The Dangers of Working On Roofs
FACT: Working on a roof can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions including ladder inspections and risk assessments.
Falls from height account for the majority of workplace fatalities and serious injury in construction than anything else. In all falls from height where death occurs, roofers account for 24% of all fatalities.
Planning Roof Work
When working on a roof ensure to inspect your equipment for damages and make sure you carry out a risk assessment to identify then eliminate the risks. You should also consider edge protection or fall mitigation where possible.
Portable ladders are sometimes the easiest and most efficient way to access a roof and are used in a wide range of industries including construction and maintenance.
British Standards to be Introduced on Roof Ladders
Until now there has been no British or European standard regarding roof ladders, however, The Ladder Association will be supported by the HSE as well as ladder user groups to lead the development of a British Standard for portable roof ladders early this year.
The Work at Height Regulations of 2005 determines when it is not possible to keep a constant hold on a roof ladder, special measures must be taken. An increased number of people have had to take special measures when using roof ladders and this has pointed out potential weaknesses in current designs.
Our Operations Director and Vice-Chair of the Ladder Association Training Committee Gill Robinson had the following to say about the new developments “'As one of the questions most commonly asked in the Safe Use of Ladder Training course is why are there no standards on roof ladders, this development can only help to improve safe working at height'
Further Help & Advice
We will continue to update you on this new standard as more information is released. In the meantime if you would like to chat about these new standards or if you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch; you can either call us on 01204 590 232 or drop us an e-mail.
If you’re looking for any new equipment or accessories to help you when working on roofs, here is three products that you might be interested in:
Universal Aluminium Roof Hook Kit
The Universal Roof Hook Kit is an inexpensive piece of equipment that turns an extension ladder into a rood ladder in a matter of seconds! It fits any single or extension aluminium ladder and comes with all the fittings required for instant use.
Lyte 2 Section Roof Ladder
If you are on the lookout for a new roof ladder the Lyte roof ladder may be just what you’re looking for. Manufactured in the UK from high-grade aluminium it ensures strength and stability on every use whilst still being lightweight.
Roof Ladder Link Clamps
These Link Clamps allow you to clamp a leaning ladder to a roof ladder which stops them from sliding apart when you are transferring from one to another, which reduces the risk of a fall.