Work carried out on building roofs
Work carried out at height involves a significant risk of falling from such heights. In the case of roof work, this risk is exacerbated, as falls from a considerable height are involved.
Before working on a roof, the Head of the Work Centre, Developer, Project Management, Contractor, etc., must request and collaborate in the completion of a real study of the roof and, based on this, provide the appropriate information and means of protection to those involved, in compliance with current legislation.
Health and safety plans must take into account the following safety measures relating to
State of the Roof
It is necessary to ascertain whether it is resistant, without any damaged areas, etc.
If this is not the case, measures must be taken such as: installing walkways for traffic, reinforcing the work area, installing a vertical net underneath it, etc.
Existence of Access with Fixed Staircase (interior or exterior)
This must comply with legislation, have handrails, etc. If these are not available at the workplace, adequate access (scaffolding-type ladder) must be provided. Therefore, its installation, use, certification and inspections (where applicable) must be included in the PSS/DGP/EVE.
Collective Protections
If the roof does not have edge protection, collective or permanent protection must be installed. The latter can be used after completion of the work, for maintenance work, etc. Collective protection must be approved (nets, railings, etc.). The procedure for installing and maintaining this protection must also be detailed.
On roofs where solar panels do not cover the entire surface, only the perimeter of the work area can be protected, with safe access to it, signage, etc., informing workers that they must remain in this area and that access to other areas of the roof is prohibited, etc.
If the roof has skylights, translucent panels, openings, etc., collective protection measures (metal grilles, nets, signage, etc.) must be included.
Personal Fall Protection System
This option shall be used in addition to collective protection measures when these have not been able to completely eliminate the risk of falling from height (breakage, translucent components).
Roof Pitch
If the roof has a slope of around 30º or is very slippery (due to ice, characteristics of the roofing material, etc.), the contractor will assess the feasibility of carrying out the work using rope access and positioning techniques (vertical work), provided that these techniques can be used safely.
Material Storage Area
The area where the material will be stored on the roof must be determined and indicated, as well as how it will be received from there, always eliminating the risk of falling from a height and taking into account the maximum permissible load. The weight on the roof (of workers, equipment, materials, etc.) will be calculated to prevent it from breaking, depending on its resistance.
Signage
The placement of safety signage must be indicated in the Health and Safety Plan (HSP), DGP/EVE.
Facilities
The existence of towers or power lines, installations, etc. on or near the roof must be taken into account, and the necessary safety measures must be included in the PSS, DGP, and EVE.
Coordination of Business Activities
CAE measures will also be included when there is overlap with other activities at the centre. Organisational measures will be taken to prevent interference, and safety measures will be implemented to avoid risks to third parties.
Weather
Measures to be implemented in certain weather conditions such as ice, snow, rain, wind or excessive heat.
Emergencies
Actions in case of emergencies, evacuation and, in particular, a rescue method shall be available in case a worker falls from the roof—over the edge or through it—and is left suspended by the harness.
Presence of the Preventive Resource
Appointed by the contractor for the project.
Other Procedures
Access control procedure, documentation of companies and workers to be reviewed by the contractor before authorising access to the site. It is important to provide information to workers (including the PSS), issue PPE (checked), provide training (adequate and sufficient), medical fitness and authorisation to use work equipment.
El VII Convenio de Construcción y los Trabajos en Cubierta
- To prevent falls during repair and maintenance work on roofs, antennas, lightning rods, installations, etc., the necessary protective measures shall be put in place in each case, such as: ladders and walkways for safe access between different areas of the roof, technical corridors (walkways), perimeter parapets, anchored or counterweighted edge protection systems, collective protection systems to prevent falls through fragile elements (skylights, roof windows), fall arrest systems, etc.
- The fall of workers at different levels shall be protected by means of collective protection measures suitable for work on roofs.
- Additionally, whenever necessary, these measures shall be supplemented with appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Measures shall be implemented to protect workers, not only while they are on deck, but also when accessing it.
- In the case of fragile roofs, prior to the start of work, workers must be informed of the fragile areas of the roof before accessing it. Likewise, work and transit areas must be set up in such a way as to guarantee the overall strength of the structure.
In addition to current legislation, the contents of the INSST Technical Guide ‘WORK ON ROOFS: THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO GET DOWN ALIVE’ will be presented.
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
