The aim of this METHOD STATEMENTS FOR ROOF ACCESS & ROOF WORK is to explain the details regarding the roof access, MEP, and installation work activities.
Introduction
Carrying out MEP or any installation Working on roofs is always a high-risk activity. Approximately more than 50% of fatal and critical falls are from roofs and generally involve fragile materials. Remember to note that any fall from a roof will surely result in a serious fatal injury and the risks are severe however long or short the duration of work.
To overcome and minimize such fatal injuries and consequences, High health and safety standards are very important for roof access/work and the nature of the precautions needed must be evaluated for each task/job. This method statement sets out responsibilities, accountabilities, and precautions and provides integral particular guidance for good practice relevant to all roof access/work.
Scope
This methodology for the Roof Access & Roof Work applies to all roof access/work on project/facility premises.
Purpose
The Objective and Aim of this procedural guidance are to ensure:
- Roof access/work is avoided where applicable;
- When working on any fragile type roof is unavoidable, all hazards are considered and sufficient safe systems of work are in operation that will actively reduce and minimize the risk of injury to all persons involved;
- Compliance with relevant legislative requirements;
- The best practice is adopted.
Definitions
Fragile roofs
A fragile roof does not safely/securely support and bear the weight of an MEP technician and any load they may carry.
The fragility of a roof does not depend entirely on the composition of the structure.
The following factors are also important:
A. The thickness of the fragile roof material.
B. Space between supports.
C. Sheet profile.
D. Type, number, position, and quality of fixings.
E. Design of the supporting structure (e.g., the purlins).
F. Age of the material within the roof structure.
G. The whole roof may be fragile or only part of it, for example, roof lights.
H. The roof structure may be temporarily fragile for example during build-up operations.
Short duration work
Short duration work is calculated and measured in minutes rather than hours. It includes work such as replacement of a few ceilings tile, makings little adjustments to equipment, devices, inspections, and access to other areas. Carrying out Work on a roof is still fatal dangerous even if it remains for a short time and proper health and safety measures are essential.
Sloping Roofs
A sloping roof is defined and explained as a roof with a pitch of greater than 10º.
Flat Roof
A flat roof is termed a roof with a pitch of less than 10º.
Safe systems of work
A safe system of work (SSOW) is a methodology of accomplishing a task that eliminates identified hazards and provides controls for those risks. Good work planning can necessarily minimize the risks involved in roof access and a safe system of work (SSOW) manages the controlled completion of the work, with low risk for the workforce involved.
The hierarchy for control for work at height is as follows:
- If possible, avoid working at height.
- To prevent falls from working at height; use proper work equipment and techniques.
- Where the risk and possibility of falling cannot be eliminated, use equipment and other measures to minimize the distance/heights and consequences of any fall.
- All work at height activities must be appropriately planned and organized.
- Make sure that no work at height is conducted if it is safe and reasonably practicable to do it other than at height;
- Make sure that the work at height is properly well planned and organized, under competent supervision, and carried out as safely as is reasonably practicable.
- Make sure that emergencies and rescue procedures are available and ell planned.
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| METHOD STATEMENTS FOR ROOF ACCESS & ROOF WORK |
To download the complete editable file for this method statement, click on the link given at the end of this post.
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