; such practices are highly dangerous;

s metal roof sheets which may have deteriorated with age and become fragile;

s wood wool slabs which may have been weakened by water damage.

A good survey, together with local knowledge, will help to identify such problems. In case of doubt, the roofshould be assumed to be fragile. The precautions described for working on or near fragile roof covering shouldbe rigorously followed, whatever the size of the job.

A typical example is the cleaning of valley gutters on an asbestos cement roof, or a roof containing fragilerooflights. Systems are available to provide long-term protection for these regular operations and should beconsidered for existing roofs.

All persons accessing roofs for maintenance purposes should wear suitable non-slip safety footwear, highvisibility vests, and avoid trailing rain-proof clothing.

The alternative is to provide extensive temporary protection for each operation. This can be less cost-effective,and its use requires rigorous supervision (see Fig. 32).

Fig. 32: Access systems for short-term maintenance work on a fragile roof.


12 .2EXISTING BUILDINGSOn existing buildings, the hazards associated with maintenance must be considered. This is particularly the casefor maintenance done on roofs, or on plant and equipment mounted on roofs.

The hazards associated with such maintenance must be identified and the risks assessed. If the risks cannot beeliminated, the control measures to minimise the risk must be documented. During maintenance, the possibilityof fire must also be addressed.

1 2 . 2 . 1 Fragi le Roofl ightsEvery year, a significant number of accidents occur involving falls through fragile rooflights duringmaintenance. Persons who have control of a workplace which will involve people being subjected to risks offalling two metres or more through a fragile rooflight must ensure that a warning notice is affixed at all accesspoints to the fragile rooflight.

The person in control of the place of work where personnel are exposed to such risks must consider thefeasibility of replacing fragile rooflights with non-fragile rooflights. If this is not reasonably practicable, otheroptions such as installing mesh or grid supports underneath or over the rooflights, which will prevent personnelfalling, must be evaluated.

1 2 . 2 . 2 F r a g i l e R o o f sThere are still many roofs in existence which could fracture when they are subjected to a person’s weight or aperson plus a load being supported by the person. These roofs must not be accessed by anyone unless a writtenrisk assessment is in place, and a documented safe system of work has been drawn up.

The fragility of the roof should be clearly signposted at all access points, and any person accessing the roof mustbe made aware of the fragile properties of the roof. Signs must be installed warning of the roof fragility. Suchsigns are not an alternative to eliminating risks at source but must be installed if the elimination of the risk isnot reasonably practicable.

If access must be gained, adequate supports must be put in place. Such supports include properly supportedcrawling boards, adequately supported ladders, and frames or similar measures. Standing on the line of fixingbolts is not a safe method of work or a safe method of access, and should not be relied upon for support.

1 2 . 2 . 3 Plant and EquipmentPlant such as air-handling units, chillers, etc. are routinely placed on the roofs of buildings. The maintenanceof such plant must be considered, not only by the employer of the personnel undertaking maintenance and ofthe plant, but also those in control of the workplace where this plant is located.

If the edge of the roof does not have significant protection, plant should not be located close to it. If plant isalready located close to an edge, and maintenance of this plant must be carried out, the risk to the maintenancepersonnel must be assessed. The employer of the maintenance personnel must liaise with the personcommissioning the maintenance to assess if moving the plant is reasonably practicable. If moving the plant toa safer area is not reasonably practicable, a safe system of work must be in place to minimise, as far as reasonablypracticable, the risk to the maintenance personnel. Generally, the employer of the maintenance personnel willneed to liaise with the person or person in control of the roof to put in place a safe system of work. The personcommissioning the work must co-operate with the maintenance personnel and their employers to eliminate riskas far as is reasonably practicable.

If plant is located away from an open edge, or can be relocated away from an open edge, an exclusion zone maybe established, depending on the nature of maintenance work being done. Such exclusion zone should prevent


personnel having to go within two metres of an edge from which they are likely to fall more than two metres.

Note: An exclusion zone will probably involve external parts of the plant, which must be maintained oraccessed, being located a distance of more than 3 metres or more from any open edge. Cages should alsobe installed on ladders on plant, if the height of the plant warrants their installation.

1 2 . 3 New Bui ldingsMaintenance of roofs, and maintenance work on roofs, must be considered at the design stage of a project. Thedesigners should first, as noted in Chapters 3 and 4, ensure that unnecessary risks are not designed in for futuremaintenance personnel. If personnel will be accessing the roof, then handrails should be designed and installedif practicable. As outlined at paragraph 12.2.3, the location of plant and equipment must be considered at designstage, and should be positioned in such a way as to minimise the risk of personnel being injured or killed fromfalls.

Proposed safe maintenance strategies must be included, where relevant, in the safety file, which is given to theclient after completion of the project. The safety file must include the input from designers and the PSDS, asnecessary, regarding the consideration of safe maintenance.

Chapters 3 and 4 set out in more detail the role of the designers and Project Supervisors Design Stage indesigning in appropriate standards in the safety of maintenance operations.


13.0 Types of Work13 .1 INTRODUCTIONThis chapter considers the different safeguards which are required in different types of roof work. All roofworkis potentially dangerous, however limited the time scale.

13 .2 INSPECTION Inspection of roofs, e.g. prior to refurbishment, must be done with care by those trained and experienced inassessing the risks involved. The work should be carried out from a safe place. This could be from an adjacentstructure using binoculars or from mobile access equipment or a secured ladder. Some investigations can becarried out from below if the roof structure is exposed. If inspectors must go onto a roof, they will be exposed tohigh risks, and high safety standards will be required (see Fig. 33).

Fig. 33: Powered access for the inspection of a large fragile roof.

13 .3 REFURBISHMENT Roof refurbishment can be complex, and is always high risk. It demands careful planning. Such planning shouldinclude, for example:

s any fragile elements in the roof such as asbestos cement sheets, glazing, plastic rooflights or wood woolslabs, should be clearly identified as early as possible;

s the precautions to prevent people falling through fragile parts of the roof should be clearly identified.These need not always be complex, but must be effective. They include the protection of people whowork on, or pass by fragile material;

s risk assessment is needed when deciding whether to refurbish or to replace fragile roof coverings. Forexample, the decision on whether to clean and seal, or replace an existing asbestos cement roof shouldtake into account the additional risks and cost of future maintenance. Where cleaning is carried out,a safe system must be adopted.


s close liaison with the client will be necessary where premises remain occupied during refurbishment;

s a structural survey may be required to confirm the strength or stability of roof members.

13.4 STRIPPING AND DISMANTLING OF ROOFS Stripping roofs to reclaim slates or tiles and timber during demolition can often involve unsafe practices. Anindependent scaffold should be provided at eaves level. This gives safe access to the roof and room for storageof materials. The scaffolding contractor should be informed of the intended loading, and care must be taken notto exceed this. It may be necessary to give specific guidance to site supervisors on the maximum number of tilesor slates per scaffold bay.

Timber battens deteriorate with age. They should not be used as footholds unless they have been inspected bya competent person to confirm that they have sufficient residual strength.

As the roof is stripped, steps must be taken to prevent internal falls, for example through the roof supports. Thebest option is often the use of mobile access equipment, provided that ground conditions are suitable.

Mechanical handling devices and waste chutes are particularly relevant to demolition where large quantities ofwaste and reclaimed materials are removed from roofs. Demolition of buildings with fragile roof sheets or linersrequires careful planning. It is vital when a client appoints a contractor that the client is satisfied that thecontractor has the necessary competence and resources. Resources include the time needed to plan and carryout the work safely.

1 3 . 4 . 1 Str ipping and Dismantl ing of Asbestos Cement RoofsAsbestos cement sheeting is a fragile material and cannot be relied upon to support the weight of a person. Ifthe asbestos cement sheets are in good condition and it is possible to provide safe access, preferably fromunderneath (using, e.g. scissors lifts), the sheets should be taken down whole. However, when using thismethod, the sheets should not be dropped or damaged and should be kept damped down while working on themto suppress fibre release. Power tools should not be used to cut the fixing bolts as this could lead to damage ofthe asbestos sheeting, generating high levels of airborne asbestos fibres. The bolts should be opened or cut usinga bolt crops. The sheets should be lowered onto a clean hard surface and double wrapped in heavy gaugepolythene. The asbestos cement waste and debris should be removed from site as soon as possible to prevent itbeing crushed underfoot or by moving vehicles. For advice on waste disposal, the local authority or theEnvironmental Protection Agency should be contacted.

The law requires that you have a plan or method statement for the removal of asbestos sheets. This plan shouldinclude information on the method of removal, method of dust suppression, details of the selection, use anddecontamination of personal protective equipment and respiratory protective equipment, and any other relevantinformation specific to the job. Facilities to allow employees to wash thoroughly need to be provided after workingwith asbestos cement. The extent of these facilities depends on the nature and degree of exposure to asbestos. Theneed for air monitoring should be determined as part of the risk assessment of the work. It may be required wherea large quantity of asbestos cement has been handled or where significant contamination has occurred.

If a secure platform cannot be provided, and collective fall protection cannot be given, in certain very limitedcircumstances remote demolition may be undertaken. This could be by machine, such as a pusher arm, ordeliberate controlled collapse. Where it is necessary to carry out this type of activity, the HSA should becontacted before the demolition commences.

13 .5 SHORT DURATION WORK A figure of approximately two person hours could be used to define work of short duration in the formulatingof a risk assessment. However, additional factors, such as the number of people working on a roof for short


duration, may determine the requirement for edge protection or other precautions during such work. For workof short duration, it may not be reasonably practicable to install safeguards such as edge protection. The decisionon the precautions to be taken will depend on an overall assessment of the risks involved, which should include:

s complexity of the work;

s pitch of the roof;

s condition of the roof;

s weather conditions;

s risk to those putting up edge protection;

s risk to other workers and the public.

For work on all roofs, unless a small number of people areinvolved for short duration, including toe board, full edgeprotection is required on all roof elevations to which access isneeded. This is to prevent people and materials falling fromthe edge of the roof.

Mobile access equipment can provide a safe working platformin some situations (see Fig. 34). Where this is not practicable,travel restraint or fall arrest should be considered.

Fig. 34: Simple mobile access used for short-term work at parapet level.

Travel restraint can prevent a fall by physically restricting the movement of a person to the confines of a safearea. It should not be possible to reach any unprotected edge, hole, or fragile material when relying on thissystem. Fall arrest is not the same as travel restraint. Fall arrest relies on minimising injury once a fall hasoccurred. In both cases, specialist advice should be sought from the supplier of the equipment on anchoragepoint requirements. Supervision and training are needed to ensure that the system of work adopted isunderstood by all and is maintained. See Appendices 2 and 3 for further information on fall arrest.


14.0 Training.RRoof work is potentially hazardous and roof workers need appropriate knowledge, skills, and experience to

do it safely. Otherwise they need to be under the supervision of someone who has those qualities.

Workers should be trained in safe working practices. It is not enough to hope that they will “pick up” safety onthe job from other workers – they might simply be learning someone else’s bad habits.

Employers need to satisfy themselves of their employees’ abilities before carrying out activities, and providenecessary training where it is required. Employees will need training on the risks they will encounter (such asrecognising fragile roof covering) and safe systems of work to control them.

The minimum acceptable standard of training for those erecting standard non-truss type roofing (see Chapter9) is the approved FÁS Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) for Roofer Sheeter/Wall Cladders orBuilt up Roof Felters, as appropriate. In certain cases, it may be appropriate to demonstrate competence to thislevel in order to be granted the relevant certification. This will depend on the experience of the candidate forcertification and the training requirements of the role. This standard is mandatory under the Safety, Health andWelfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001. If workers have not been trained to this standard, they mustbe under the direct supervision of someone who has been certified as appropriate, and be in possession of a letterfrom their employer stating that they are a trainee under supervision, giving the date which they began this typeof work.

For personnel working on the construction of traditional tiled and slated roof generally, suitable training mustalso be provided. Personnel involved in roofwork erection may also need training in setting up and usingequipment they are required to use. Typical examples would be:

s erecting a tower scaffold;

s setting up a hoist or Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP);

s rigging and inspection of safety nets.

It is also recognised that those not involved in roofwork erection can erect nets if competent to do so. Formaltraining should be made available to those erecting and inspecting/certifying nets, and those setting up andoperating Mobile Elevating Work Platforms which are to be used on site. Employers may liaise with FÁS, theConstruction Industry Federation (CIF), or the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for assistance in selectingtraining providers for these skills.

Generally, formal refresher training will be required periodically, depending on the work being carried out bypersonnel. However, this training should not be at greater intervals than four years.

Training or assessment in the erection of mobile tower scaffold should be undertaken under the auspices of theFÁS CSCS scheme. If net erectors or MEWP drivers have not been formally trained, they should be directly(one to one) supervised by an appropriately trained person, and should be in possession of a letter from theiremployer stating that they are a trainee under supervision and giving the date when they began undertakingthis type of work.

Managers and supervisors need competence to deliver safety standards on site. To achieve this, they will requirehealth and safety training in order to:

s assess and prioritise the risks on a particular project;


s design safe systems of work that are appropriate to specific site conditions;

s prepare clear, simple safety method statements that can be used and understood by site workers.

Everyone who uses personal protective equipment should know how to use it effectively, for example:

s how to inspect the equipment to ensure that it will operate satisfactorily;

s how to fit and use a safety harness, following the manufacturer’s recommendations;

s how to check the face fit of a respirator, or respiratory protective equipment (RPE);

s how to safely store personal protective equipment (PPE).

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 require contractors to have in placea Safety Officer if they have more than 30 employees employed on different sites, or if they have more than 20on any single site. The Safety Officer has a role in advising contractors about compliance with health and safetylegislation and generally bringing about improvements in safety, health, and welfare on site.

Employers should remain familiar with evolving technologies, work methods, industry guidelines andlegislation, and ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that their employees are adequately trained to caterfor changes in the work environment.


AppendicesAppendix 1 Issues to be Considered for Method Statements in

Industrial Roof Work

Appendix 2 Use of Safety Nets

Appendix 3 Use of Safety Harnesses and Running Line Systems

Appendix 4 Fragility: Tests and Specifications

Appendix 5 Removal of Asbestos Cement Roof Sheets

Appendix 6 Safe Operation of Bitumen Boilers

Appendix 7 Inspection of Energy-Absorbing Lanyards made fromWebbing or Rope


APPENDIX 1ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN DEVELOPING METHOD STATEMENTS FOR INDUSTRIAL ROOF WORK This appendix is not a method statement. It indicates the issues that method statements need to consider for industrialroof work. A similar analytical approach is appropriate for other roof work.

This is high-risk work, which requires the closest attention to detail at all stages of the work. There should,before work starts, be a job-specific method statement, in writing, agreed and understood by all parties carryingout the work. Those with a supervisory role over the work must also understand it. Rigorous supervision isneeded to ensure that the agreed method is followed in practice. In general, the employer must provide directsupervision for his or her employees. However, the PSCS will also have a role in co-ordinating safe workingpractices on site. The systems of works must be agreed between the employers and the person in overall controlof the place of work. There should also be a system to allow necessary changes to be made and confirmed.

Method statements should be clear, concise and include simple sketches.

The following general questions are particularly relevant to a low pitch industrial roof. This is not an exhaustivechecklist, but is intended to act as a prompt when method statements are prepared and reviewed.

Non-standard or unusual systems will require special consideration. There may also be risks specific to anindividual site that will need to be addressed (e.g. the presence of overhead power lines).

RISK OF FALLING, E .G. GETTING ON/OFF LADDERS AT EAVES Access to roof: have access points been discussed with the roofing gang in order to reduce travel over the roofto a minimum? If ladders are used (as opposed to towers), are means available for hoisting smaller componentsnot craned up? Has the stability of long ladders been considered, e.g. will they need staying to reduce whip?

RISK OF FALLING WHEN WALKING PAST OPEN EDGES TO FETCH MATERIALS Materials handling: how are roofing packs loaded out onto the roof? Is this planned so as to reduce travel whenfetching sheets, and does it allow for protected routes/safe means of access? Splitting packs of different sheet sizeand reassembling them at ground level can save travel at height. Back loading sheets onto the completed roofcan reduce travel past open edges.

RISK OF FALLING FROM STEEL FRAME WHEN UNSLINGING Cranes: if one is used, who will accept the load or unsling it? How will they be protected from falling? Has theuse of mobile access equipment been considered for this task?

RISK OF FALLING OUTSIDE BUILDING FRAME EXISTS AT ALL STAGES OF WORK. GABLE ENDS AREPARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS Edge protection: does the programme ensure that eaves, gable ends and other open edges are protected beforework starts? Protection will also be required at ridges unless work progresses at the same rate on both roof slopes.What are the access arrangements for those installing edge protection?

RISK OF FALLING ON BOTH SIDES OF GUTTER, I .E . INSIDE AND OUTSIDE BUILDING FRAME Gutter fixing: how will workers be protected from falling? Peripheral edge protection erected for roof workerswill not be sufficient at this phase. Has the use of mobile access equipment been considered as a first priority?If the use of a running line or harness and lanyard is specified, who will erect and test the line?


RISK OF FALLING FROM PARTLY COMPLETED ROOF Leading edge protection: how will this be achieved? Has the use of safety nets been considered in the light oflegal duties and risk assessment for the total roofing operation? Stagings used as working platforms should bestable and of adequate width with handrails/running lines specified to suit the working practices. Work donekneeling/bending needs careful attention as the operator’s centre of gravity can extend over the leading edge.What method is specified for moving stagings?

Is the method of work to be adopted when laying the first sheet specified? Some architectural features, e.g. hipends, will require modifications to the working methods. These should be fully described.

Has fixing of ridge capping/flashing been included in the system of work? Is effective edge protection providedat the gable end of the ridge?

Does the method statement make it clear at what stage of construction materials such as liner panels becomeload-bearing? The number and type of fixings required should be stated. Until this is achieved, they must betreated as fragile materials, i.e. unable to sustain a person’s weight and protection provided as above. Nettinginstalled to the standard outlined in Appendix 2 should provide collective fall protection where it is notreasonably practicable to operate from a safe working platform.

Have any fragile materials been specified by the designer? If so, this design decision should be reviewed by thedesigner as a matter of urgency in terms of duties under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction)Regulations 2001.

For refurbishment work on existing roofs, are there any fragile materials on the roof, e.g. rooflights? These willhave to be protected. How will this be achieved? If covers are to be used, are they strong enough, taking accountof the span required? How will they be fixed and what is the system for their removal?

Zoning of the roof into working and non-working areas can reduce the number of rooflights that need to beprotected. The system for marking out the zones and for progressing the work should be specified. If barriersmarking the edge of the zones are within two metres of fragile material, they must be strong and rigid enoughto support the weight of a person who loses their balance.

Zoning should take account of travel to the working area by the roof workers and also the need for materials tobe moved around the roof. The system should ensure that all rooflights within working zones and adjacent toaccess routes are protected.

SYSTEMS CONTROL Communications: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the method statement is communicated to andagreed with the roofing gang?

Supervision: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the work proceeds according to the methodstatement?

Modifications: what are the arrangements for agreeing any modifications to the method statement and ensuringthat these are communicated to the roofing gang?

Validation: what are the arrangements for ensuring that the company safety adviser or other nominatedcompetent person has reviewed, and is satisfied with the system of work proposed?


APPENDIX 2USE OF SAFETY NETS1. Safety nets can be effectively employed to reduce potential falls and to minimise their effects. They offer

collective, passive safety, as they protect everyone working within their boundary, without requiring thoseworkers to act to be protected. They allow a broad range of activity to continue with minimum restriction.

2. Safety nets have high-energy absorption capability and therefore offer a “soft landing” that minimises injury.They should always be fitted as close as possible to the underside of the working platform.

3. Lightweight, square mesh nets offer the flattest span (less than 10% sag). In most roof work, it is possible toposition such a net so that, even at the point of maximum sag, it is less than two metres from the roofsurface. In this position, the net is an effective guard and this standard should be attained wherever possible.

4. Safety nets overlaid with an appropriate fine mesh debris cover can also protect those who have to work orpass below. Consideration should be given to the type of materials likely to fall, e.g. fixings or tools, whenselecting the overlay material. Safety nets have the additional advantage that materials are contained by thenet and do not bounce.

5. Safety nets can be effectively employed to:

s prevent injury due to falls from leading edges, through fragile panels or temporarily fixed materials innew-build roofing;

s guard rooflights and fragile roof materials during cleaning, maintenance, and replacement of the roof;

s prevent injury from falls during roof truss erection, e.g. when fitting diagonal bracing;

6. Safety nets should be manufactured to the requirements of the European Standard EN 1263: Part 1 {SafetyNets. Part 1 Safety Requirements Test Method En 1263: Part 1 1997} And should be erected in accordancewith EN 1263: Part 2. {Safety Nets. Part 2 Safety Requirements For Erection Of Safety Nets EN 1263: Part2 1998}. The standard describes four basic types of safety nets. The nets described in this guidance are TypeS. This is the standard horizontal safety net with border cord that is designed to be sized and fixed to thebuilding structure. EN 1263: Part 2 covers the main technical information for the use of such nets.

DESIGN AND TECHNICAL DETAILS 7. When rigging safety nets it is important to maintain their energy-absorbing characteristics. Too many fixing

points and the net becomes more rigid and imposes larger loads on the user, the structure and the net itself.Too few fixing points, and the net will sag too greatly and deflect too much under load. The manufacturer’srecommendations and the British Standard Code of Practice should be followed on the number and spacingof fixing points. Checks need to be made to ensure that the supporting structure is capable of resisting theexpected anchorage loads.

8. Wherever possible nets should be rigged so as to prevent falls of two metres or more. If they are to be usedfor the arrest of falls greater than two metres, they should have:

s an area greater than 35 square metres;

s a minimum side length (width) greater than five metres;


s maximum support spacing of 2.5 metres

s an individual anchor point capacity of 6 kN, applied at 45° to the horizontal;

s a combined capacity over an adjacent series of anchor points of 4 kN, 6 kN, 4 kN.

9. Adequate clearance must be allowed below the net to allow it to function properly. The manufacturer’srecommendations should be followed for the minimum clearance that should be free of all obstructions.{Safety Nets. Part 1 Safety Requirements Test Method EN 1263: Part 1 1997}.

10. Safety nets must extend beyond the leading edge of the work by at least the minimum catching width. Thisis linked to fall height (see Table 1).

TABLE 1: FALL HEIGHTS AND CATCHING WIDTHS

11. The maximum general fall height is six metres. However, this is reduced to three metres within two metresof the supported edge of the safety net, to take account of the reduced capacity for energy absorption nearthe fixed edge.

PLANNING 11. When planning the use of safety nets, the technical aspects should be taken into consideration. It is feasible

to pre-position safety net attachment points (e.g. welded lugs) onto primary steel work, for use whenerecting the building. These would then be available to support safety nets when building maintenance isneeded and also for eventual demolition.

ERECTION 13. Safety nets can be connected by designed attachment points or by flexible tie ropes to primary steelwork of

suitable capacity, or to other selected anchorage points. Nets can be moved and removed as the workprogress demands.

14. The risk to riggers erecting, moving, and dismantling nets should be assessed and a safe system of workestablished. Access equipment such as mobile towers or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) shouldbe capable of resisting any imposed sideways loading during net installation. In existing buildings, there maybe permanently installed access equipment. This may be used if suitable for the imposed loads. Roped accesstechniques may be appropriate in some buildings. This is specialised work and should only be undertakenby those trained and competent to carry it out {Guidelines On The Use Of Rope Access Methods ForIndustrial Purposes Industrial Rope Access Trade Association 1997 ISBN 0 9523227 14}.

15. Those who erect nets should be aware of the relevant standards, be trained, and be competent to carry outthe work safely. This may require the use of specialist installers and riggers, especially where large nets arebeing used. The minimum level of training is set out in Chapter 14 of this Code of Practice.

16. Material should not be allowed to fall into nets. Rubbish should not be thrown into nets. Loose or sharpmaterial should not be stacked loosely above the nets. Any material supported above the net should beindependently secured.


Fall height < 1.0 m < 3.0 m < 6.0 m

Catching width > 2.0 m > 2.5 m > 3.0 m

APPENDIX 3USE OF SAFETY HARNESSES AND RUNNING LINE SYSTEMS1. A fall arrest system should be the last choice for protection against falls from height. There is still a

possibility of injury in an arrested fall. The system relies on the user accepting the discipline to ensure thatthe equipment is consistently and effectively used. There will be circumstances, however, when it is notreasonably practicable to provide physical measures to prevent a person falling. In such cases, a full bodyharness attached to a suitably anchored system incorporating some form of energy absorber may be the onlyprecaution available. This at least ensures that if a fall occurs, it is safely arrested.

2. Fall arrest systems come in a variety of forms. These range from a single lanyard or a retractable type fallarrester attached to a fixed anchorage point through to a number of lanyards with mobile attachment pointson a single horizontal flexible anchorage line or a proprietary multi-span cable-based system. All should beused with full body harnesses. The system should incorporate some form of energy absorber or energy-dissipating element to ensure that the deceleration forces on the user do not exceed 6 kN. Fall arrest systemsserve as personal protective equipment (PPE) against falls from height.

3. The provision and use of fall arrest equipment is subject to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (GeneralApplication) Regulations 1993. There are a number of relevant European Standards specifying therequirements for fall arrest systems and components, namely:

s PPE against falls from height. Part 1 specification for guided type fall arrestors on a rigid anchorageline EN 353: part 1 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Part 2 specification for guided type fall arrestors on a flexible typeanchorage line EN 353: part 2 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Lanyards EN 354: 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Energy absorbers EN 355: 2002;

s PPE against falls from height retractable type fall arrestors EN 360: 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Full body harnesses EN 361: 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Connectors EN 362: 1993;

s PPE against falls from height. Fall arrest systems EN 363: 2002;

s PPE against falls from height. Test methods EN 364: 1993;

s PPE against falls from height. General Requirements for Instructions for Use and for Marking BS EN365: 1993;

4. A suitable anchorage point is vital when using a fall arrest system such as safety harnesses. This could be asingle fixed anchorage point or a flexible anchorage line. The adequacy of all anchorages, including theability of the supporting structure to carry the anchorage loads, should be verified by calculation or bytesting. For example, the structural adequacy of a guard rail to resist fall arrest forces should be assessedbefore a lanyard and harness are anchored to it. Anchorages should generally be installed as high as possible,preferably above the user and never below foot level. Retractable type fall arresters should generally beanchored at chest height or above, however occasionally they may be anchored at ground levels when theyhave been appropriately tested.


5. In order for a fall arrest system to function correctly, there must be adequate clearance below. For example,a system comprising a full body harness and a two-metre long lanyard with an energy absorber anchored atfoot level could require up to 6.25 metres of clearance below the anchorage. This is made up as follows:

s two metres, original length of the lanyard plus shock absorber;

s 1.75 metres, maximum allowable extension of the shock absorber;

s 2.5 metres, allowance to cover the displacement of the full body harness and the clearance below thefeet of the user after the arrest.

When a flexible anchorage line system is used, allowance must also be made for the sag of the line betweenanchorages. However, lanyards have been developed which require less clearance than the 6.25 metresstipulated above. If 6.25 metres clearance cannot be achieved the use of such lanyards may be necessary toensure a safe system of work.

6. Consideration should also be given to how a person would be rescued after an arrested fall, particularly fromhigh structures. A system of work must be in place in order to rapidly (within a period of minutes) rescue aworker whose fall has been arrested by a harness.

7. Adequate information, instruction, training, and supervision should be given when a fall arrest system isused. For example:

s how to wear the harness and adjust it to the body;

s how to manage the lanyard and other equipment;

s how to fall so as to minimise the risk of injury;

s how to self rescue or assist others after a fall;

s how to inspect the equipment and recognise significant defects;

s how to assemble the system correctly, including recognition of the importance of safe anchorages;

8. Fall arrest systems are not foolproof and their safe usage is not always common sense. Without propertraining in fitting, use, maintenance, installation, and equipment limitation, all that a fall arrest system canprovide is a false sense of security.

9. Personnel should not undertake work at heights involving fall protection by harnesses alone. This is toensure that there will be someone in place to raise the alarm in the event of a person being suspended in aharness in order to effect a rescue of this person.


APPENDIX 4FRAGILITY: TESTS AND SPECIFICATIONS1. The test that is recommended for fragility in roofing is from the UK Advisory Committee for Roofwork. The

title of the document is ACR[M]001:2000 “Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies”. Critical items to betaken into account during the consideration of fragility, in addition to the sheets themselves, are thestiffness of the purlins, the end and side lap in built-up metal roofs, and the end lap in composite metal roofs.

2. In this Appendix, an “element” means a rooflight, an area of sheeting, or similar. This includes all thefixings and supports for the element as well as the materials used in its construction. For a site-assembleddouble skin system, the liner sheets for metal, fibre cement and plastic rooflights should be considered aselements in their own right and tested as such. Safe systems of work for the initial construction of such aroof also depend on information on the fragility of liners related to laps and fixings.

3. If a person fell through an element, it would clearly have failed and so be considered fragile. It would alsofail if it temporarily supported the person after the initial impact only to collapse a short time afterwards sothat the person fell. For this reason, elements should have a suitable reserve of strength after initial impact.This can be seen as a “margin of safety” to allow the person to escape from the broken element before totalfailure could occur.

4. The capability of an element to withstand loads depends on the nature of the material used and itsconfiguration, e.g.:

s thickness;

s span;

s profile;

s the type of fixings used;

s the quality of fixings, e.g. material specification;

s the number and position of fixings;

s the design of the supporting structure, e.g. purlin specification including thickness and flexibility.

6. It may also depend on the age of the material, for example, the effects of weathering, ultraviolet degradation,corrosion, mechanical damage, and chemical attack on the materials can all have a profound effect onfragility.

7. Extract from “Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies” ACR[M]001:2000



ANNEX 1

SANDBAG FOR THE DROP TEST

A1.1 The sand bag for use in the drop test for fragility- see 2.3.4 - shall be as in figure A1/1:

Connection toquick-releasedevice

bag 100% cottonmedium-duty weave

max free-board100 mm

top of sand

sand

max 50 mm dishingof sand-bag

300 mm [nom]diameter

A1.2 The bag shall be filled with the dry sand, in layersnot exceeding 150 mm deep. Each layer shall becompacted by ramming with a 32 mm diameter x 1.0mlong reinforcing bar. The ramming action shall beachieved by raising the reinforcing bar to a height of atleast 50 mm above the sand and letting it fall throughgravity at least ten times. The compacting action shallbe spread over as much of the surface of the sand aspossible.

A1.3 On completion of the compaction of the sand, thebag shall be drawn tight as close as possible to the topsurface of the sand. The free space above the sand shallnot exceed 100 mm. The bag shall be tied to ensure thatsand cannot escape.

A1.4 The connection to the quick release device shallbe arranged to ensure that the bag hangs within 1.5˚ ofthe vertical.

ANNEX 2

FIGURES REFERRED TO IN THE TEXT

A2.1 The figures referred to in the text at 1.3.2.4, 2.3.3and 2.3.5 are sown in Figures A2/1, A/2 and A2/3respectively.

FIGURE A2/3 - Arrangement for drop-test

FIGURE A2/1 - Methods of calculating E fromload-deflection curves

FIGURE A1/1

Load

Load

E - OA/OB

E - OA/OB

B

B

O

O

A

A

20kg

E for non-linear load-deflection behaviour

Deflection

Deflection

E for linear load-deflection behaviour

C1 - quick releasemechanism

sand-bag impactorweight = 45kg

1200minTest sample


ACR[M]1001:2000TEST FOR FRAGILITY OF ROOFING ASSEMBLIES

45 kg through1200 mm

45 kg through1200 mm

Replace afteraccidentalfall in use

NO

NO

NO

YES

YES

YES

YES

KEY

examine

FRAGILE[cl3.1]

at least5 minutes

significantdamage

Drop TestNo 2

[cl3.4]

Retained for 5

Minutes

Retained?

CLASS C[cl 3.3]

CLASS B[cl 3.4.2]

CLASS A[cl 3.5]

Drop Test No.1[cl 2.3]

roof support memberpurlin/rafter

* exact position in shaded zone to be specified by thecompetent person

FIGURE A2/3 - Impact zones for droptest according to 2.34

[Impactor must contact within areas shown]

impact zone [ii]

impactzone [i]

lap

300300

cl

300

300

300

150

cl

impact zone*[iii]

ANNEX 3 FLOWCHART FOR FRAGILE TEST

APPENDIX 5REMOVAL OF ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOF SHEETS

1 . Asbestos other than asbestos cementIf the building contains any asbestos whose removal would be notifiable to the HSA (e.g. pipe insulation orsprayed coatings) or asbestos insulation board, these materials should be removed prior to the rest of thedemolition. This should be done in accordance with the European Communities (Protection of Workers)(Exposure to Asbestos) Regulations 1989 (S.I. No. 34 of 1989) and associated amendments of 1993 and2000 (S.I. No. 276 of 1993 and S.I. No. 74. of 2000). The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (ChemicalAgents) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 619 of 2001) and associated Code of Practice is also applicable. Inaddition, the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 481 of 2001)generally apply to asbestos removal work. For practical guidance, see UK Code of Practice L27 (HSE Books,1993, ISBN 0 11 8820370).

2 . Removal of asbestos cementGenerally, asbestos cement sheeting should be removed by hand. The system of work should take intoaccount the fragility of the roofing material. Reference should be made to the HSA document, “Guidelineson Working with Materials Containing Asbestos Cement”.

3 . Asbestos cement characterist icsAsbestos cement is a grey, hard, brittle material normally containing approximately 10–15% asbestos fibre.It is a dense material with a density greater than 1 tonne/m+3+. The asbestos fibres are tightly bound withcement. In order to release the asbestos fibres from asbestos cement, the material needs to undergomechanical damage. Activities such as sawing, drilling, wire brushing or crushing the material by trackingback and forth with heavy machinery are likely to produce dust containing asbestos fibres which maybecome airborne if the material is in a dry condition.

4 . Ban on white asbestosFrom the mid 1980s, asbestos cement material contained only chrysotile (white asbestos), but prior to thatcrocidolite (blue asbestos), and amosite (brown asbestos) were used. Although all forms of asbestos can leadto the disease mesothelioma, the blue and brown forms are regarded as more of a hazard than white asbestos.The control limits for blue and brown asbestos laid down in the European Communities (Protection ofWorkers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No. 276 of 1993) are more stringentthan for white asbestos. Second-hand asbestos cement sheet cannot be resold or reused. The EuropeanCommunities (Protection of Workers) (Exposure to Asbestos) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 74of 2000) bans the use of all white asbestos.

5 . Risk of fal l ing Many asbestos cement products, such as roof sheets, cladding, downpipes, and gutters are located at heightand therefore present a risk of falls. Asbestos cement sheet is a fragile material, and cannot be relied uponto support the weight of a person. Over 50% of deaths in the construction industry are a result of falls, inparticular from roofs and through fragile material such as asbestos cement sheets.

6 . Personal protective equipmentRespiratory protective equipment suitable for working with asbestos should be worn if the control limits areliable to be exceeded. Workers should be provided with disposable overalls if dust is likely to be depositedon their clothes.


APPENDIX 6SAFE OPERATION OF BITUMEN BOILERS

1. Bitumen boilers are widely used in work on flat roofs. Two types of risk need to be controlled:

s fire and explosion risk from storage and use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG);

s contact with hot bitumen.

2. Providing the right equipment, keeping it in good condition, and training workers in basic good practicewill help to reduce accidents to workers and the public.

3. When setting up the boiler, a number of basic safety guidelines should be followed:

s Stand the boiler on a firm level surface which should be non-combustible and capable of carrying theload.

s Set up the gas cylinders at least three metres away from the boiler unless a suitable protective shieldis fitted.

s Do not have more cylinders than needed for that day’s work: additional cylinders should be storedsafely.

s Make sure that hoses are of the correct type, are in good condition, and properly connected.

s Check for leaks before use: soapy water is ideal – never use a naked flame.

s Do not smoke or allow others to smoke.

s Have at least one fire extinguisher close by (9 L foam or 9 kg dry powder).

s Never leave the boiler unattended when lit or hot.

s Protect with suitable barriers where other workers or the public may have access.

s Unless they are safe by location, remove the gas cylinders when the boiler is not in use to preventunauthorised use or interference.

s Keep other combustibles such as paper, packaging, etc. well away.

4. While heating the bitumen:

s Follow the maker’s instructions on lighting up.

s Do not exceed the recommended operating temperature for the particular grade of bitumen used.

s When heating from cold, keep heating rates low until the bitumen is clearly liquid and any water hasbeen driven off.

s Add bitumen carefully – avoid splashing.

s Gas fired bitumen heating boilers should never be used for heating cut-back bitumens.

s These contain solvents which can be easily ignited by such open-flame heating and a rapidlyescalating fire would ensue.


5. Precautions during use:

s Keep water away from hot bitumen.

s Never use a ladle to remove bitumen: use the draw-off tap.

s Wear suitable eye protection, foot protection, and gloves.

s Wear suitable clothing to avoid skin contact from splashes.

s Do not heat the bitumen drums unless they are designed for that purpose.

s Keep the lid on the boiler as much as possible.

s Regularly check the boiler temperature and level.

s Carry bitumen in proper containers, e.g. lidded buckets.

s Have a clear, safe route from the boiler to where the bitumen is used.

s Ensure that lifting equipment used (e.g. pulleys, blocks ropes, etc.) is suitable and in good conditionbefore and after each job

6. After use:

s Turn off the gas at the cylinders;

s Prevent build-up of bitumen on the outside of the boiler by regular removal of drips and splashes.Excessive spillages should be dealt with promptly

7. At all times:

s Make sure the boiler does not overheat or run low.

s Turn the gas off before leaving the boiler unattended, even for a short time.

s Never apply direct heat to pipes or valves, or to the outside of the boiler.

s Turn off the burner before towing the boiler on a lorry or trailer.

s Follow general advice on safe storage and use of LPG Code of Practice for the storage of LPGCylinders and Cartridges, I.S. 3213: 1987, as amended by Amendment No.1: 1990, dated 20September 1990 and by Amendment No. 2: 1993, dated 22 September, 1993, which is published bythe National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

s Comply with the Dangerous Substances (storage of liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations 1990 (S.I.No. 201 of 1990).

7. Workers and supervisors should be trained in first aid procedures for bitumen burns. This should beconfirmed by written instructions clearly available on site. Further information is given in a UK industryCode of Practice for the safe operation of propane fired bitumen boilers. {Containers attached to mobile gas-fired equipment Code of Practice No. 10 LPG Association 1998}.


APPENDIX 7INSPECTION OF ENERGY-ABSORBING LANYARDS MADE FROM WEBBING OR ROPE1. An energy-absorbing lanyard (hereafter referred to as a lanyard) is a line for connecting a full body harness

to an anchorage point with an in-built device that reduces the impact of a fall.

2. There is a wide range of possible causes of degradation of manmade fibres used in webbing and rope lanyards(including abuse, general wear and tear, edge/surface damage, ultraviolet light, dirt, grit, chemicals).

3. IS EN 365:1994 “Personal protective equipment against falls from a height. General requirements forinstructions for use and for marking” (under revision) gives general requirements for periodic inspection,instructions for use, and marking of PPE against falls from a height. To counter the causes of degradationdescribed in paragraph 2, the standard states that components should be examined “at least twelvemonthly”. This is sometimes taken to be “annually”, although manufacturers of textile products usuallyrecommend inspection more frequently than this.

4. Research by the HSE’s Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) involving manmade fibre webbing and ropelanyards has confirmed the range of causes of degradation and highlighted that there is no well definedboundary (e.g. usable life) separating those lanyards which are safe and those which are not. Thereforelanyards need to be subject to an effective inspection regime to maintain their safety for use as protectionagainst falls. The paragraphs below give recommendations for the frequency and type of inspection whichmay be needed.

5. Duty holders should establish a regime for the inspection of lanyards which should include: the lanyards tobe inspected; the frequency and type of inspection (pre-use checks, detailed inspection and whereappropriate interim inspection); who will carry out the inspections; action to be taken on finding defectivelanyards; training of users and competent persons to carry out the inspections. Duty holders should alsoconsult manufacturer’s instructions.

6. It is essential that the person carrying out any inspection is sufficiently independent and impartial to allowobjective decisions to be made, and has appropriate and genuine authority to discard defective lanyards.This does not mean that competent persons must necessarily be employed from an external company,although many manufacturers and/or suppliers offer inspection services and training in the inspection oftheir products.

7. Duty holders may wish to provide additional lanyards to use as replacements in the event that defectivelanyards have to be taken out of use.

8. Special consideration may need to be given to lanyards which are on hire, to ensure that they are subject todetailed inspections (and interim inspections if appropriate) within the period specified in the regime.Hirers should be informed of any use or damage which may affect the safety of the equipment (e.g. use withchemicals).

9. Lanyards should be subject to:

(a) pre-use checks;

(b) detailed inspections; and

(c) (as appropriate) interim inspections; to identify defects or damage affecting safety.


9.1 Pre use checksPre-use checks should be carried out each time before the lanyard is used. These checks are essential andmay be best done by the person who will use the equipment. The person doing the checks must becompetent to do them.

Checks should be tactile and visual. The whole lanyard should be subject to the check, by passing itslowly through the hands (e.g. to detect softening or hardening of fibres, ingress of contaminants). Avisual check should be undertaken in good light and will normally take a few minutes.

9.2 Detai led inspectionsThese are more formal in-depth inspections, which are carried out periodically at minimum intervals

specified in the duty holder’s inspection regime. The inspection regime should be drawn up by acompetent person. Detailed inspections should be recorded. It is recommended that there is a detailedinspection at least every six months. For frequently used lanyards, it is suggested that this is increased toat least every three months, particularly when used in arduous environments (e.g. demolition, steelerection, scaffolding, steel skeletal masts/towers with edges and protrusions).

9.3 Inter im inspectionsThese are in-depth inspections and may be appropriate in addition to pre-use checks and detailedinspections. Interim inspections are those which are required to be carried out between detailedinspections because the duty holder’s risk assessment has identified risks that could result in significantdeterioration affecting the safety of the lanyard before the next due date of the detailed inspection.Whether interim inspection needs to be carried out will depend on use, as will the frequency of anyinterim inspections necessary. Examples of situations where interim inspections may be appropriateinclude risks from transient arduous working environments involving paints, chemicals, or grit blastingoperations; or acidic or alkaline environments if the type of fabric the lanyard is made from cannot bedetermined (some fabrics offer low resistance to acids or alkalis). Interim inspections should be recorded.

9.4 Examples of defects and damageThe following defects and damage have the potential to result in the degradation and/or weakening ofthe lanyard:

s a knot in the lanyard, other than those intended by the manufacturer;

s surface abrasion across the face of the webbing and at the webbing loops, particularly if localised;

s abrasion at the edges, particularly if localised;

s cuts to the webbing, rope or stitching, particularly at the edges (e.g. where the lanyard may havebeen choke hitched around steel work);

s chemical attack can result in local weakening and softening – often indicated by flaking of thesurface. There may also be a change to the colour of the fibres;

s heat or friction damage indicated by fibres with a glazed appearance which may feel harder thansurrounding fibres;

s damaged or deformed fittings (e.g. karabiners, screwlink connectors, scaffold hooks);

s UV-degradation which is difficult to identify, particularly visually, but there may be some loss ofcolour (if dyed) and a powdery surface;

s partially deployed energy absorber (e.g. short pull-out of tear webbing);

s contamination (e.g. with dirt, grit, sand, etc.) which may result in internal or external abrasion.


9.5 Other factorsAny lanyard that has been used to arrest a fall should never be re-used. It should be withdrawn fromservice immediately and destroyed. All lanyards should be indelibly and permanently marked (IS EN365: 1994 or BS EN 365:1993). They should be uniquely identifiable so that they can be easilyassociated with their respective inspection documentation.

10. Action by Duty holdersLanyards should be withdrawn from use and passed to a competent person for a detailed inspection to decidewhether they should continue to be used or destroyed if:

(a) there is no evidence that a lanyard has been inspected by a competent person within the last six months;

(b) identification is not evident;

(c) a lanyard is still in use and marked to the old British Standard, BS 1397: 1979 “Specification forindustrial safety belts, harnesses and safety lanyards” (i.e. pre CE-marking);

(d) after a pre-use check or interim inspection, a lanyard is thought to be defective, or if there is any doubtabout its safety.


References and further reading 1. Guidelines to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 481 of

2001), (Health and Safety Authority).

2. Code of Practice For Access And Working Scaffolds, (Health and Safety Authority).

3. Guidelines for Clients Involved in Construction Projects, (Health and Safety Authority).

4. Guidelines on Preparing Your Safety Statement and Carrying Out Risk Assessments, (Health and SafetyAuthority).

5. Guidelines on Working with Materials Containing Asbestos Cement, (Health and Safety Authority).

6. Guide to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work(General Application) Regulations, 1993, (Health and Safety Authority).

7. Build in Safety, (Health and Safety Authority).

8. Stay Safe on Site, (Health and Safety Authority).

9. Guidelines on Safety Consultation and Safety Representatives, (Health and Safety Authority).

10. Handle With Care – Safe Manual Handling, (Health and Safety Authority).

11. A Short Guide to Health and Safety Law, (Health and Safety Authority).

12. Code of Practice for the Safety, Health And Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001 (S.I.No. 619 of 2001), (Health and Safety Authority).

13. Fire Safety in Construction Work HSG 168, (HSE Books, 1997, ISBN 0 7176 1332 1), (Health and SafetyExecutive – HSE).

14. Code of Practice “Safe Use of Cranes in the Construction Industry (Part 1)”, (National Standards Authorityof Ireland).

15. Safe Use of Work Equipment - Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, L22, (HSE Books,1998, ISBN 0 7176 1626 6), (Health and Safety Executive – HSE)

16. Work in Windy Conditions, National Federation of Roofing Contractors Publications Ltd, 24 WeymouthStreet, London WIN 4LX.

17. Electrical Safety on Construction Sites, Hsg141, (HSE Books, 1995, ISBN 0 7176 1000 4), (Health andSafety Executive – HSE)

18. Protecting the Public – Your Next Move, Hsg151 (HSE Books, 1997, ISBN 0 7176 1148 5), (Health andSafety Executive – HSE),

19. Code of Practice for Slating and Tiling. Part I Design BS 5534: Part 1 1997.


20. Trussed Rafter Association Technical Handbook 1997, Trussed Rafter Association, 41 Bowles Hill,Rowlands Castle, Hampshire PO9 6BP.

21. Keep Your Top On, Indg147(Rev), (HSE Books, 1998), (Health and Safety Executive – HSE).

22. Safety Nets. Part 1 Safety Requirements Test Method EN 1263: Part 1 1997.

23. Safety Nets. Part 2 Safety Requirements For Erection Of Safety Nets EN 1263: Part 2 1998.

24. Code of Practice for use of Safety Nets, Containment Nets And Sheets On Constructional Works BS 8093:1991.

25. Guidelines on the use of Rope Access Methods For Industrial Purposes, (Industrial Rope Access TradeAssociation, 1997, ISBN 0 9523227 14).

26. Code of Practice for the storage of LPG Cylinders and Cartridges I.S. 3213: 1987 as amended byAmendment No.1 : 1990, dated 20 September 1990 and by Amendment No. 2 : 1993, dated 22 September1993.

27. Containers Attached to Mobile Gas-Fired Equipment, Code of Practice No. 10 (LPG Association, 1998).

The future availability and accuracy of the references listed in this publication cannot be guaranteed.


CODE OF PRACTICEFOR SAFETY IN ROOFWORK

HEALTH AND SAFETY AUTHORITYHEADQUARTERS

10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2

Tel. 1890 289 389Callers outside

Republic of Ireland

00353-1-6147000Fax. (01) 614 7020

website: www.hsa.ie

Achieving

Working Life-Together

and

a

HealthySafe

1-84496-029-3